2007 Audi A5 Reviews

ECONOMY motoring as a genre doesn't have a sleek two-door body and a $100,000 price tag. It will, however, probably have a diesel engine. Though seemingly at odds with each other, the three ingredients aren't uncommon in Europe. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are generous providers. The primary reason for their success in Europe is buyer demand for a stylish car that has the long fuel range of the frugal diesels.The carmakers are equally as pragmatic - they put diesel engines into anything that moves because the low carbon-dioxide emissions reduce their fleet emission penalty. Australians are more emotive - they like the prestige diesels because they go like stink. That's where the Audi A5 3.0 TDI comes in.VALUEStraight up - you don't have $100,000 in your pocket and then buy a car for economy. At $91,900 the A5 Coupe 3.0 TDI is all panache. It turns a lot of heads and sparks a lot of questions. This V6 diesel-engined model is $4000 cheaper than its 3.2-litre V6 petrol sister. It has the same gear - leather, all-wheel drive quattro system, auto and sweet audio - but aside from saving on the purchase, it's quicker to 100km/h than the petrol and gets 6.6 L/100km against the petrol's 9.3 L/100km. That's about a 1000km range compared with the petrol's 700km.DESIGNBeautiful. Despite the rather heavy-handed near-vertical grille, the A5 Coupe is both balanced and head-swivelling. It looks aggressive from the front - almost dainty in profile and purposeful at its tail. Driver visibility is actually quite good - park sensors help! - though if you want to regularly cart four people, go for the A5 Sportback and its five doors. Rear seat room in the Coupe is okay for two adults on a short run, but dependant on having average-size people in the front seats. Boot space is excellent and fold-down rear seat makes it almost cavernous, but space-saver tyre mounted on a plinth ( to save money on a full-size spare) looks cheap. Instruments, quality of finish and design of the dashboard is spot on.TECHNOLOGYHmmm. Big V6 turbo-diesel driving all wheels through a seven-cog dual-clutch automated manual - DSG to us but Audi calls it S-Tronic - gearbox pretty much says it all. The electric-hydraulic steering is better than similar systems. Putting a heavy V6 ahead of the front axles invites understeer but there's a lot of trickery with metal rods and springs and relocated components to minimise the handling disadvantages of a heavy nose. Having all-wheel drive also helps.SAFETYFive stars when you hit the concrete and six airbags with all the (now) expected chassis and brake electronics. It's the full suite and that complements the Audi's feeling of solidity on the road.DRIVINGForget traditional diesel engine noise - the Audi's diesel rumble at idle is so muted that it sounds more like a big-bore petrol. That's outside the car. Inside it's just a faint growl at idle; inaudible at cruising and only present again when the accelerator is mashed. Acceleration is brilliant, more linear than you'd first expect and absolutely seamless the way it rapidly ditches one ratio and picks up the next. Fantastic punch at the mid-corner also creates eye-watering slingshot exits. It's also very comfortable (if you're in the front), has a supple ride and is so confident through the corners, unless you fang it when it gets a tad nose heavy.VERDICTUnexpectedly good. Basically the chassis and the drivetrain layout defies physics - like a mirror of the 911 - but really works well. I think you get more driving thrills out of this diesel than the equivalent petrol model. But still not a cheap car and while the five-door Sportback may make more sense, it's nowhere near as pretty.AUDI A5 3.0TDI QUATTROPrice: $91,900Warranty: 3 years, unlimited km, roadside assistResale: 59%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 6.6 l/100km; 174g/km CO2Safety equipment: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 176kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-dieselTransmission: Seven-speed DSG autoBody: 2-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4625 (L); 1854mm (W); 1372mm (H); 2751mm (WB)Weight: 1620kgTyres: 245/40R18, space-saver spare

