Test: Audi A5 Sportback g-tron [review and photos]

Review Audi A5 Sportback g-tron 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic

June 17, 2018

Text and photos: Elco van der meer

170 hp strong

on nature and groengas

from 45.695 euro

Now the diesel engine in a downward spiral, turn the Volkswagen Group is in full on transition. Eventually, most of the Volkswagens, Seats and Audi’s electrically-driven, but until that time, the Germans are definitely not silent. CNG, groengas or natural gas in common parlance, is the transitiebrandstof in the advance towards fully electric driving. Is the what, drive away on this alternative fuel? I test the Audi A5 (g-tron to an answer to find.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or natural gas is not a new fuel, but the big breakthrough is never made. Nonetheless, the infrastructure in the Netherlands is reasonably good. In particular, on industrial sites, you can find CNG stations because companies this is a relatively clean-burning gas value. The large CO2 reduction that Audi aims will be achieved only with Audi’s synthetic produced e-gas, which in the Netherlands is not available. Would you fill up, then punch you below the line as about 80 percent less CO2 than on petrol would be the case. Thankfully also in the Netherlands, wider available groengas, produced from organic waste, a considerable CO2 reduction.

The A5, g-tron looks just like any other A5 Sportback. The trained eye can see that the back is slightly higher (11 mm) above the road surface, as more CNG cars will see. The vulnippel for the natural gas system is neatly concealed under the tankklep: invisible until you need it.
On the inside, search for clues which you can deduce that it is a CNG car. In addition to the ‘g-tron’-lettering in the rev counter and the green CNG indicator lamp, there is only one subtle difference. The koelvloeistoftemperatuurmeter is replaced by a CNG-meter, so that you the left and right side of the instrument panel, a fuel level can be read.

Also sitting in the A5 Sportback g-tron is identical to any other A5. As a director to help you find a good driving position because the steering wheel if the seat well adjustable. Rear seat passengers have nor reason to complain, under the sloping roofline remains more headroom than you would expect. The only place where you have to sacrifice for the canister is in the trunk, which is now 390 in place of 480 liters of luggage space offers. At first glance, this loss of space is not even on, because the turned-litres of shelter at regular performances all under the koffervloer. Thanks to the large, roof-opening rear door is the boot still easy to load.

Audi makes well thought-out interiors, and the A5 motorway g-tron is no exception. It is different in terms of operation of a petrol or dieselvariant and has a button to switch between petrol and CNG is missing. The car has a preference for gas and switch only on on gasoline if the CNG is. Tank you get on the gas again, then the Audi by itself.

On the dashboard, is proud of the MMI-screen, via a turn – and drukcontroller to operate. The infotainment system looks sleek and works exactly as you expect. A nice extra is the navigation map that you view satellite imagery of the area shows.

‘You notice there is none of that in the g-tron runs

‘You notice there is none of that in the g-tron runs. That is a compliment, because the powertrain feels like that of z’n benzinebroeders. That you on paper 20 hp return relative to a ‘normal’ 2.0 TFSI you will only in a direct comparison of brands, the remaining 170 hp get still enough momentum in the 1.655 kg heavy g-tron. Compared to the benzinevariant is that 105 kg extra, but also trouble you during the drive to no discomfort.

No, the A5 Sportback g-tron drives pretty much exactly like an Audi if this is expected. He does have a sporty roofline, it is primarily a comfortable and quiet cruiser. The S Tronic automatic transmission (no extra charge) switches extremely quickly and imperceptibly, whilst the light circular steering the car slightly aloof. After a while I notice that it is precisely that little bit of distance this Audi to such a fine car. That the achterveren slightly firmer are carried out in order to cope with the gas tanks you would in a direct comparison may perhaps feel, in daily practice it is negligible.

If there is something that you can tell that this A5 on natural gas are driving? Of course, is that, though it has little to do with the drive itself. It is going to be the stops that you just often have to make. The CNG tanks have a storage of a total of 19 kg, with the testverbruik (1 kg to 15 km) to a range of 285 kg. Then turn the car over to a smaller fuel tank of 25 liters, which you have approximately 350 km to drive. The range seems to be perhaps that of an electric car, however, CNG tanks sit in a few minutes. Also fine: during the refuelling you need the pump nozzle does not agree to hold and also no button to hold down.

You count the range on both fuels at each other, then you’ll get almost as far as with a (gasoline). When you want to take full advantage of the CNG-drive, then you stand a very regular basis at one of the approximately 150 natural gas filling stations in the country.

The Audi A5, the g-tron is with his 45.695 euro is one of the bereikbaarste A5 Sportbacks that you can buy. The 190 horsepower 2.0 TFSI-benzineversie with 190 hp is 1,100 euros more expensive and the 1.4 TFSI with 150 hp is about 3,000 euros cheaper. That difference did you get after about 6,000 miles already recouped, although you will need monthly 50 euro per month more road tax to pay. After approximately 1,200 kilometres ‘ drive, you are also from those costs.

Remarkably enough, the g-tron in the business lease a few tens of euros per month more expensive than the 2.0 TFSI, making it in the diesel territory ends up. The g-tron leads a nomadic existence, because of competitors which you have the same refuelling, he has not.

The Audi A5 Sportback g-tron is as the car was very successful. Oddly enough he is that mainly because you have nothing of his alternative powertrain notes. The g-tron behaves simply as a petrol car until you need petrol: CNG is clearly the cheaper fuel. You should not hate to have to refuel, because to get the best out of your g-tron to get you stand every 300 km at the petrol station.

Actually it’s the only real drawback of the car called: the range on gas. To the car best to use on the way such as Audi, it has you should be that sacrifice. Or the A5 Sportback g-tron is also for you an option? The alternatives analyzed in Excel you will soon enough tell. The car will in any case not lie.

17 June 2018, 12:50 | Views: 240