Second-Gen Audi A5 Sportback unveiled

Audi has revealed its second-generation A5 Sportback. The new car will make its official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show next month. It shares various design elements with the new A5 Coupe that was launched earlier this year.

The biggest change on the A5 Sportback is the car's packaging. Being a Sportback, it gets a 5-door coupe layout. The wheelbase has been lengthened, while the front and rear overhangs are now shorter. In comparison to the first-gen model, the new A5 Sportback features a flatter and wider, three-dimensional, single frame front grille. The hood has been given multiple character lines.

As compared to the previous model, the new A5 Sportback is claimed to be more spacious, thanks to increased dimensions. The dashboard is similar to the one offered with the new two-door coupe. The top-end models will come with an 8.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports navigation, a DVD drive, and 10 GB of flash storage. It also gets a Bang & Olufsen Sound System that offers a 3D sound experience. Another important characteristic of the interiors is the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which replaces conventional analog dials with a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT monitor.

The Audi A5 Sportback will be offered with two petrol and three diesel engine options. The engine outputs range from 188 BHP to 282 BHP. Three transmission options are on offer: a Six-speed manual, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and an eight-speed tiptronic unit. The German automaker claims to have reduced fuel consumption of the new A5 Sportback by 22% while enhancing power output by 17%.

The updated car also gets a top-end high-performance version - the Audi S5 Sportback. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that develops 349 BHP. Offered with an eight speed tiptronic gearbox as standard, it also gets Audi's Quattro AWD system. Audi claims that the S5 Sportback can do a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds, before hitting its electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h.

The new Audi A5 Sportback was being tested in India since the last couple of months, though there is no news yet about Audi India bringing it to the domestic market.