What's the news?
The second generation of Audi's popular A5 and S5 Sportback will get its public debut at the Paris Motor Show this month. Audi says that the slinky new four-door fastback coupe "blends elegant, emotional design with high functionality and abundant interior comfort."
Needless to say, it's based on the newly-launched A5 coupe which is itself based on the A4 saloon, so once again this is a four-door coupe version of a two-door coupe version of a four-door saloon. Confusing that might be, but it hasn't stopped Audi buyers turning the previous generation into a strong seller, so expect more of the same this time around.
Topping the new Sportback range will be the S5 model, which uses a new turbocharged V6 3.0-litre engine developing 354hp and boasting a 4.7 seconds 0-100km/h time. Needless to say, it gets quattro four-wheel drive as standard.
There is only one other petrol engine available in the Sportback at the moment, and that's the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder unit with 170hp which can actually run on petrol, natural gas or Audi's own low-carbon e-gas.
Diesel will be more popular in Ireland, doubtless, and there are three engine options available - a 2.0-litre TDI in either single turbo (190hp) or twin turbo (240hp) forms and a V6 3.0 TDI diesel with 286hp. Audi isn't quoting any specific Co2 figures just yet but expect them to be competitive. In spite of being slightly bigger than before, the Sportback is around 15kg lighter, model-for-model.
Inside, the Sportback is roomier than before, with a claimed 24mm of extra rear legroom, and a very decent 480-litre boot. The 12.3-inch TFT 'virtual cockpit' instrument display can be paired with an optional heads-up display, and there is optional ambient cabin lighting with up to 30 different colours.
There's a central 8.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which comes with the full online Audi Connect portfolio of services and up to three years' free internet connection.
On the tech front, there's an updated adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system, which can take over the driving in heavy traffic at speeds of up to 65km/h.
Sales will start in the first quarter of next year with Irish prices likely to kick off at around the €50,000 mark.