By Otsile Kadiege

In recent times, most modern cars are hard to fault and such is the case with the new Audi Q5 Sportback. After recently having a go at the diesel-powered Q5 Sportback, we stepped up the ladder to the more potent Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI S Line which has a more powerful turbo-petrol engine and comes packed with a lot of niceties.

Coupe-like esque

Our Navarra Blue coated test car Q5 Sportback is easily identifiable with its coupé-like sloping roofline. Exterior highlights include redesigned and animated Matrix LED head and taillights with sequential turn signals. Its sporty character is accentuated by the S line package with optional 20-inch Audi Sport wheels and the Black Styling package. 

Posh interior

Climbing aboard the Audi Q5 Sportback S line, we were greeted by aluminium scuff plates with ‘S’ illuminated logos and a well-appointed, modish interior dominated by soft-touch materials. More interior highlights of the S line interior include comfortable, ‘S’ embossed micro-fibre/leather seats, the Technology package with the intuitive MMI Navigation Plus and the Audi virtual cockpit with crisp graphics. The sound system quality is decent but we would recommend opting for the brilliant Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Despite its coupe-like design, the rear seats of the Q5 Sportback have decent head and legroom for tall passengers. It also has a large 510 litres luggage capacity which grows to 1,480 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

Performance

Powering the 45 TFSI Q5 Sportback S Line is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol making 183kW/370Nm and paired to a 7-speed automatic. Audi claims it will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 237km/h. We were impressed by its sheer performance thanks to a mind-bending acceleration and seamless transition from one gear to the next. Sadly, it isn’t accompanied by a fitting soundtrack. The optional air suspension irons out road imperfections making daily driving the Q5 Sportback much more pleasant. Fuel consumption is a tad high at 9.1l/100km however that’s slightly better than Audi’s claimed 9.7l/100km.

Final verdict

Apart from its hefty price tag of R1,102,900 before adding our test car’s pricey list of optional extras, the Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI S Line is a perfect modern companion for consumers who are eyeing an SUV with a coupe-like flavour.