Road test: Uprating the A5 - Five star efficiency
Audi A5. Photo supplied
WHEN it came around to revising the A5 range, Audi engineers concentrated on uprating performance and efficiency, while only making subtle changes to styling.
After all, the car, especially in coupé body style, is a stunning looker – what the then Audi design chief Walter de Silva described as the most beautiful he had created – and one which went on to win a slew of awards.
The refreshed A5, while retaining its seductive lines, now has a new single-frame grille, a resculpted bonnet, reshaped bumpers and innovative light clusters at the front and rear are eye-catching additions.
Audi’s key objective in updating the three ranges - the A5 and S5 Coupé, Sportback and Cabriolet – was to make major gains in economy and emissions without compromising on performance. To that end, it has introduced two new engines and completely redesigned others, but has also added start-stop technology across the range and replaced the hydraulic power steering system with a new electromechanical unit.
The entry-level 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine now produces an extra 10bhp, up from 158bhp to 168bhp, yet average fuel economy is up by almost 10mpg.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine has also been upgraded to average about 5mpg more than before, which amounts to potential for 60.1mpg and emissions of 122g/km in the manual version.
Meanwhile, Audi has replaced the old 2.7-litre diesel with a new 201bhp 3.0-litre version that slashes fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In the front-wheel drive coupé, for example, CO2 tumbles from 167g/km to 129g/km, which means company car drivers benefit from being taxed on 18 per cent of the car’s value as opposed to the previous 26 per cent. The existing 242bhp variant continues in conjunction with quattro all-wheel drive.
There is a new 268bhp version of Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre petrol engine replacing the old 3.2-litre V6 unit, with economy and emissions figures to be confirmed. All S5 models now get a 328bhp version of this 3.0-litre engine and with standard S tronic twin clutch transmission can power its way to 62mph in 4.9 seconds. More tellingly, it is far more economical than the much thirstier V8, returning 34.9mpg as opposed to 26.4mpg.
All models offer the optional Drive Select system which allows you to select the throttle responses, the speed of gear changes and the steering weighting at the touch of a button. Select the Dynamic setting and the steering feels meatier, but still lacks feedback.
One thing drivers of the new A5 won’t want for though is power. Even the 1.8-litre petrol pulls strongly from low revs and delivers lively performance, If your budget can stretch to 3.0-litre territory, you’ll appreciate its impressive build-up of speed and smooth travel.
Whatever A5 you’re in, they are all decent cruisers at motorway speeds.
Inside, most of the car’s systems are controlled through the MMI interface, which allows you to scroll through on-screen menus using a single rotary dial and a cluster of buttons. The number of buttons has been reduced, making it easier to find the one that you want, while the extra chrome detailing, new steering wheel design and more tactile wiper and indicator enhance the cabin’s classy feel.
There’s no doubt the revised A5 is a better car for its upgrades on economy and emissions, but it still lags the BMW 3 Series when it comes to the driving experience.
Fact file
Model: Audi A5 coupé 3.0 TDI.
Price on the road: £39,955.
Drivetrain: 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine developing 242bhp from 4,000rpm to 4,500rpm and torque of 369lb ft from 1,400rpm to 3,250rpm.
Performance: 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, and maximum speed 155mph (governed).
Economy: Combined 49.6mpg. CO2 149g/km.
Size: Length 4,626mm, width 1,8544mm, height 1,372mm.
Insurance group: 35.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles, 12 years’ anti-corrosion.
Local dealer: Peterborough Audi, Papyrus Road, Werrington, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 384444.
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