What's all this then?

This is the new Audi A5 Sportback, the second generation of the popular four-door fastback 'coupe' that will make its official debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

As with the previous A5 Sportback, this one is based on the two-door coupe, which is, in turn, based on the Audi A4 saloon. The Sportback is a little more practical than before, with an extra 24mm of rear legroom and a 480-litre boot, but it's still leaning heavily on the 'slinky and sexy' button.

What's under the bonnet?

Up front, there's a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. The 2.0-litre TFSI 170hp petrol option probably won't be a wildly popular choice, but it can run on petrol, natural gas or Audi's own e-Gas concoction for extra environmental friendliness - depending on market of course.

The other petrol engine is a bit more exciting - it's the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 reserved for the S5 model, producing 354hp, which is hot enough to push the S5 Sportback to 62mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds.

The diesel options are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine with either 190hp or 240hp depending on whether you go for single or double turbos, while there's also a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 286hp. Performance for all models should be decent, not least because the Sportback is around 15kg lighter than it used to be.

And inside?

Inside, you get the Audi Virtual Cockpit with its 12.3-inch TFT screen for the main instruments, plus a central 8.3-inch screen for the infotainment system, which comes with a full set of Audi Connect online features. Audi even gives buyers a complimentary internet connection for the first three years.

There's also a clever new Active Cruise Control system that features a stop&go function for driving in heavy traffic. As long as the road lines are clearly marked, the Sportback can take over the driving for you in stop-start congestion at speeds of up to 40mph.

When can I get hold of one?

Sales of the new A5 and S5 Sportback will start in the Spring.

Neil Briscoe - 7 Sep 2016