Audi S5 TDI sportback test

 

Audi S5 TDI sportback test

While many carmakers are shrinking their diesel model ranges following the Dieselgate scandal, and resulting downturn of sales, it’s pleasing, for once, to see a manufacturer that is expanding their diesel offering instead. Over the past 12 months, Audi has launched diesel versions of its S4, S5, S6, and S7 models, displacing petrol power. It’s a bold move,

but with a thumping great 342bhp 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, buyers of Audi’s S models won’t be disappointed, especially when they experience that 516lb ft burst of torque for the first time. And when they realize that they won’t be quite so well acquainted with the staff at the local filling station, it’s a bonus.

Audi’s S models are legendary, and it’s the first time that a diesel engine has been installed under the bonnet of one of their car range. Yes, the SQ5 has had diesel power for years, and that was joined by SQ7 and SQ8 models a couple of years ago, but Audi’s S range of saloons, Sportback, estates, and coupés have always been petrol-powered, up until now. And what an engine it is, fitted

with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and an electrically powered compressor that is designed to fill in the gaps in power and torque, delivering lag-less performance. And it works like a dream, with acceleration to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed that is limited to 155mph. Quattro four-wheel-drive has a purpose, to make sure that all of those 342 horses make contact with the tarmac. But those expecting a ballsy racer are going to be disappointed, however, as Audi has given the S5 a level of polish that means that it feels quite restrained. Sure, if you plant your right foot in the bulkhead, you’ll be transported along the road at a vast rate of knots, but it’s done so in a very demure, grown-up way.

The steering is well-weighted and accurate, while body control is tidy and neatly contained. There’s decent agility through the bends and grip levels from the Quattro system are the most excellent, inspiring confidence in the wet. The engine is a distant soundtrack in most circumstances and only comes alive when you’re giving the right-hand pedal a workout. And while tire and road noise is higher than we would like, wind flutter is neatly dialed out. The suspension does a great job of delivering a sporting flavor to the occupants, with a firm, but yielding ride, and generally makes a good fist of shrugging off imperfections. Whereas in previous incarnations of the S models you’ll wince over every bump, in this car it’s sportily firm, but cushioned, too.

in hot temperatures. The driving position is low slung, yet the vision all around is pretty good, aside from the rear window, which is quite limited and a kind of half-moon shape. But parking sensors are provided front and back, and so this takes the pain out of reversing in tight spaces. 

Despite the swooping roofline, the headroom both front and back is pretty good, though the rear knee room is decidedly tight. Rear seat passengers will hope that the driver isn’t particularly tall and doesn’t have the chair positioned in the furthermost position. The combination of Quattro four-wheel-drive and the battery pack for the 48-volt mild hybrid system contrives to reduce boot space to 430 liters, down 35 liters from the front-wheel-drive versions, though space can be extended thanks to a 40/20/40 split rear seat. Both the door pockets and glovebox are of a decent size, there’s a pair of cupholders, a lidded area, and a small shelf in front of the gear lever to store oddments.

FACT & FIGURES

On sale | Now In showrooms | Now

Prices | £52,950 to £65,550

Bodystyles | 5-door Hatchback

Engines | 3.0 V6 turbo diesel automatic

(342bhp)

Trim levels | S5, Edition 1, Vorsprung

Also, consider | BMW 435d xDrive M

Sport, C 300 d AMG Line Edition

Model tested | S5 TDI Sportback Quattro

Price | £52,950

Built-in | Ingolstadt, Germany

Codename | 8W6 Platform | MLB

Bodystyle | 5-door hatchback, 5-seats

Layout | Four-wheel-drive

Powerplant | 2,967cc, V6, 24-valve,

turbo diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid

technology and electric compressor

Transmission | 7-speed twin-clutch

automatic

Stop-start | Yes SCR | Yes

Max power | 342bhp @ 3,850rpm

Max torque | 516lb ft @ 2,500-3,100rpm

Top speed | 155mph 0-62mph | 4.9secs

CO2 emissions (WLTP) |

183g/km (Euro-6d Temp)

Economy (WLTP combined) |

39.8-40.4mpg

Fuel tank size | 58 liters

Range | 516 miles Insurance group | 45

BIK rate (2020/2021 tax year) 37%

Size (length/width with mirrors) |

4,757/2,029mm

Boot space (min/max) | 430/1,300 litres

Kerb/max towing weight | 1,805/1,900kg

Euro NCAP crash rating |(A4 tested)

Warranty | 3 years/60,000 miles

Verdict | We love that Audi has given

diesel power to its S range, but it’s more

of a long-distance mile muncher than

a street racer. It looks sensational, however.

DieselCar rating|■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■8/10

source: https://www.dieselcar.com/