ALL-NEW AUDI A5 AND S5

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Audi A5s are all about style, both inside and out – as the just launched new-generation A5 two-door coupe proves. Even better news is that prices have been cut by as much as $15,000 when compared equipment-to-equipment with superseded models.

Though the body is all-new it carries some cues from the superseded one, which is no bad thing. It’s as sleek as ever, but now has a sharper, edgier look that ties in neatly with the new A4 range and, to a lesser extent, the just launched Q2.

If you are in engineering or design and have a few minutes to spare pop down to your local Audi dealer and have a look at the area where the bonnet meets the front guards. Can’t see a joins? Trust us, they’re there, but smart design makes them all but invisible. Further enhancing the ultra-smooth look of the power-bulged bonnet and the lines outboard of the bulge.

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Another external feature we really like is the ‘third’ brake light extending almost the full width of the roof of the car.

Inside, there’s the usual immaculate attention to detail and style seen in all Audi models. The central 8.3-inch screen controls the Audi MMI system. It has navigation plus; Audi connect, LTE data transmission, and wi-fi hotspot. Apple and Android smartphones connect into the display.

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Audi ‘phone box’ with inductive charging is a $455 option; as is a $1950 Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound, 19 speakers and 755 Watts of power

In a smart move Audi is importing every model with the ‘virtual cockpit’. This gives the driver a choice between which instruments or readouts they want to focus on. This has been a very popular extra cost option where offered on others in the Audi range. It’s now included in the price of the A5 and S5.

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Power comes from significantly improved versions of the now superseded turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI unit comes in two versions, one produces up to 140 kW and 320 Nm, the other 185 kW and 370 Nm. The only turbo-diesel offered in Australia is a 2.0 four-cylinder with 140k W and 400 Nm. The 3.0-litre V6 in the Audi S5 has 260 kW and 500 Nm.

Automatic transmissions are a seven-speed double-clutch in the A5 and eight-speed torque converter in the S5.

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DRIVING
Though the interior has been slightly enlarged it’s still marginal for space if four adults are being carried. It falls into a class we call a 3+1. That is, if the two adults on the passenger side compromise they can both have good legroom, but if the driver is tall it’s best a short person sits behind them. This is not a criticism as these are sporty coupes, not sedans.

Audi Australia chose the scenic roads of Tasmania, seeing them as ideal places to showcase the A5 and S5 in both front-drive and quattro format. We found the A5 petrol and diesel models to be quiet, smooth and refined and ideal grand tourers. Road bumps and dips were absorbed nicely and the cars were never knocked off line.

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Handling is impressive, with even the non-sports models having grip levels well over those likely to be attempted by everyday drivers. The electronic aids did intervene a few times when we pushed the cars towards their limits, but torque vectoring directed the car onto the ideal path again.

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Steering feel, never the strongest feature in Audis, isn’t particularly good in the new A5. It’s too light and there’s little feedback. Mind you, the car was sensing the feedback and doing things itself. Perhaps this could be seen as a form of autonomous driving?

The ride of the S5 wasn’t quite as subtle as that of the A5 – which is exactly the way it should be. Tyre grip levels were even higher but steering feel, though better than in the A5, still wasn’t to our keen-driver tastes.

Audi A5 and S5 in two-door coupe format are now on sale at Audi dealers Australia wide. A convertible and five-door Sportback will be introduced later on, dates yet to be announced.

The complete new Audi A5 and S5 range is:
A5 2.0 TFSI S tronic two-door coupe: $69,900
A5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic two-door coupe: $73,900
A5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic two-door coupe: $81,500
S5 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic two-door coupe: $105,800
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for driveaway prices.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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