It’s the Audi that’s aiming to add a dash of style and practicality to the firm’s fight with BMW’s 3-Series... Say hello to the all-new A5 Sportback.

Unveiled as a concept at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, the newcomer blends the style of a coupe with the practicality of saloon and estate models – and goes on sale in six months time priced from £27,000.

Keeping the sleek design and upmarket cabin of the original A5, the Sportback is 10cm longer and 2cm higher than its coupe companion. The car also offers 480 litres of boot space, only ten less than the A4 Avant.

Under the bonnet there are three petrol and three diesel engines to choose from, including a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 211hp and a 3.2-litre V6 with 265hp. Both offer impressive performance, and will get you from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, a 2.0 TDI kicks off the diesel range, offering 170hp and 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, a 2.7 TDI follows with 190hp and acceleration to 62mph in 8.2 seconds while the most powerful of the diesels, the 3.0 TDI puts out 240hp and sees the Sportback from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.

Quattro four-wheel drive is offered on flagship models while less powerful 2.0-litre TFSI models will all be driven by the front wheels

Audi A5 Sportback