When we ordered our A5, the 2.7-litre TDI was the entry-level diesel model. But now there’s a 2.0 TDI available.

I had the chance to drive the A5 2.0 TDI recently – and it is the better all-round bet for a fleet than the 2.7. Firstly, a 2.0 TDI Sport with Quattro four-wheel drive and 170bhp costs £29,405 – £2,610 less than the front-wheel drive only 190bhp 2.7 TDI.

The extra traction makes the 2.0 TDI a much better car to live with as it doesn’t struggle to get the power down when accelerating out of a junction.

Emissions are lower, too (156g/km v 167, which means more favourable writing down allowance treatment). 

The 2.0 TDI returns 47.9mpg, compared to 44.1 in our 2.7.
But the biggest saving comes in wholelife costs, with the 2.0 TDI costing 5ppm less than our long-termer. Both lovely cars, but the smaller engine makes much more sense.