Model tested: Audi A5 2.0 TDI 6-spd manual S Line
Price: £32,765
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Ten Point Test rating: 86%

Most new cars have divisive looks but everyone loves the Audi A5's. So its designers hit a home run, but did the engineers?

1. Looks: 10/10
Those rear haunches look like they were inspired by an American muscle car. Its coke-bottle side profile oozes power and speed but once it arrives, the A5 is discreet.

2. Looks inside: 9/10
Beautifully trimmed inside, you sit low down with all major controls close to hand. The MMI user interface is particularly easy to use.

3. Practicality: 8/10
Although the A5 can seat four, rear legroom is tight and the low roofline restrict comfort for taller back seat passengers. More impressive is the boot, with 455 litres of luggage space - or 829 litres with the rear seats folded.

4. Ride and Handling 8/10
The A5 is quick and comfortable, but not as sporting as its looks suggest. Front-wheel drive provides safe and efficient handling, while refinement is excellent at motorway speeds.

5. Performance 8/10
There are three petrol and three diesel engines offering 0-62mph in 5.9 - 8.8 seconds and top speeds of 140 - 155mph (electronically limited). The 2.0TDi is the most sensible as it's plenty quick enough, but frugal too.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
The 2.0TDI is amazingly efficient. The 55.4mpg potential feels too good to be true in a car which looks this good. Its emissions of 134g/km means it qualifies for 18% Benefit in Kind tax (BIK) and very cheap road tax.

7. Reliability 8/10
Audi has an impressive reputation for the quality of its engineering, so even though this is a relatively new model, any big issues would be a surprise.

8. Safety 9/10
Sit in the A5 and you feel safe thanks to its meaty build quality and tough looks. This feeling is backed up with six airbags, ABS and stability control as standard.

9. Equipment 8/10
All A5s have 17-inch alloy wheels, single CD player, aux-in socket, climate control, trip computer, electric front windows, electric parking brake, intelligent key, chrome interior trim, auto-opening boot lid, electric and heated door mirrors and cloth seats as standard.

Posher editions get automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, multi-function steering wheel, colour trip computer, three-zone climate control, front armrest and milano leather upholstery.

10. X-Factor 10/10
The Audi A5 is a stunning grand tourer, which covers miles with ease and doesn't sacrifice economy for performance. The 3-litre TDI stands out with its blend of performance and economy, while the 2-litre TDI is particularly frugal for a sports coupe.