Audi RS5 Sportback (2019)

[Blackfire]

 

 

 

Quattro – Audi's Neckarsulm-based performance division – recently expanded its RS portfolio in South Africa with the addition of the RS5 Sportback and the RS4 Avant. We got behind the wheel of the latter to find out whether you should consider it over its coupe and station wagon siblings. Does it offer the best of both variants? 

Fast Facts

• Price: R1 312 000 (April 2019, without options)
• Engine: 2.9-litre V6 turbopetrol
• Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: 9.1 L/100 km (claimed)
• Power/Torque: 331 kW/600 Nm

 

Until recently, the RS5 coupe was the only RS version of the B9 generation-A4 sedan and station wagon (as well as their A5 coupe, cabriolet and Sportback derivatives, for that matter) in the South African market. The RS5 coupe isn't a bad offering whatsoever, but given that Audi's rivals BMW and Mercedes-AMG offer sedan, coupe and convertible versions of their executive-class performance cars, it was well and truly outnumbered. Audi South Africa has now introduced the RS4 Avant and RS5 Sportback, which share a powertrain and various other components with the coupe.

National new vehicle sales figures suggest the station wagon has limited appeal (despite its iconic moniker, but Audi holds firm that it won't build a sedan version), so perhaps the RS5 Sportback is a good compromise. Like the coupe, it packs a meaty biturbo 2.9-litre V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive, but all of that is paired with a stylish body (replete with an extra pair of doors and a practical hatchback).

Fans of the Audi RS brand will fondly remember the peach of a naturally-aspirated (4.2-litre) V8 engine in the previous RS4 and RS5 (although, interestingly, this is the 1st RS5 Sportback). Not only did it sound glorious, but it delivered sledgehammer performance. When news broke that the V8 "had lost 2 cylinders and gained a pair of turbos", purists were upset, but Audi did it in the quest for improved driveability/flexible performance and better efficiency. The 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 matches the outgoing mill in terms of peak power output (331 kW), but comfortably trounces the V8 in terms of maximum torque (600 Nm at 1 900 rpm, compared with 430 Nm at 4 000 rpm). Does 170 Nm make all the difference? You bet!

What happens when you shift the 8-speed transmission into Drive and floor the RS5's accelerator? Instantaneous shove, that's what. By virtue of the bi-turbo setup, there's very little lag and the 'box is mapped to deliver dual-clutch-like gearshifts. The car is responsive and urgent, especially in its most aggressive driving mode (Dynamic). Audi claims a sub-4-second time for the 0-to-100 kph sprint and does feel that fast, despite the lack of a launch-control function, which speaks to the fact that the RS5 Sportback is ostensibly aimed at a more demure clientele than its M and AMG rivals.

Fortunately, you can mimic a "launch control" function by employing some deft footwork... Because the RS5 Sportback is required to transmit 600 Nm to the road, the dual-clutch S Tronic transmission, which Audi tends to favour for many of its performance variants, is not suited to handle all that torque. Therefore, Audi has fitted a conventional 8-speed automatic, but it's sufficiently responsive; the feel through the shift paddles is pleasant. 

At this end of the market, the Audi RS5 Sportback delivers luxury features in abundance. Granted, it doesn't have the latest ultra-modern Audi infotainment system, which we've experienced in the Q3, e-tron and A7, but it's a tried-and-tested setup. Audi's Virtual Cockpit (a trendsetter in terms of digital instrument clusters) is standard and comes with RS5-specific graphics, such as a central rev counter and speedo'. The standard RS seats look gorgeous with their hexagonal patterns and red stitching on black leather. They're also functional, offering excellent lateral support. 

Granted, some toys on our test unit were optionally fitted, but they are worth considering. We're impressed to see that navigation and a high-end Bang & Olufsen audio system are standard, but extras worth looking at are the Audi phone box (it offers wireless charging for mobile devices) and the 3-zone climate control, both are nice to have. Our test unit also came with a head-up display, heated seats, panoramic sunroof, Audi Matrix LED headlamps, as well as the Audi Assistance Package (adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, multifunction cameras and lane keeping system.)