When is an Audi A5 not an A5? Well, when it's also an A4. As you probably know, in a bid to make everything clearer, Audi has slightly muddied the waters instead.

It now reserves even numbers for its fully electric cars, and uneven for the more traditional petrol and diesel models.

Years ago, lost in the mists of time, I named the A5 my Car of the Year in this column, because I loved the fastback looks that seemed so much more modern and streamlined than the slightly boring middle manager's company car saloon looks of the A4.

As the two become one - oh, well, there goes me humming the Spice Girls all afternoon - what is pretty clear is that A5 DNA is far more prominent than that of the A4.

For starters, you get that massive tailgate that rises high in the air to allow easy access to the cargo space. As someone who loved that same feature in my Saab 900 for 30 years, it always will be my favourite. No bending the knees, no stooping, just everything close to hand when you need it, with simple folding rear seats that open up a massive 1,271 litres of storage space.

So far, so good. The A5 is a long car at almost 5m, and what that means is a lot of legroom for rear passengers, and heated seats front and rear. Even a six-footer could enjoy a decent level of comfort here, and with two USB-C charge points in the back, as well as two up front and a charge pad too, everyone can stay fully powered up on their journeys.

That said, though billed as a five-seater, this really is better suited to four because of the restrictions placed on feet position for the middle user by the transmission tunnel.

But here's the thing. Those heated seats were on my test car, but they are optional extras and, as we know with Audi, extras have a habit of mounting up. The basic price of the car is €64,195, not a small amount but probably manageable for many. They're part of the Tech Pro pack that checks in at €12,865.

As well as the seats, it includes digital OLED rear lights with eight signatures, heated steering wheel, and adaptive damper control. Then there's the panoramic sunroof (€3,005), electric seats (€1,095), rear sunshade (€260), anti-theft alarm (€715), Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system (€1,788), MMI Experience Pro (the satnav etc, at €2,117), ambient lighting pro (€1,110), acoustic glazing (€272), park assist plus (€429), enhanced interior elements (€286), Audi app store (€628), and auto dimming interior mirror (€250). Oh, and the Horizon Blue Metallic paint is an extra €1,329.

So, in total, to your €64,195, you can add €26,149 for a total price of €90,344. That is a lot of dosh. Would I pay for everything listed? Probably not, but that's the ballpark in which you are playing, and obviously it is a personal choice.

I did like the grey leather upholstery (at least, it feels like leather - you can't be too sure nowadays with all this 'vegan' leather and the like). The panoramic curved screen for driver information and infotainment is attractive, and you can still even adjust the temperature with flick switches. There are two cupholders on the centre console, and a small storage box, with deep door pockets for the likes of bigger 1.5-litre water or mineral bottles.

The biggest attraction, though, is the ride and handling. The car's rigidity has been enhanced, and it feels rock solid no matter what you throw it at. The seven-speed S-tronic transmission is smooth and responsive, with absolutely no lurch because it is already looking at the next gear, up or down depending on acceleration or braking, and switches seamlessly.

Nor is there any hint of diesel noise unruliness, though that might have something to do with the optional acoustic glass. Slender as a dart, the car generates little in the way of wind noise either.

The 0-100kph sprint is modest enough, but you'll get plenty out of it midrange for motorway overtaking, and the cruise control is welcome, because this will hit a top speed of 240-odd kilometres an hour.

Above all, though, despite the name change, the blended A4/A5 whatever, what is unmistakeable here is the Audi DNA.

High levels of build quality, sleek looks that are elegant rather than showy, and just a general feeling that you are secure and safe.

If there were any worries that A4 devotees would protest the change, I doubt any would persist once they drove it.

Photo: Audi A5 40 TDI S-Line.