Audi should sponsor the Freo Dockers. Both have done the hard yards and both have really pulled their socks up in the past year without any free kicks. For those that don't know about the Dockers - it's a football team in WA. For those who don't know about WA, stop reading now.Audi is already well known but that wasn't the case a decade ago when it was always a sidekick to BMW. Now Audi has 1.3 per cent of the Australian passenger car market while BMW has 1.7 per cent. The game is warming up.One of the reasons is that Audi has so many models. How many? It has 57 models at last count and 14 different engines.Compare that with Ford's range (not FPV, ute or van) with 40 distinct models and 11 engines for 9.3 per cent of the Australian car market and you can see how niche marketing can work.It may drive Audi's spare parts men crazy but it appears to appease car buyers. One of the latest reflects this technique of identifying a sometimes tiny niche market and then slotting into it with a specific model. In this case, Audi's A5 Sportback.Echoing the gentle hatchback styling of the Mercedes CLS, VW Passat CC and BMW 5-Series GT, the Audi A5 is aimed at the youthfully affluent that want cabin luxury with styling that hints at a sporty demeanour.Perhaps the only detraction is the nose. All Audi's share the in-ya-face full-depth grille and while it was sensational when launched, is becoming tired and fails to respect Audi's upmarket models.This five-door car comes as a petrol or diesel and costs a lot of money. Put it up against an Audi A4 with similar engine and drivetrain specs and there's $7000 difference - enough for some punters to baulk.The Sportback gets a fifth door accessing a huge luggage area and so becomes a very flexible machine that perhaps is an alternative to the A4's wagon. Boot space is actually less than the wagon - and only a bit up on the A4 sedan – but it's the hatchback's ability to accept various load shapes that makes it a winner.There is an implication that the A5 is more luxurious than the A4 and that's carried through to the cabin. Seating is for four. Don't think about five. If you have three children, one stays at home.Audi's 3-litre turbo-diesel has been around in various versions for ages and the Quattro all-wheel drive system practically draws the pension. But it's definitely not outdated and can run with the best of the pack.This is a maximum five-star crash-rated, German-built machine with all-paw drive that is so safe it could save a small planet. Your family, presupposing there's no fool behind the wheel, should be fine.Six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes and so on - it's all there. It doesn't get a reverse camera - it's a recommended $1165 option but the trick is you have to also specify the $4550 MMI with sat-nav - but comes standard with front and rear park sensors.DRIVINGEverything about this car works beautifully. It impresses within the first kilometre by feeling confident, solid and comfortable on the road. And hear you say that at near-on $90,000, so it should.It feels safe and that makes me more relaxed about taking the family for a drive. Volkswagens, Skodas, Audis, BMWs and Porsches are some of the very few car brands that feel secure as soon as you turn the first corner. A lot do not.This is a big car with a long wheelbase that irons out a lot of road irregularities and, as such, loves the country. You can easily see that Audi's favourite test track is a local autobahn. The drivetrain is, however, conservative - almost pedestrian - and while it delivers an efficient and occasionally warming driving experience, there's never a lot of fizz. That's partly because the diesel spins relatively slowly and appears lazy against any high-revving petrol engine. It's also because the A5 is so well insulated from the outside world.That extends to steering that offers very little road feel and the DSG auto - with seven speeds - that can be awkwardly hesitate at low speeds. One can deduce that Audi has placed greater emphasis on cocooning the occupants from the world rather than involve them.Perhaps that's the idea. But in this cocoon you don't really notice the important things about driving. Like the A5's 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds - which isn't too shabby - and the way the 500Nm of torque slashes in-gear acceleration to create rapid overtaking times.And like the way the all-wheel drive bites hard on the bitumen to ensure it's secure through the corners and has the ability to shrug away traction concerns over wet roads.VERDICTIt has the looks and cargo versatility to make it more alluring than the A4 but it comes at the cost of an expensive price tag and four-only seating.AUDI A5 SPORTBACKOrigin: GermanyPrice: $89,888Engine: 3-litre, V6 turbo-dieselPower: 176kW @ 4000-4400rpmTorque: 500Nm @ 1500-3000rpm0-100km/h: 6.1 secondsTop speed: 250km/hFuel: DieselFuel tank: 64 litresEconomy: 6.6 litres/100km (official), 7.8 litres/100km (tested)Greenhouse: 174g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, sequential; constant 4WDBrakes: 4-wheel vented discs, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assistTurning circle: 11.5mSuspension: Front _ double wishbones, coils; Rear _ multi-link, coilsWheels: 18-inch alloy, 245/40R18 tyres; space-saver spareLength: 4711mmWidth: 1854mmHeight: 1391mmWheelbase: 2810mmWeight: 1720kgTow (max): 1900kgWarranty: 3yr/unlimited km, roadside assistService: 15,000km.FEATURESThree-zone climate air-conditioning10-speaker 1-CD iPod audio6 airbagsPark sensorsLeather.

