- Fuel-efficient drivetrains
- Balanced chassis and competent dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Liftback practicality
- Lack of steering feel
- Suspension lacks compliance
- DSG can provide jerky acceleration on take-off
Review: Audi 8TA.I A5 Sportback (2010-11)
Overview
Released in January 2010, the Audi 8TA Series I (8TA.I) A5 Sportback was was initially available as a five-door, four-seat liftback. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi A5 Sportback range initially consisted of the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI variants, both of which were fitted with Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system. Later in 2010, however, the range was expanded with a front-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI variant.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TFSI | 2.0-litre CDNB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 132 kW at 4000-6000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1500-3900 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 7sp DCT | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CCWA turbo-diesel V6 | 6sp auto, 7sp DCT |
176 kW at 4000-4400 rpm | 500 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm |
Body and dimensions
Like the Audi B8 A4 sedan and Audi A5 Coupe counterpart, the A5 Sportback was based on Volkswagen’s B8 platform. Compared to the A5 Coupe , however, the A5 Sportback was 86 mm longer (at 4711 mm), the same width (1854 mm), 9 mm taller (1391 mm) and had a 52 mm longer wheelbase (2810 mm).
Suspension
The Audi A5 Sportback had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro and electronic differential locks
The Audi A5 Sportback’s quattro system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear axle.
Models with the quattro system were also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the Audi A5 Sportback included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.
Features: A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI
Standard features for the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI included 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R17 tyres, a 180 watt sound system with ten speakers, a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, three-zone climate climate control air conditioning, Milano leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with LED driving lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI added 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R17 tyres, front parking sensors and Walnut brown interior trim.
December 2011: Audi A5 Sportback update
In December 2011, the Audi A5 Sportback underwent a minor update as the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system was fitted across the range. Furthermore, all variants other than the 2.0 TFSI (FWD) received a satellite navigation system with seven-inch display, 10GB hard drive for music storage and DVD player.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8TA.I A5 Sportback (January 2010)
- Specifications: Audi 8TA.I A5 Sportback (January 2010)
Review: Audi 8TA.II A5 Sportback (2012-16)
Overview
Released in February 2012, the Audi 8TA Series II (8TA.II) A5 Sportback introduced an expanded range with the addition of the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants. Furthermore, the A5 Sportback 3.2 FSI was effectively replaced by the more powerful 3.0 TFSI, while the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI benefited from power upgrades. To minimise fuel consumption, all 8TA.II A5 Sportback models were fitted with start-stop, brake energy recuperation and electro-mechanical power steering systems. Other changes included revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning and a crown gear centre differential for the quattro system.
Visually, the 8TA.II A5 Sportback could be identified by its redesigned head- and tail-lights, larger front air intakes, sharper bonnet edges and new headlights with LED running lights. Inside, there new materials, a new multi-function steering wheel, white instrument illumination and revised switchgear.
2013: Audi A5 Sportback update
From January 2013, the 8TA.II A5 Sportback was fitted with five seats as standard.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TFSI | 1.8-litre CJEB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 125 kW at 3800 rpm | 320 Nm at 1400-3700 rpm |
| 2.0 TDI | 2.0-litre CGLC turbo-diesel I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 130 kW at 4200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2.0 TDI quattro | 2.0-litre CGLC turbo-diesel I4 | 7sp DCT | 2013-16 | 130 kW at 4200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
2012-13 | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CNDC turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
2013-16 | 165 kW at 4500-6250 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm |
| 3.0 TFSI quattro | 3.0-litre CMUA s/charged petrol V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 200 kW at 4780-6500 rpm | 400 Nm at 2150-4780 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CDUC turbo-diesel V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 180 kW at 4000-4500 rpm | 500 Nm at 1400-3250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 8TA.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi 8TA.II A5 Sportback was unchanged.
Features
Standard features for the Audi 8TA.II A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI included 18-inch alloy wheels, ten speaker stereo with a CD player, MP3-compatiblity, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/memory card) and Bluetooth audio streaming, climate control air conditioning, Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The 2.0 TFSI was further equipped with three-zone climate control air conditioning, a satellite navigation system, DVD player, 10GB hard disk drive for music storage, proximity key and voice recognition. Beyond this, the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI added front parking sensors.
From January 2013, the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI variants featured a memory function for the driver’s seat and door mirrors, with the latter also gaining folding, automatic dipping for reverse and auto-dimming functions.
A5 Sportback Sport Edition: 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants
In August 2013, limited-run 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were released. Compared to the standard 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI, the Sport Editions were further equipped with 19-inch five-segment-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, Audi’s ‘MMI Navigation plus’ system (with 20GB media storage, a DVD player and two SDHC memory card slots), contoured sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were also offered with premium metallic or pearl effect paint finishes as standard.
October 2013: Audi A5 Sportback update
In October 2013, standard features were extended to include three-zone climate control air conditioning, while quattro models were also fitted with a reversing camera (Audi’s ‘parking system plus’).
Furthermore, the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI variants were fitted with Audi’s S-line exterior package which included different front and rear bumpers, side grilles, a diffuser insert, body-coloured side sills and ‘S-line’ logos on the front wings and door sill trims.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T.II A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback (February 2012)
- Specifications: Audi 8TA.II A5 Sportback (February 2012)
- Audi Australia: Audi A5 Sportback
- Wikipedia.org: Audi 8T A5
