Sportback | On the road

Audi A5 Sportback

By Bill McCarthy

Firing up the Audi, (or Quattro in the case of TV detective Gene Hunt in Life on Mars), is with the press of a button these days,

So if not quite firing up the Quattro, when this Audi fired up I had to double check it was a diesel.

Diesels have had a bit of kicking in the last few years, but are still being produced by executive brands like Audi.

Almost entirely lacking in diesel clatter, but delivering in spades when it comes to economy and low CO2 emissions, they are still a serious option, certainly until 2030 when new sales are due to be phased out. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to drive them after 2030, however, so they are still a longer term option.

The A5 has been around a few years now, a smart, coupe-Like design, disguising loads of space and challenging anything on the road for style.

When it looks that good, revisions need to be subtle and the latest incarnation still features the low, almost predatory stance of the car, but now has a honeycomb grille that is wider and flatter, and ventilation slits which reference, says Audi, the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984.

Headlights with LED technology come as standard, with Matrix LED headlights available from S line.

The interior is real premium quality with high-end soft-touch finish, paint black inlays with contrasting brushed aluminium trim and leather seats which feature the S-line ’S’ embossed into the head restraint.

It features the 12.3-inch cockpit-style dash, which is customisable via the multi-function steering wheel to three different views while the centrepiece is the touchscreen, which controls major functions like music, navigation and connectivity via smartphone.

In fact, the steering wheel controls have largely replaced the MMI dial on the central console, operating a number of functions.

Also Audi connect infotainment services deliver numerous web-based features such as up-to-the-minute news, Google Earth mapping and Street View and flight, weather, traffic and fuel pricing information.

It is well equipped, with the S Line version offering 19in alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, privacy glass, and stiffer, lowered suspension.

On the road, the car is a very able performer. The 163PS on tap from the two-litre unit propels the car to 60mph in a very respectable eight seconds, as it slips seamlessly through the seven-speed auto transmission.

The suspension in all A5 models has been tuned with an underlying emphasis on comfort but also an appropriately sporting bias, which delivers a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience, especially on tight, twisting roads. It is pretty frugal as well, with a real-world economy of around 50mpg.

It may look like a coupe, but there is still a generous amount of storage space, with 465 litres available which expands to a pretty cavernous, for the type of car, 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded.

In typical Audi style, it also boasts the latest hi-tech safety kit, from full suite of airbags to stability control, parking sensors, daytime running lights, assisted braking and pre-collision mitigation.

Quiet, powerful and frugal, the diesel is still a player.

Factfile

Audi A5 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic (163PS)

Price: £45,599

Mechanical: 163PS, 1968cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine driving front wheel via 7-speed S tronic auto transmission

Max Speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 8.2 seconds

Combined MPG: 51.4

Insurance Group: TBC

C02 emissions: 144g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

DS7 Crossback

By Bill McCarthy

THERE is no doubt that the DS 7 is a stunning looking car, packed with equipment and offering luxury motoring at a less than luxury price, compared to rivals.

Although the range topper will set you back north of £43,000, for that you get pretty much the lot as well as sumptuous luxury.

But it still offers plenty with the so-called entry model at around £27,000.

That is not to say quality suffers as a result. The DS looks and feels a true executive motor.

There are four trim levels, from Elegance, to Performance Line here, Prestige and Ultra Prestige, with a choice of petrol and diesel power plants of various output.

All brands are vying with each other to offer that latest cutting edge technology and Citroen/DS is no different.

A 12-inch touchscreen with voice recognition controls some of the high tech wizardry which includes connectivity for both Apple and Android, while a digital control screen in the binnacle gives a host of information at the touch of a button.

The DS looks and feels like an executive motor

Other innovations include the high-end safety kit with parking radar and camera and a clever option is the infra-red night vision camera which picks up animals or pedestrians. A full range of airbags are included as are traction and stability control.

It certainly looks good, with sculpted angular styling and this model features gloss black grille and stylish 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and integrated roof rails. The light clusters include LED headlights and running lights, while at the rear are what the firm describes as three dimensional effect LED tail lights and double exhaust.

The interior offers leather seating with suede trim and soft touch Art Black Basalt Nappa finish to dash and door panels.

There is a bank of controls beneath the touch screen and the instrumentation and finish features a classy diamond pattern throughout the interior.

Comfort and convenience is as you would expect without auto lights and wipers, defrosting door mirrors, remote tailgate, two position boot floor, and neat puddle lights. In addition there are the usual electrical creature comforts, cruise control and multi-function steering wheel.

The central console houses a neat auto gear change while a double opening central bin provides extra stowage space where music players can connected and hidden away from prying eyes. All the seats are comfortable and supportive while head and legroom is impressive.

Boot space at 555 litres is excellent, while the rear seats flip and fold at the touch of a toggle to open up a massive stowage space when required.

On the road the 225bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine never fails to impress with its excellent combination of power, economy and low CO2 emissions. It can hit 60mph in under 10 seconds.

Torque is good and it picks up impressively on the motorway. The eight-speed automatic gearbox slips seamlessly through the range.