No-one does plain old family sedans these days. Well, there is still the Falcon-Camry-Commodore combo in Australia, but most of the overseas action is in sedans which have morphed in another direction. Curvy coup-style sedans came first and the big new direction is liftbacks with style.Audi got there first with its A3 and A5 Sportback models, BMW has its new 5-Series GT and Mercedes-Benz is looking for ways to grow the CLS coupes and stretch the look down into C-Class territory. The foundation in every case is a four-door sedan, even if it is a couple of steps back on the evolutionary path. It provides the mechanical platform, and the engine and suspension, but a better looking 'top hat' is dropped down in place of the regular Camry-style sedan body.Audi was first to go new-age with curves and a hatch with its Sportback, which went from the A4 sedan through the A5 coupe on the way to the Carsguide garage this week. The test car is powered by Audi's impressive 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which is strong and smooth. But the the pricetag is easing way up towards six-figure land with a few extra bits to make life nicer, including an S-Line body kit and MMI navigation and a six-disc CD changer. And I cannot help thinking about the Volkswagen Passat CC, another of the new-age coupes, as I walk towards the Sportback.The newest Audi - for this week, anyway, as there always seems to be a new body or a new engine landing in Australia - is a great looker and the emphasis is on style with that flexibility in the back end. There are two Sportback models, the 2-litre petrol and 3-litre turbodiesel, both with quattro drive and a starting price of $78,400. There is a huge range of standard equipment - from eight airbags and alloy wheels, to a 'concert' sound system and rear parking camera - but the big thing is the frameless doors and a boot that starts at 480 litres and can carry a wagon-style load up to 980 litres with the seats folded flat.Audi Australia says the Sportback will be the biggest seller in the A5 range and will make a worthwhile contribution as it drives for yet another record sales year in 2010. And there is more to come, with an S5 Sportback on the way later this year.DRIVING Paul GoverThe Sportback is one of my Audi favourites. It looks good, drives well and has the sort of flexibility people want these days.It can be a bit cramped in the cabin, and the ride is a bit crash-bang harsh on poor surfaces, but there is a lot to like. Best of all, this A5 looks good and still works well. The V6 turbodiesel is incredibly quiet, smooth and responsive. It is a terrific engine and suits the character of the car, providing great range for family touring and enough punch when you want to have fun with a good looking coupe.I didn't really know what to expect from the Sportback, even though my experience of premium coupes goes way, way back to Saabs in the 1980s. They were brilliantly flexible and upscale, but you would never call them good looking. The new Audi looks good and the cabin has the premium-ness which has become a brand signature, and the target for every other carmaker on the planet. There are gadgets and buttons for playtime, but the basics are all right and the leather-wrapped seats are comfy and supportive.I think headroom is short, although no worse than the A5 coupe, but the back seat feels too narrow for three adults - or even big kids - and knee space is restricted. The payoff is in the tail, which easily handles a wide range of jobs, from shopping and Bunnings to a couple of prams-and-kids trips, and even a bicycle run. It is a great design and one which should be on the shopping list of more SUV buyers.The Sportback also drives well, with Audi-style sharp steering responsive, good grip in turns, and an excellent automatic gearbox which picks up the torque of the diesel at all times. It's not a cheap car, and some of the usual Audi foibles take a little of the gloss away, but it is a very good car and a definite contender for family duties.SHE SAYS Alison WardI get worried about re-works of things I like. Why fix a wheel that works, whether its the local shopping centres, your favourite bar, or something else on the list. Often I feel a bit duped by the change. So I was just a bit hesitant about this re-work of the Audi A4. Oh, sorry, this one is called the A5 Sportback, isn't it?Thankfully, much of my hesitation stopped at the drivers' door. This is way more than just a lick of paint and a new look for an A4 sedan. For sure, it handles better and with more gusto and who would have thought the V6 engine is a turbodiesel? It's quiet and punchy and I had to check the tacho, with the giveaway low redline, to know for sure it's a diesel.The interior features are the same I have found in other Audi models, but can forgive this carryover since it's a cog which is always working fine. The sloping boot is the greatest asset on the Sportback.  