Audi A5 S Line

The Audi A5 in S Line trim is the mid-range model, providing you with plenty of standard equipment – so much so that very few features on the options list remain unticked. Brand image also remains on point with the S Line model, as it shows that the sporting pedigree from Audi's S and RS models has can trickle down the model line-up with ease.

You can tell the difference between the S Line trim and other models in the range thanks to a subtle bodykit and distinct alloy wheel designs. The lowered ride height only helps to separate the sporty trim from the rest of the range, too.

Given the S Line's sporting intentions, its suspension set-up may not appeal to everyone. Designed to ensure top-notch handling, these firmer springs keep the A5 from leaning too much in corners. It'll surely entertain on a country road, but may annoy drivers who simply want to make progress in comfort and with little fuss.

The S Line is available as either a two-door coupe or five-door Sportback model, with a wide range of engine choices from a 1.8-litre TFSI petrol to a 3.0-litre TDI diesel. However, the lack of a super-efficient Ultra model in this trim may be a little off-putting if you're looking for a company car.

Good points

Engine choice is vast, and the option of either coupe or a five-door Sportback models, plus Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system means you should easily be able the find the perfect A5 for you.In S Line trim, the A5 is a very attractive car. The addition of that restrained bodykit adds a dab of extra style, and the huge number of S Line badges dotted inside and out will be a constant reminder that you're driving an upmarket Audi.

Bad points

The S Line's standard sports suspension can become irritating on long drives – it helps the A5 to perform better on a quick country-road blast, but on a motorway or in town, it makes small potholes feel like craters.Particularly in the coupe, rear-seat passengers will feel quite cramped. Granted, the low roofline makes it fairly obvious that this will be the case, but there really is only room back there for a couple of children. Adults, particularly tall ones, won't have nearly enough space to be comfortable.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Electric folding wing mirrors
• Alarm
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Sports suspension
• Sports seats
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Convenience Package

Our choice

The 2.0-litre TDI diesel is the best engine option with the S Line trim. The 174bhp on tap is enough to propel the car from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, while the 61mpg fuel economy figure and CO2 emissions of 120g/km mean it has the best overall running costs in the range.