Ingolstadt, Germany - The new Audi A5 Sportback is rolling into European showrooms after celebrating its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, complementing the coupe and convertible as the third member of the A5 model range. Featuring nifty technology including a brake energy recuperation system, the car also sets a new design trend. The Sportback has four frameless doors with slender window lines and long-flowing rear. It is some 36 millimetres lower than the A4 with short front overhang and long wheelbase.
The luggage compartment has a volume of 480 litres, increasing to 980 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Audi is initially offering three petrol and three TDI direct injection models with three more engines to follow next year. The petrol power units are in the range 132 kW/180 hp for the 2-litre TFSI to the 3.2-litre V6 with 195 kW/265 hp.
The 2.0 TDI produces 125 kW/170 hp with a fuel consumption listed at 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. It is fitted with a start-stop system to further improve fuel economy in city traffic. The two most powerful petrol and diesel engines are optionally available with a newly developed sport differential that variably distributes power between the rear wheels.
Prices in Germany start at 33,650 euros (47,459 dollars). A further specially-priced model is planned for 2010, according to Audi.