It is great for carrying everything for baby, shopping or - not for me, yet - golfing. However the compromise (and here comes that duping feeling again) is less legroom for all, especially in the back. And the shape means it does feel a bit cramped inside, particularly with a friend onboard and two baby seats in the back.Still, the Sportback is a good car and a nice drive for me. The only lingering worry is the $90,000-ish pricetag, which makes it a makeover you really need to like.SCORE: 78/100THE BOTTOM LINE: A smooth and effective family sedan, provided it's a new-age family.Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDIPRICE $89,100ENGINE 3.0-litre common rail turbocharged V6 dieselPOWER 176kW at 4000 revsTORQUE 500Nm from 1500-3000 revsTRANSMISSION Seven-speed dual clutch auto, quattro all-wheel driveBODY Four-door hatchSEATS FiveDIMENSIONS Length 4711mm, width 1854mm, height 1391mm, wheelbase 2810mm, tracks front/rear 1590mm/1575mmWEIGHT 1720kgSTEERING Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion power steeringSUSPENSION Five-link, upper and lower wishbone front; trapezoidal independent rear mounted to subframeBRAKES Anti-skid all-round discsFUEL TANK 64 litresFUEL TYPE DieselFUEL CONSUMPTION 6.6/100km combinedWHEELS 18-inch alloysTYRES 245/40 R18SPARE TYRE Space-saver spareSAFETY Front/side/curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, foglights, Xenon-plus headlightsCO2 EMISSIONS 174g/km RIVALSMercedes-Benz CLS350 78/100 (from $152,000)BMW 530d GT 80/100 (from $143,400)Volkswagen Passat CC 3.6 FSI 82/100 (from $65,990)

Audi has been accused of having too many variants before, and it wouldn't be the first time that an importer was accused of having too many models in what really is a small market.  But the number of models Audi has on offer now could have some people again wondering how it supports such a broad range on low volumes. But if the buyers are there and the four-ringed brand is making money, who are we to argue?The A5 range has comprised a two-door coupe and droptop adjunct to the A4 sedan and wagon range. But now we have the A5 Sportback - a four-door four-seat coupe version of the A4, but sleeker and even more elegant than the handsome sedan.  It weighs less than the long-running A4 sedan, but is longer, wider and lower and just 2mm longer in the wheelbase.Drivetrain and priceWe're in the all-wheel drive three-litre turbodiesel V6, certainly the pick of Audi's mainstream engine range - although the 4.2-litre V8 in the old RS4 and the R8 remains a firm personal favourite - but the diesel has some irresistible numbers.The particle-filtered V6 has common-rail direct-injection and a variable-geometry turbo that produces 176kW and 500Nm, the latter on tap from 1500rpm through to 3000rpm.  The as-tested cost of the test car is $103,070, quite a jump from the list starting price of $89,100 and similar money to roomier and perhaps more versatile machines.Fit-out and equipmentThe cabin is very Teutonic - laid out and finished superbly, with plenty of safety and other equipment, much of it even as standard - eight airbags surround the occupants, who describe the vehicle around them as feeling solid and strong.  The centre screen displays all the infotainment functions including the optional $4550 multi-media satnav system and six-CD changer (for $970), which includes a hard drive for the good-quality sound system.The front ($850 optional) sport seating is firm but not uncomfortable, with the new Audi centre armrest set-up now not intruding on the elbow room, restricting centre console storage flexibility or impeding the handbrake (which is now a little electronic lever anyway), it's a nice place to be.Rear room for the two occupants is not cavernous - the elegant roofline restricts headroom a little (a problem felt by several four-door ‘coupes’), and the leg room is limited.  Bootspace area is reasonable but it's not an overly deep or wide load space, so even a folded stroller can take a big chunk of the room.DrivingThe powerplant performs admirably in other Audi product and its track record is certainly not tarnished here - very quiet, smooth, frugal and deceptively rapid, there's precious little wrong with the engine.  It gets the Sportback up and running just a touch quicker than the other A5 and A4 variants with the same powerplant, but all reach 100km/h in around six seconds, which is good going regardless of the fuel being used.The seven-speed double-clutch auto works well with the torquey powerplant most of the time, with slick and well-timed upshifts in all three drive modes (an option), although some downshifts (even in comfort mode) are a little jerky.The three-mode system tightens up suspension, steering and alters throttle response and it is noticeable the change in character.  For a family all-rounder there probably needs to be a more cosseting base-line for the comfort mode, as the ride - while more compliant than Dynamic mode - still doesn't fit the definition of ‘comfort’.But the Sportback has ample in common with the coupe and A4 sedan. It's not anywhere near as nose-heavy as earlier examples of the breed, pointing into corners with plenty of enthusiasm, with heaps of grip and no excuses for the stability control to interfere.It has the sort of back-road talent that could shame many sportscars, but much of that comes down to the three-mode drive system Audi calls drive select - comprising adaptive dampers, dynamic steering and a sport electronic locking differential. It's a $7600 option, so it would want to be an effective system.In isolation, the A5 Sportback is a good machine, but the question remains as to whether it’s sure what it wants to be – a practical family car or a peppery sportscar.Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro Engine: three-litre common-rail direct injection 24-valve DOHC intercooled turbocharged V6 diesel engine.Power: 176kW between 4000 & 4400rpm.Torque: 500Nm between 1500 & 3000rpm.Transmission: seven-speed double-clutch automatic, permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential.Performance: Top speed 250km/h, 0-100km/h 6.1 seconds.Fuel consumption: combined 6.6 l/100km, on test 11 litres per 100km, tank 64 litres.Emissions: 174 g/km.

Audi's one-niche-at-a-time drive to market leadership continued apace for the new year with the arrival of the A5 Sportback.  The five-door, coupe-styled four-seater joins the Cabriolet and Coupe models in the A5 line-up to tick of yet another niche in a market that threatens as many gap-fillers as it promises core models."When I first drove this car I was very, very excited by what it promised," Audi Australia's outgoing managing director Joerg Hofmann said at this week's national launch of the new car. "Then when we began to look at volume expectations it became obvious that the A5 Sportback had the potential to be very significant for us."Sales and marketSo significant that Audi is predicting the Sportback will account for around 1000 sales a year, or almost half of all the A5 volume when it goes on sale on February 1. That will be a significant boost towards the company's stated goal of a record 12,000 sales in 2010."There is no real competitor for this car in the Australian market," Audi's general manager for marketing, Immo Buschmann, says. "This car has real substance and will appeal to sedan buyers who want a car with coupe-like styling yet are not willing to give up the space offered by a sedan."Buyers will, however have to give up a fifth seat as the Sportback — like the coupe from which it has been stretched by some 86mm — is a dedicated four-seater, albeit with a generous amount of shoulder space for the rear seat passengers.Drivetrains and pricesThe A5 Sportback will launch as two models In Australia, 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI — both with quattro all-wheel-drive and 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The petrol TFSI carries a sticker price of $78,400 while the 3-litre diesel will hit showroom floors at $89,100.Adaptive damping is available on the TFSI for an additional $3500 while the TDI offers an optional full driver select package (sport differential, adaptive damping and dynamic steering) for $7600.EquipmentWhile both models come well specified with the full complement of electronic safety aids and eight airbags, leather trim and quality entertainment systems the very necessary reversing camera remains an option at $1165 while satellite navigation is an additional $4550.DrivingOn the road the A5 Sportback is ... well, it's an A5.  If you were led blindfolded to the car and set behind the wheel you would be hard pressed to distinguish the dynamics of the Sportback from its syblings, particularly the Coupe.The cabin, while snug an encompassing, is not claustrophic with ample head, shoulder and leg room for all four passengers. Luggage space is generous with 480 litres available in standard trim, increasing to 980 litres with the rear seats folded.  