RPMGO.com (former Auto Unleashed)

Posted: 16 Jul 2009 10:16 AM PDT

After about a month ago Audi has released teaser photos and a few details on the Audi A5 Sportback and after the car was scooped in the University of California campus, today the car was officially unveiled by the German car maker. According to Audi, the third member of the A5 family (after the Coupe and the Cabrio), the A5 Sportback combines the sporty look of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.

Though we really dig the car, we can’t help wondering if Audi isn’t making a mistake with this model. I mean, the A4 was already a big car, very close to the A6, so we have the feeling the Ingolstadt car maker has three models (A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan and now the A5 Sportback) addressing to the same target. We sure hope they know what they’re doing.

Under the hood, the Audi A5 Sportback will initially be available with six engines (three gasoline and three diesels), with three more engines scheduled for 2010. The gasoline units include the 2.0-liter TFSI delivering 180 kW (132 kW) or 211 hp (155 kW) and the 3.2-liter V6 with a 265 hp (195 kW) output. Diesel choices include the 2.0 TDI which delivers 170 hp (125 kW) and achieves a fuel consumption of 5.2 liters/100 km (45 US mpg), a 190 hp (140 kW) 2.7-liter TDI and the 3.0 TDI unit which produces 240 hp (176 kW). All engines are highly-efficient direct injection models (complying Euro 5 emissions standard) and, beside that, all models are equipped with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration and stores it temporarily in the battery.

Models powered by the petrol units and by the 3.0 TDI will benefit from Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, while the two most powerful engines are optionally available with a newly developed sport differential, which variably distributes power between the rear wheels. But customers wanting to order the 2.0 and the 2.7 diesels shouldn’t be envious, because these two models will come with Audi’s new ESP stabilization program with electronic front differential lock, increasing agility and preventing understeer.

The first Audi A5 Sportback will be delivered in September, with orders being already accepted at a starting price of 33,650 Euros ($47,500) in Germany. Audi also mentioned that a specially-priced model will be available next year, which will make the A5 Sportback the entry-level model in the A5 range.

Full Photo Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback