TAKE 5 AND RELAX

AUDI has always had a reputation for creating capable, usable and rather understated performance estate cars.

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Sports car-like acceleration figures but enough boot space for the dog. The new S5 is the latest in a very illustrious line.

Audi might be putting a big focus on electrification, but the new S5 shuns operating on just battery power in favour of a petrol with a sprinkling of hybrid technology.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

The previous S4 had played the hokey-cokey with its powertrains, switching between petrol and diesel power through generations.

This new S5, however, sticks with petrol in the form of a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 unit. It's got some mild-hybrid assistance, mind you, so it can drive at very slow speeds on electric-only power before the engine chimes in.

Collectively, you get 362bhp and 550Nm of torque, driven via Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Performance is adequately brisk - zero to 60mph takes just 4.3 seconds and you'll crack on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Economy isn't as bad as you'd think, either, with Audi claiming up to 35.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 179g/km.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?