Over the past few years, the VW Group has endured some of the worst times in the company's collective history.

Every time you see one of their cars, Dieselgate invariably comes to mind. They have spent the last five or so years in recovery mode, reigning in their commitment to compression ignition and shifting their focus to the development of several new models, while updating others.

One of those models that received a big update was the A5 from its subsidiary Audi. Specifically, it received a new, bold design that really sets it apart from the crowd. The simple, yet striking design has already won over many fans, including us.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Gearheads Should Drive The Audi RS3 Sedan

10 5-Star Safety

Audi A5 Sportback
via: Audi USA

For most buyers looking to buy a car like this, one of the priorities is usually safety, and if it isn't, it certainly should be.

Audi A5 Sportback
via Audi

At this end of the price bracket, you would come to expect nothing but the best, and in this regard the Audi delivers. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and the A4 which shares this platform received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating too.

9 Sleek Styling

Audi-A5_Sportback-Grey Side
Via: NetCarShow

Although the car shares a platform with the A4, it certainly doesn’t look too much like it. The A5 has a sleek, sporty design as opposed to the fairly traditional 3-box sedan design of the A4.

Audi 100 Coupe S From 1975 In Dark Green
via Deadclutch Database

It is a design that can trace its roots back to the '70s when the “fastback” was popular. The modern version makes the car significantly more appealing than the regular A4 sedan.

Related: 10 Cars That Drastically Changed Car Safety

8 Alternative Nature

Final Audi a5
via Audi 

The bold design is simultaneously its biggest asset, and something of a hindrance. Although there is no denying its alternative appeal, it has an obvious issue.

audi a5 sportback 6
via audi

Rear headroom is pretty minimal, although that won’t fuss too many small families who only cart around their kids in the back seats. It might however be a big problem for those who plan to seat adults at the back.

7 Updated TFSI

2018 Audi A4 engine
Via: Youtube

Early TFSI engines actually got more negative publicity than any engine ever made by VAG. It was pretty disastrous for them, with several failure points, including cam chain tensioners that would simply disintegrate. It was the price they had to pay for innovation.

Audi-A5_Sportback_S_line_competition
via Audi

Several recalls later, we now have what we have been led to believe is a serviceable engine. The latest version is one of the most efficient 2.0-liter turbo engines on the market, making a solid 200 horsepower and delivering 29 MPG in the base model.

Related: These Were The Most Embarrassing Vehicle Recalls Of The 2000s

6 All-Wheel Drive With Ultra Technology

audi a5 sportback feature
Via: Audi

Quattro doesn’t even appear in the nomenclature these days, but it is certainly still there, at least in spirit, as the modern all-wheel drive system is completely different.

Audi a5
Via Audi

The latest “ultra technology” improves efficiency, both mechanically and in terms of fuel usage, by disengaging the all-wheel drive under normal driving conditions and re-engaging as soon as it recognizes that you need more grip.

5 Competitive Pricing

Audi-A5_Sportback-Angled
Via: Audi Media

Although competitive, we need to acknowledge the fact that if you don’t mind being part of the herd, there are better alternatives.

Audi-A5_Sportback-Rear Grey
Via: NetCarShow

This is something a little different, and for fans of the brand, this offers a host of features and fun driving dynamics all wrapped up in a very efficient package.

Related: 8 Reasons Why The Mk8 Golf R Is Perfect For Driving Enthusiasts

4 S-Line

audi-a5-s5-sr66-sportback-widebody-8-scaled
Audi

Not to be confused with the rather different S5 (above), the A5 S-Line offers a very attractive all-round package that blends performance and practicality.

audi a5 sportback 15
via audi

It is effectively the same TFSI engine, just in a very different state of tune, making 261 horsepower. It gets to 60 mph a full second faster at 5.4 seconds. However, there will be some trade off in terms of fuel efficiency and price, but for those after a little more get up and go, this is a great option.

3 Virtual Cockpit

AudiA5Sportback Virtual Cockpit
Via: Audi Media

Technology is a huge selling point these days and Audi won’t leave you disappointed. Their infotainment is already one of the best in the business, but now, they have added an optional Virtual Cockpit.

Audi A5
Via Audi 

Essentially just a digital gauge cluster, but it is well-thought-out and brings everything closer to the driver and within your field of vision.

Related: Why Tesla's Infotainment System Design Is A Continuous Recall-Causing Problem

2 Practical Side

AudiA5Sportback Trunk
Via: Audi Media

As much as it is easy to level criticism at the low roofline and limited space at the back, the car offers incredible storage with that big hatch.

AudiA5Sportback Rear Pass Through
Via: Audi Media

The fact that it is actually a hatch makes it very practical and can carry more luggage than any of its peers, which has to be appealing to the average family.

1 A Hotter Hatch

audi a5 sportback 19
via audi

For us this is a genuine hot hatch disguised as a luxury sedan. It offers great styling, excellent road manners, and decent performance.

audi a5 sportback 20
via audi

Just comparing in-house models, the more focussed Golf R has the same 0-60 mph time as the base model Audi (the S-Line will trounce it). It also has far less space, but the same base price.