Audi A5 Sportback 2017 pictures

With four doors and a hatchback boot, the Audi A5 Sportback is more practical than the Audi A5 Coupe

It can also make a stylish alternative to the Audi A4 saloon, and rivals include the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

A wide range of advanced engines are available, from a 2.0-litre diesel to a 3.0-litre petrol in the rapid S5

The 2.0-litre diesel with 187bhp is the likely best seller, thanks to economy of up to 67mpg

Despite sipping fuel, it can also get from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, which is quick enough for most drivers

The A5 Sportback has sharp lines and modern features including slim headlights with LED technology

Its interior is uncluttered and upmarket, with an optional virtual cockpit replacing analogue gauges

The MMI infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, with sharp graphics 

Drive select allows you to choose between different settings for the steering, engine and suspension

The S line trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and stiff suspension - although this can be swapped for free

The tail-lights feature sweeping LED indicators on top versions

If you often carry passengers, the improved access and rear headroom of the Sportback easily beats the Coupe

The A5 Sportback matches the 4 Series Gran Coupe with an identical 480-litres of boot space

Petrol and diesel engines are both available in 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre guises, with power of up to 349bhp

The A5 has a five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP and features autonomous emergency braking

Mechanically the Audi A5 is virtually identical to the Audi A4 Saloon and Avant estate car. This means it shares the same range of petrol and diesel engines

It's a rival to the BMW 4 Series Grand Coupe, while offering some of the practicality of the 3 Series Grand Tourer

It provides a similar drive to the A4, too – its efficient, precise and accurate without offering a huge amount of driver entertainment

One of the strongest suits of the A5 Sportback is its fantastic interior. Its great to look at and is made from very high quality materials.

Equipment levels are high, but we wish the infotainment screen retracted like it does in the Audi A3 hatchback and Audi Q7 SUV

The DSG automatic gearbox is efficient and responsive, only occasionally hesitating if you accelerate sharply after prolonged braking

Ordering one of the brighter upholstery finishes can really brighten the interior but every shade of leather is equally high in quality and appeal

Rear seat space is reasonable although the sloping roof line does have the effect of limiting headroom – an unfortunate trade-off for those sharp looks.

Boot space exactly matches the 4 Series Grand Coupe at 480 litres but is trumped by the slightly ungainly 3 Series Grand Tourer, at 520 litres

The seats fold flat if you need more space, though there is a bit of a lip to lift heavy or bulky items over

Arguably the five door Sportback is a better looking car than the two-door coupe, with its sweeping roofline and low profile

The 18-inch wheels do lead to a rather firm ride – but once cruising speed is reached progress becomes much smoother and the A5 Sportback is a comfortable car to travel long distances in.