Audi S5 Sportback adds potentcy

All up there are now 26 various Audi models on Australian roads.  The newest variant is a potent supercharged S5 version of the A5 Sportback quattro.  Not only does it get a supercharged V6 but the versatility of a liftback turns the versatile four-door into road rocket with a roomy rear.

Anyone familiar with the venerable Saab 900 Combi will appreciate the A5 Sportback. However, Saab never had a meaty supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet.

Like the rest of the Sportback range, the S5 gets a coupe-like silhouette and four frameless doors.  LED headlights help it stand out on the road, along with the usual S markings like the alloy exterior mirrors and discrete S5 badging.

The potent 3.0 TFSI engine packs 245kW/440Nm and is mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox.  It will hit 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and has an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.

The V6 consumes 9.4 litres per 100 km and emits 219g/km of CO2.  Not surprisingly, Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen, reckons the S5 Sportback is a great addition to the range.

"It is not only practical enough for daily use, it is also sporty and fun to drive,'' he says.   "We intend to continue to develop our excellent range of products available for the Australian market as we head towards our goal of offering 42 models globally by 2015.''

Hagen says Audi customers are always looking for a benchmark experience "and we intend to fulfil this with emotional, technologically-advanced products''.  The S5 quattro all-wheel drive helps put the power to the ground but drivers can also opt for a sports differential for an even more responsive drive.

Tick the sports differential box for $6900 and you also get adaptive dampers and dynamic steering.  Audi expects the S5 Sportback to account for 10 sales a month.

At $129,300, the meaty hatch has the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5-Series GT in its sights.  Stay tuned for carsGuide's first driving impressions.