Audi unveils A5 Sportback – due in Australia early 2010

As predicted last week, Audi have unveiled their A5 Sportback today—the company’s 100th birthday. Australia will see the A5 Sportback on its shores in early 2010 with petrol and diesel powered engines. Final specs will be confirmed by Audi Australia closer to the local launch.

In the meantime, we can go off European specs to get a taster of the new four seater quasi-coupe. A suite of images from Audi can be seen after the jump and if you’d prefer a closer look, simply click on an image to launch a wallpaper friendly 2000px super image.

The swooping C-pillar cuts a nice shape allowing the all important luggage space to expand from 480 to 980 litres when the rear seats are folded down. For extra flexibility there is a two-piece luggage compartment cover as well.

The European launch will begin wth six engines, including the familiar petrol line up of the 2.0 TFSI, in 132kW or 155kW spec and a 195kW 3.2 litre V6. Those chasing diesel power can opt for a 125kW 2.0 TDI, a 140kW 2.7 TDI or a 176kW 3.0 TDI featuring an S tronic transmisison.

All engines meet Euro 5 emission standards and all are equipped with stop-start technology to help reduce fuel consumption.

UPDATE: More pics added below.

Covers Come Off the New Audi A5 Sportback

• A5 Sportback third variant of the A5 range
• Fuel efficient FSI and TDI engines offered
• Luggage capacity up to 980 litres

The latest addition to the Audi A5 range has officially been revealed. The new five-door Sportback now completes the Audi A5 range which includes A5 Coupe and A5 Cabriolet models.

The A5 Sportback has been unveiled to coincide with Audi’s centenary celebrations. Combining the sophistication of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan and versatility of an Avant, the A5 Sportback will arrive in European dealerships from September.

Audi, the creator of the Avant concept, has now forged a new segment with the arrival of the A5 Sportback. The five-door model is defined by its elegant and stylish lines, short front and rear overhangs, long wheelbase and wide track. Four frameless doors complete the dynamic look.

Inside a spacious interior for four features along with a large luggage compartment that increases from 480 to 980 litres with the rear seats folded. The luggage hatch is seamlessly integrated into the long, tapered tail end with flat C pillars; the spoiler lip and diffuser insert provide contrast and emphasize the sporty characteristics of the body contour.

The A5 Sportback will feature highly-efficient direct injection engines – TDI for diesel and FSI for petrol variants – and each complies with the Euro 5 emissions standard.

All models are equipped with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration, storing it temporarily in the battery.

Audi will initially offer three petrol and three diesel TDI engines, with a further three engines to follow next year. The petrol engines – a 2.0-litre TFSI with 132 kW or 155 kW and the 3.2-litre V6 with 195 kW – are all equipped with the Audi valvelift system for variable control of valvelift. The intelligent technology boosts performance while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.

The 2.0 TDI produces 125 kW and consumes on average a frugal 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km. It is coupled with the start-stop system, which further enhances fuel efficiency in city traffic. The 140 kW 2.7-litre TDI offers even more power. The 3.0 TDI, which also features the S tronic transmission, puts out an impressive 176 kW of power.

Like the three petrol engines, the top diesel engine delivers its power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The two most powerful engines are available with the optional sport differential which variably distributes power between the rear wheels and provides even greater dynamics, safety and driving pleasure. The two TDI models with front-wheel drive – the 2.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI – and the 2.0 TFSI (132 kW) benefit from another Audi innovation: The ESP stabilisation program with electronic front differential lock increases agility and prevents understeer.

The perfect complement is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to freely vary the throttle response characteristic, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic, and the boost provided by the servotronic steering system, which comes standard with power outputs of 140 kW and higher. The system is offered as a modular package with at least one of the following three options: sport differential, adaptive shock absorber control or dynamic steering with variable boost.

Note: The Audi A5 Sportback is expected to arrive in Australia from Quarter 1, 2010. Both TDI and FSI engines will be available. Final engine range and pricing is yet to be finalised for Australian customers.

At a glance: The Audi A5 Sportback (International specification)

Engines

• Six engines from 125 kW to 195 kW at launch; three additional engines by the middle of next year
• Direct fuel injection for all engines
• Exceptional performance with exemplary efficiency
• All engines with recuperation system
• 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI with start-stop system

Drivetrain

• Depending on the engine: manual, multitronic or seven-speed S tronic
• quattro all-wheel drive in the top models; sport differential for variable distribution of power to the rear wheels as an option from 176 kW

Chassis

• Balanced axle load distribution, lightweight construction suspension
• 17-inch aluminium wheels standard, with options up to 20 inches
• ESP stabilisation system with new electronic front differential lock standard on front-wheel drive models
• Optional Audi drive select dynamic control system, adaptive shock absorber control, dynamic steering and sport differential available as options

Body

• Sporty, elegant design with flowing lines
• Large luggage compartment with two-piece cover
• 480 to 980 litres of luggage space
• Generously spacious interior with easy entry

Equipment and trim

• Comprehensive and comfortable standard equipment with luxurious options
• State-of-the art assistance systems available as options
• Powerful MMI navigation system