Audi A5 Review

Audi introduced the A5 coupe back in 2007, larger than the A4 it appealed to those wanting the practicality in terms of size but the looks and sophistication of a sportier car. Now the four seater is into its second generation and the model has been completely transformed. We took to the Cotswolds to drive it on the UK launch to see if it measures up to the outgoing iteration.

There’s a choice of four and six cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the A5, there’s a brisk 2.0-litre TDI quattro diesel engine producing 190PS with 400Nm of torque and is a fraction quicker than the previous variant, while a 2.0-litre TDI ultra also delivers 190PS but with higher fuel economy.

Another diesel offering is the 3.0-litre TDI quattro with either 218PS or 286PS while petrol variants include a 2.0-litre TFSI quattro delivering 252PS and is 0.6 seconds quicker to 62mph than the previous A5, and an entry level 1.4 TFSI with 150PS.

If you’re looking for something a bit quicker then the S5 has all you need, underneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and the turbocharged V6 uses an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to propel it from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds using 354PS, with a 13.5% increase of torque to 550Nm. Slow it isn’t and it has best in class acceleration.

This new version of the Audi A5 is 60kg lighter making it fairly agile and the suspension has been developed to make it a comfortable ride soaking up less than perfect roads. Coming as an option is an adaptive suspension with damper control if you really want it to be inch perfect. And there’s a lowered sport suspension on the top S line trim too. 

Steering is well weighted, reactive and with a Drive Select system offering various modes to adjust the car set up, it’s a lot of fun when dynamic is selected as handling is even more responsive to match any tight, twisty roads you might want to thrash the A5 on but it also makes for a nice, sedate drive if you want to set it in comfort mode.

We must admit when we first clapped eyes on the new A5 there was an instant love for the new design. The sculpted bonnet, large front grille, the sweeping lines and the low roofline bring it up to date for 2016 and ready to continue to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C- Class coupe.

The repositioned door mirrors lessen any wind noise and the engines seem very refined with none of the diesel noisiness at idle and the cabin seems well insulated to tackle this.

The cabin matches the exterior with a sweeping inlay containing air vents and the 3-zone climate control knobs which feature the temperature digitally in the centre of them. It comes with heated, leather sports seats which are electronically adjustable, the only negative is the steering rake isn’t adjustable electronically too. It always seems a bit strange with premium Audi models that they lack this.

There is a 7-inch colour display screen sitting a top of the dash which features navigation, media, car settings and connectivity and this can be operated by the MMI Touch system. With a parking assist system on the car, it displays 360 degree angles of the car with a high clarity on the screen. Smartphones can be connected by a USB in the centre armrest and there is the option of the Audi phone box which comes with wireless charging…so no more cables!

There is the option of the virtual cockpit display, the 12.3-inch LCD high resolution display which replaces the standard instrument panel and an LED interior lighting package.

We often think of coupes as not having a huge amount of room but the A5 has plenty of leg and headroom for passengers and it’s not a struggle for occupants to get in and out of the rear either. The BMW 4 Series coupe holds 445-litres in the boot while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe manages just 400-litres. But the Audi A5 trumps them both with best in class volume at 465-litres thanks to the longer wheelbase. As standard is a power operated tailgate and an electric load area cover and the rear seats are also split-folding.

The entry-level Audi A5 costs from £31,940 while the S5 is £48,850 and if you’re looking for practicality then there is a larger A5 sportback model.So is it worth it? If you’re looking for a coupe that’s practical, has a good boot size and has a premium feel then it’s definitely worth it.

With CO2 emissions ranging from 106g/km to 144g/km you won’t end up paying huge amounts in road tax, unless you go for the S5 which emits 174g/km so will cost £800 for the first year.

If you’re looking for a well-built, high quality car then Audi score highly in this area, brushed aluminium inlays, lashings of alcantara in the S5, soft-touch leather and durable materials make the A5 exceptional.

There have never been any major issues with the A5 model but some owners have been less than complimentary about its reliability. This is an area which Audi needs to improve upon to keep up with the Japanese manufacturers that are streets ahead.

The Audi A5 comes with a lot of driver assistance systems, thirty to be exact. These includecruise control with speed limiter, Pre-sense City, Multicollision brake assist, a parking assist system and there are packs to add onto these which will enhance the list further with systems such as Cross-traffic assist rear, Turn Assist, Traffic-jam assist, which will aid the driver in slow-moving traffic...the list goes on. Whether any car needs all this assistance is questionable. Because of all this along with airbags the Audi A5 has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings.