By Ian Strachan.
Almost every car I’ve tested over the last couple of years or so has been full electric, plug-in hybrid or a self-charging hybrid. So in a strange way, testing Audi’s unashamedly diesel-powered A5 Avant was a refreshing change.
Audi has been launching electric and hybrid vehicles at a giddying rate, so I was determined to enjoy this four cylinder 204PS diesel while I still can.
Not that there is any need to feel guilty. Although it has a top speed of 149 mph where allowed, and will take you from 0-60 mph in around 7.5 seconds, this Audi still has good environmental credentials. It’s a mild hybrid with a battery to store braking energy and help fuel efficiency. The A5 can return more than 53 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, which is the same as some cars half its size.
CO2 emissions are a fairly respectable 138 g/km and it has a range of close to 600 miles on a full tank of fuel – something electric car owners can only dream about.
In design terms, the A5 Avant is a real smoothie. Smooth good looks, smooth ride and handling and smooth power delivery. It’s also big – longer and wider than many of its competitors with an impressively large loadspace.
I drove the diesel-powered two-litre TDI MHEV version, with a smooth, fuel injection engine, married to an ultra smooth seven speed S-tronic automatic gearbox. It gives excellent sporty performance when you want it, and a smooth and sedate ride on long journeys.
Ride and handling are both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed. The sensible suspension set-up means confident handling and superb grip in all weathers.
Inside, the A5 Avant is roomy particularly in the back. Controls are well laid out and clear, with an 11.9 inch display screen which shows audio and satellite navigation settings. This package includes a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D surround sound, mobile phone connectivity and wireless charging.
In addition, there is a 10.9 inch touchscreen for the front passenger, which allows the passenger to adjust audio and navigation settings without distracting the driver. A great idea that should be every car.
Comfortable front sports seats are covered in soft embossed leather and are electrically adjustable.
Loadspace, at 448 litres, is as impressive as the interior of this roomy car, with a low loading sill and little wheel arch intrusion. It’s plenty wide enough for a set of golf clubs, and with the split seats folded forward the carrying space is a cavernous 1396 litres.
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, head-up display, automatic light and wiper activation, keyless ignition, three-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear outer seats, heated multi-function steering wheel, powered tailgate and electrically operated and heated door mirrors.
Safety features include lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, top view camera, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor and front emergency brake assist.
The A5 Avant TDI 204PS Launch Edition comes at £58,895 on the road.
This is an excellent, high performance car that oozes practicality as well as style and will look good on any drive.
