Audi A5 Sportback: driven - What's it like to drive?

Given the Sportback's family tree, it's reasonable to think that it will drive like an A4, an expectation fuelled when you study the engine line-up. The initial range comprises 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel, 208bhp 2.0-litre petrol, 237bhp 3.0 V6 diesel and 261bhp 3.2 V6 petrol engines.

Most have a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, but the 2.0 diesel gets a six-speed manual 'box and an engine stop-start system to peg CO2 emissions at 137g/km in an effort to entice fleet users.

There are standard and stiffened S line suspension options, and front- and four-wheel-drive (quattro) versions. Front-drive cars pioneer a new electronic limited-slip differential introduced with the aim of improving the car's athleticism and stability, while quattros offer you a battery of electronic traction and cornering aids.

Most of what's on offer has already been seen in other Audis, so it comes as no surprise to find that the engines pull strongly without having to be revved hard, the gears swap smoothly and precisely, and refinement is impressive: even the frameless side windows don't interrupt your peace unless you're zipping along particularly quickly.

What does come as a bit of an awakener is the chassis. We're used to having to make allowances for the firm ride in many Audis, but the Sportback calls for a different sort of understanding. With the standard suspension set-up it's all wallowy and soft, so that the car needs to be dragged forcibly into bends.

S line tightens everything up and offers greater encouragement to the enthusiastic driver, but then it's none too soothing where there are breaks or changes in the road surface. Something in-between is what's needed.