Audi RS 5 Sportback

The cabin has been redesigned on the facelift. There’s a new dashboard upfront with the right balance of modern and traditional implements. First up is the three-spoke Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with paddle switches. Behind it sits the Virtual Cockpit Plus which brings up the rev counter, navigation, and other important car information.

On the left side of the dashboard is a rotary control for switching drive modes. On the right, there’s a continuous air vent, A/C controls, and new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Seats are covered in fine Nappa leather with contrasting honeycomb pattern stitching. The bucket-style sport seats at the front are bolstered, power-adjustable, and heated to provide maximum support and comfort for both the driver and passenger. Heating is also a standard for rear seats, which can be folded to increase the cargo space from 617 to 1,300 liters.

The front fascia has a sculpted bonnet and triple air vents along the hood line as a subtle nod to the 1984 Sport Quattro. It also has larger air intakes, sportier Matrix LED headlights, and a new single-frame hexagonal grille with honeycomb slates.

Its side profile is characterized by a continuous shoulder line, a sloping roofline, wider wheel arches, and signal lights located just above the side mirrors. There are two doors on each side, making it easier for rear passengers to board the RS 5 Sportback.

Towards the rear, there’s a prominent bumper, sleeker taillights, and a more aggressively styled diffuser with dual Audi Sport exhaust pipes. Since the Sportback will be sold exclusively in the Sport Edition trim, it has black-tinted windows and 20-inch wheels with anthracite alloy rims.

Audi attempts to imitate the feel of its rear-wheel-drive competitors by sending 60% of the engine’s power to the rear. This helps with the traction, at the expense of a keen front end. The electrically-assisted steering is accurate but prone to understeering due to poor feedback.

You can hear the engine produce satisfying grunts without much intrusion from outside noise. The vehicle remains relatively stable when driving over potholes and bumps at low speeds. Step on the gas and you’ll start to feel the sportback’s heavier weight as it lifts and ducks over crests and dips.

Audi RS 5 Sportback carries a 2.9L six-cylinder twin-turbo V6 engine. It produces 450 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque and can propel the vehicle from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds.

Top speeds are maxed out at 250 kmph though it can be increased to 280 kmph with some modifications. It has a combined fuel efficiency of 10.8 kmpl.

The car is equipped with both basic and advanced safety features. These include six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, a rearview camera.

Audi RS 5 Sportback may not be as fun to drive. But there’s no denying that it’s perfect for everyday use in the city where you can expect it to drive smoothly and with relative comfort.

You do need some driving experience to be able to handle this sportback well. Otherwise, it’s a good option even for families who want to get to places fast and safely.