It seems like every other week I find myself penning something about Audi.
That’s not because I’m an Audi fanboy, it’s because the firm has spent the last half decade and more relentlessly expanding and renewing its range.
Say hello to the latest models: the A5 Coupe and Sportback.
Although they were only unveiled at the Paris Motor Show a few weeks ago they’re already available to order and customers should have keys in their hands by February at the latest.
The Audi A5 and S5 can be had in Coupe and Sportback versions in one of three trim levels – entry-level S, SE and top-spec S line.
They offer a host of technological improvements and revised looks from £30,700.
That’s for the Coupe model. Want the extra size and practicality of the five-door Sportback and you’ll need to shell out £38,000.
That base price is a whopping £7,305 more than the cheapest A5 Coupe, but is because pricing for entry level SE versions of the four-door have yet to be announced – there will be a cheaper option along shortly.
For now, that gets you a 187bhp 2.0 TDI diesel in quattro Sport trim which spec-for-spec is exactly the same price as the Coupe.
Sport versions of the A5 Sportback can use the same 2.0 litre diesel engine as the SE, or a 248bhp 2.0 litre petrol engine.
From launch the SE trim version of the new A5 Sportback will come with a 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI ultra diesel engine. This can be hooked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed S tronic automatic.
Official fuel economy is 70.6mpg and emissions 105g/km.
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All models come with xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control and Audi’s Smartphone interface which supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
SE cars offer 17-inch alloys, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control and, in the case of the Sportback, a power-operated tailgate.
Sport adds LED interior lighting, electrically adjustable leather sports seats with four-way lumbar support, SD card-based navigation and three months of Audi Connect for free.
S line gets bigger 18-inch alloys, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights and front sports seats in leather and Alcantara.
The Sportback now has a hatchback rather than a saloon boot opening, which should make it a much more practical proposition.
At the top of the range are S5 and S5 Sportback, which both share the same £47,000 start price.
They have a V6 petrol engine with 354bhp – making for a 4.7 second 0-62mph time and (electronically limited) 155mph top speed.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk