For some reason, automakers have fallen in love with a new bodystyle, the sport hatchback. Just having a hatchback version of a sedan isn't enough for automakers, and obviously, there's no one who wants a station wagon these days.
Companies are instead altering the design of their midsize cars to make them look sportier while adding the utility of a hatchback. BMW did it with the 5 Series Gran Turismo, Acura did it with the ZDX and Audi came out with the A5 Sportback. Audi is adding a high-powered version, the S5 Sportback, which boosts power to 333 horsepower and gets to 62 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds. Audi says preliminary testing shows the combined mileage to be 24.5 mpg, as well. That's better than a V-6-equipped Toyota Camry. The supercharged engine is also found in the new S4, S5 cabriolet and the A6 sedan.
It's not a leap to say the A5 Sportback is the best looking of this new crop. Overall, the S5's added body cladding, 18-inch wheels and spiffy brake calipers make it more aggressive in terms of styling without crossing into the awkward looks of the BMW and Acura.
While both BMW and Acura are planning to sell their ungainly hatches in the U.S., Audi is keeping its babies in Europe for now. |
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