Audi A5 Sportback makes official entry into Malaysia
The Audi A5 Sportback has seen a decent number of takers amongst Malaysian motorists over the past couple of years, although none of them were actually official units brought in by Euromobil. Up until recently, the A5 family’s sole representative in Malaysia has been the Coupe model, with demands for the five-door Sportback satisfied solely by grey importers.
A facelifted A5 Sportback was recently introduced worldwide, and the healthy demand for the model on our roads must certainly have presented Euromobil with a decent business case to order a few units over from Audi AG. A statement was issued today by Euromobil announcing the immediate availability of the A5 Sportback, which is being offered to Malaysians in a sole 2.0 TFSI quattro variant.
Priced at RM359,900 on-the-road without insurance, the A5 Sportback comes standard with Audi’s S line package for a sportier and more dynamic appearance. Exclusive grille and bumper treatment adorn the fascia, with 18-inch alloy wheels sitting at the four corners. Typical of modern Audis, LEDs are arranged in signature fashion to create unmistakable (and often imitated) daytime running light and tail light formations. Inside, the S line package brings about Milano leather upholstery with sports seat and a multi-function 3-spoke steering.
Interior amenities of the A5 Sportback include triple-zone climate control, and Audi symphony radio with 6-CD changer and SD card reader. Sound is broadcast through a standard 14-speaker 1,400W B&O Advanced Sound System. Buyers can additionally specify an optional MMI navigation plus unit which adds Bluetooth integration, onboard Internet, and Google Earth navigation.
The familiar 2.0-litre EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant once again sees action in the A5 Sportback’s engine room, sitting in a north-south orientation. Sending power to all-fours via the 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission, the engine pumps out 225hp and 350Nm, a notable increase from the 211hp/350Nm state of tune received by the current 2.0 variants of the A4 and A5 Coupe.
Driving characteristics of the A5 Sportback can be adjusted using the Audi drive select system, which offers four settings – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Efficiency – each varying their respective steering assist levels, throttle response, transmission mapping, and suspension damping. Units fitted with the optional MMI navigation plus system get a fifth personally customizable ‘Individual’ setting.
Audi’s brief for the A5 Sportback is to fit a five-door configuration into a shape just as dynamic as the A5 Coupe and at the same time offer comparable interior space to the A4 saloon. Its wheelbase stretches to 2,810mm from the Coupe’s 2,751mm, which frees up extra room not only for its five passengers, but for cargo as well – the rear hatch swallows 480 litres with a total of 1,283 litres possible with the split rear seats folded down.
Driver assist systems in the A5 Sportback include fatigue detection, ultrasonic parking sensors, and kerb view, which is the passenger side mirror’s self-tilting feature when reverse gear is engaged. Night illumination of the A5 Sportback is enhanced by adaptive xenon-plus headlights that swivel based on steering inputs to provide better lighting of corners.
Offered with a choice of five colours, the A5 Sportback is available for test drives at selected Audi showrooms.
Pictures: Official Audi release.
