Sometimes, apparently, buyers want the practicality of a saloon but with the panache of a coupe and that’s where cars like the subject of this week’s review, the Audi A5, enter the argument.

It is, effectively, an A4 that’s slipped into something a little more “comfortable”. The end result is a car that can still carry four adults and their luggage with considerable ease but with a tad more sex appeal than a saloon might possess.

The A5 Sportback model driven here as the added advantage of an extra set of doors and a practical hatchback-style boot lid compared to the convertible and “proper” coupe versions too.

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys choice, I have good news for you. Depending on which trim you select, there are four suspension set-ups. Entry-level Sport has the softest springs – Comfort Dynamic – while S Line (the car I’m reviewing) and Black Edition get a firmer set-up which is also available as an option on Sport. Keeping up?

There’s S Sport suspension that’s standard on the currently off-sale S5 which, as you’ve probably guessed, is stiffer still and, finally, there are adaptive dampers that are standard on Vorsprung trim but available as an option on everything else except Sport.

The S Line suspension is, I can tell you, firm and you can certainly feel every lump and bump over rougher roads. It thumps heavily over potholes and sharper-edged imperfections too. In the interests of absolute transparency I should be clear that I’ve yet to try other examples of the A5 but I would suggest that if you enjoy a more compliant ride then you might want to try stepping down to the Sport trim or, if it’s within your budget, opting for the adaptive suspension.

Coupes should be fun to drive, right? Well the A5, despite eschewing the more traditional rear-wheel drive layout of some of its rivals, manages to deliver a well-balanced, confidence-inspiring drive. The steering is accurate, there’s very little lean to speak of in corners and, although it has to be worked fairly hard to extract the best from it, the 40 TFSI petrol engine with its 178bhp has plenty of grunt for pulling away at junctions and overtaking.

Where the A5 does surprise – and not in a good way, sadly – is its relative lack of refinement. The petrol engine can sound a little gruff from inside the cabin and the **in wheels produce a fair amount of road noise too. It does redeem itself a little thanks to the minimal wind noise thanks, in no doubt, to that svelte, slippery shape.

The interior of the A5 is superbly put together. It is also a terrific example of how to declutter the dashboard without burying all of the key functions beneath layers of menus accessible only via the touchscreen.

Sat-nav comes as standard right across the range as does Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which, as you all probably know by now, allows to operate many of your mobile phone’s functions via the touchscreen or, better still, using your voice.

Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – a 12.3in LCD display that replaces the standard array of analogue dials in the instrument binnacle – is a cost option on all but Vorsprung trim. It can show – via the View button on the steering wheel – sat-nav maps and media details as well as other information. It’s good value and a worthwhile investment.

The driving position is good with ample steering wheel and seat adjustment to help you get comfortable. Every model has four-way adjustable lumbar support as standard so you shouldn’t feel the strain on longer journeys.

Visibility out the front and sides is decent but the view out the rear is compromised by the sloping roofline. Fortunately front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard across the range to help with manoeuvring in tight spaces while a rear-view camera is available as an option should you need a little extra help.

Those svelte looks don’t do much for rear passenger space either. Neither head nor leg-room impresses, with the latter impacted significantly if you’ve got a pair of taller passengers sitting in the front.

Sport trim is fitted with xenon headlights, S Line models benefit from more powerful LED units while at the top of the range Vorsprung models get adaptive LED lights that can shape their beam to avoid dazzling drivers on the opposite carriageway.

The boot is a good size, boasting 465 litres with the rear seats in place and bigger (Audi doesn't supply a figure) with them stowed away. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench offer great flexibility and you get a completely flat load bad when you fold them away.

The A5 is a terrific blend of coupe styling and saloon practicality. There are compromises, of course, particularly the rear passenger space and the ride isn’t as smooth and drama-free as some might wish but the quality of craftmanship in the cabin is about as good as it gets, the TFSI 40 engine is smooth, powerful and efficient – although it could be a little more refined – and the hatchback boot is a useful size and, just as importantly, shape.

Audi A5 Sportback 40 TFSI S line S tronic

Price: £40,575

As tested: £48,275

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Transmission: 7-speed S tronic

Max power: 190PS

Max torque: 320Nm @ 1,450 – 4,200rpm

Max speed: 150mph

0-62mph: 7.5sec

Fuel consumption (WLTP)

Combined: 39.8mpg

Emissions (WLTP)

Combined: 161g/km

For more information visit www.audi.co.uk

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