Interior Space for Four Adults

This new model is the production version of the "Sportback Concept" unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Its concept is to combine the elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan, and the practicality of an Avant all in one vehicle. The platform is based on the same one used for the A4 and A5.

In terms of size, its overall height is 36mm lower than the A4 sedan, and the front and rear overhangs are also shorter than the A4's. Despite this, the adoption of a long wheelbase of 2810mm provides an interior space where four adults can comfortably sit, with ample headroom and legroom in the rear seats.

Opening the large rear tailgate reveals a luggage compartment of approximately 480 liters, similar to the A4 Avant. Folding down the rear seats expands this capacity to 980 liters.

Two Gasoline and Three Diesel Engines

All engines are direct-injection. The gasoline options include two types: a 2.0-liter inline-4 "TFSI" (211ps, 35.7kgm) and a 3.2-liter V6 (265ps). The diesel options consist of three types: a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo diesel "TDI" (170ps), a 2.7-liter TDI (190ps), and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI (240ps). All of these comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Audi's traditional quattro all-wheel drive system is employed for the gasoline engines.

Sales are set to begin in September, with prices in Germany starting at 36,050 euros (approximately 4.87 million yen). However, a relatively more affordable entry-level model is planned for addition next year.

Currently, only the rear of the "A5 Sportback" has been revealed through photos and illustrations, but the process of its design creation can be viewed on video-sharing sites. Furthermore, the full reveal of the "A5 Sportback" will take place at Audi's 100th-anniversary ceremony on July 16th.


BRAND HISTORY
Audi's emblem is the "Four Rings." As you may know, each ring represents one of the automotive manufacturers: Audi, DKW (Dampf-Kraft-Wagen), Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were pioneers of the German automotive industry at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the four companies, hit by the global economic crisis after World War I, formed Auto Union in 1932 to survive. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, following Germany's defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union ceased to exist. Anticipating this, a new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a difficult start without existing factories, but gradually gained strength through the production of vehicles like the DKW delivery van.

Auto Union, acquired by Volkswagen at the end of 1964, soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU (known for its development of the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union. From 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Audi's popularity is driven by its technology, including quattro, dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes.