• Reasonable running costs
• Not cheap to service
• Holds onto value well

How much does it cost to run?

Audi A5 Sportback running costs are reasonable overall – helped by good fuel economy on all models (even the 265hp 3.2-litre manages an acceptable 30mpg in real-world driving). Audi servicing and parts aren’t especially cheap, but no more expensive than the likes of BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

The Sportback runs on a variable servicing schedule so can go up 19,000 miles between services, depending on how the car is driven. It will hold its value well too, in particular the diesel Quattro models.

Audi A5 Sportback emissions are impressive for a car of its dimensions. All versions feature engine recuperation technology, but the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI manual models go one further with an engine start-stop system. This cuts the engine in stationary traffic and automatically restarts it again when required. As a result the 2.0 TDI manual emits an impressively low 137g/km of CO2 while returning 54mpg.

The 2.0 TFSI with 180hp is also efficient and averages 44mpg with emissions of 152g/km of CO2.

Reliability

• Strong reputation for build quality
• Many parts used and proven elsewhere
• Only two recalls

There are some known issues with Audi A5 Sportback reliability, which we covered in the overview section. Audi has a superb reputation for build quality. The A5 Sportback uses engines and other components that have been well proven in other Audi and Volkswagen models so problems are very rare.

That said, a search of the DVLA’s recalls website shows a couple of issues that affected the A5, detailed below.

Reduction in braking performance

On affected vehicles, engine oil may, in isolated instances, enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie. This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.

Fuel may leak (3.0-litre TFSI)

Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak.