Which new Audi A5 Sportback is better: diesel or petrol?
Audi recently released the updated version of its A5 range, sporting a new exterior and interior design. Today we examine which powertrain is better within the four-door Sportback range, one of the turbo petrol models or the solitary diesel.
The Audi A5 first made its introduction in 2007 as a coupe, cabriolet and Sportback version of the popular A4 at the time. The first generation was in production until 2016 when it was replaced with the current generation which was recently updated. Today we are focussing on the four-door Sportback range, which currently consists of three models, two petrol and one diesel. The question is, which one is better?
The figures
|
|
Audi A5 Sportback 40 TFSI S line |
Audi A5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line |
Audi S5 Sportback TFSI quattro |
|
Engine |
2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol |
2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel |
3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
135kW/ 320Nm |
140kW/ 400Nm |
260kW/ 500Nm |
|
Transmission Type |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
8-speed automatic |
|
Driven wheels |
Front |
All |
All |
|
0-100km/h(claimed) |
7.3 sec |
7.6 sec |
4.7 sec |
|
Fuel Consumption(claimed) |
6.5 L/100 km |
6.0 L/100 km |
8.8 L/100 km |
|
Price |
R811 000 |
R851 000 |
R1 067 000 |
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Three models, three engines
The current Audi A5 Sportback range consists of three models, one turbo petrol in S line guise, one diesel in S line guise and the S5 performance model. The two S line models are near identical in terms of standard specification while the S5 is slightly more well specified with more performance and cosmetic additions.
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The petrol models
The most attainable A5 Sportback model is the 40 TFSI S line model, which features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a healthy 140 kW and 320 Nm. The 40 TFSI is a front-wheel drive-only model with the power transferred by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Its relatively low kerb weight of 1 550kg allows it to sprint from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100km.
The S5 represents the middle ground for the A5 range, providing more performance than a standard A5, but less than the raucous RS5 model. The S5 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces a healthy 260 kW and 500 Nm, allowing the hefty 1 735kg model to sprint to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds while consuming fuel at a rate of 8.8L/100km.
The diesel
The solitary diesel within the range features the brand's quattro all-wheel drive system along with a torque-laden 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produced 140 kW and 400 Nm. This allows the diesel to sip fuel at a rate of just 6.0L/100km while endowing it with respectable sprinting credentials.
Analysis
As is to be expected, the diesel model is the most efficient within the line-up, however, what is impressive is how close the diesel runs the petrol in terms of acceleration and indeed, how the petrol model has caught up with the diesel in the efficiency stakes. The 40 TFSI petrol model will be the more fun car to drive as it is lighter, is more accelerative and its usable power and torque bands are significantly broader than the 40 TDI model, however, the diesel fights back with more torque and the surety of all-wheel drive.
The diesel is just 0.3 seconds slower to 100km/h than the petrol, however, the TFSI is also just 0.5L/100km heavier on fuel. There is a R40 000 price difference between the petrol and diesel in favour of the petrol while those after more punch can opt for the significantly more potent S5, which will set you back more than R200 000 extra.
Verdict
Having viewed the three Audi A5 Sportback models and subsequently compared the trio, Audi must be commended for offering three models that each offer the consumer something different. The 40 TFSI is the most affordable, the 40 TDI the most efficient and the S5 the most exciting. There can be only one winner in this comparison though and it is the 40TFSI thanks to its combination of a lower list price, respectable performance and impressive efficiency.
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