The A5 is a car you want to drive. It feels well-engineered and it is.An almost exclusive use of aluminium for the suspension components, in turn mounted to an aluminium sub-frame, reduce the unsprung weight giving a lower centre of gravity and noticeable poise. Combined with the body rigidity provided by five grades of steel through to ultra high strength the Sportback has a comforting feel of solidity and balance.The direct injection petrol TFSI is good for 155kW of power and a very handy 350Nm of torque across a vast rev range from 1500rpm through to 4200rpm. That wide band of maximum urge allows the TFSI to stay within its optimum performance range without undue hunting for ratios and almost demands the car be driven enthusiastically.Throttle response is good and there is a real willingness of the front end to turn into corners, hunker down with prodigious grip and then launch out of the apex as the quattro drive balances up in readiness for the next change of direction.The 3-litre TDI offers pretty much the same capability — only moreso. The oil-burner's 176kW and 500Nm gives the Sportback a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.1 seconds — half a second quicker than the TFSI — while promising fuel efficiency of just 6.6L/100km. That makes the A5 Sportback TDI the 23rd Audi model to benefit from the government's lower luxury car tax incentives for vehicles using 7.0L or less per 100km.Part of the fuel efficiency — the TFSI claims 7.5L/100km — is due to the recuperative energy system fitted to the A5 Sportback whereby energy is recovered during braking and coasting to be stored temporarily in the battery. That stored energy is called on during acceleration to ease load on the engine resulting in a fuel saving of up to 3 per cent.The A5 line-up will be completed towards the middle of the year with the arrival of the S5 Sportback, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. The 3-litre TFSI powered S5 is expected to carry a sticker price of around $130,000.Audi A5 SportbackPrice: from $78,400 (2.0 TFSI) to $89,100 (3.0 TDI)Engine: 2L/4-cylinder 155kW/350Nm; 3L/V6 turbo diesel 175kW/500NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch automaticEconomy: 7.5L/100km (TFSI), 6.6L/100km (TDI)

It takes a bit of effort to get camera attention in the Nurburgring’s carparks.

The race to get the top down for summer is hotting up, as Audi joins Lexus with a new-season Cabriolet. The droptop version of the A5 coupe comes with a traditional folding soft top, seats for four, class-leading luggage space and a choice of engines including a diesel.Pricing The A5 Cabriolet is also built to Audi's usual quality standard, weighs only 185kg more than the coupe, and is priced from $94,900 with a 2-litre petrol motor through to $112,500 with a diesel and $116,500 for a fully-loaded V6.That's a big hike on the Lexus IS Cabrio, from $79,900, but Audi Australia is expecting no trouble in shifting plenty of its new sunshine stars and really considers the BMW 3-Series as its only serious opposition.Soft top changes Work on the Cabrio began with the basic A5 body, which was then strengthened in all the important areas including the base of the windscreen and below the seats. Audi decided very early to go with a soft top, rather than one of the latest folding metal designs, for a range of reasons."There are lots of benefits. It is light in weight, fast to open and close, and best in class for luggage. Another benefit of fabric is we can have split-fold rear seats," says Audi's product planning manager, John Roberts.The top will operate up to 50km/h, unlike the Lexus which must be stationary, but Audi concedes the extra noise in the system by having an 'acoustic' top with an extra layer of sound proofing as an option and standard on the V6.Equipment The basic deal with the 2-litre engine is 155 kiloWatts of power, 17- inch alloys, keyless start, rear park radar, shift paddles for the auto and Xenon lamps; the V6 with 176 kiloWatts lifts the bar with 18- inch alloys, front parking radar, heated seats, satnav and wood inserts. All A5 Cabriolets have a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.Driving The A5 Cabriolet is a smooth operator. The roof works smoothly in as little as 17 seconds, the engines and transmissions are slick, the styling is elegantly effective and the quality as smooth as we expect from every new Audi.There will eventually be an S5 Cabrio with more punch, but the diesel and V6 both showed plenty of pace during a quick introduction drive. The best thing about the diesel, apart from the fact it is the only one in the class, is the strong surge of torque which makes driving easy. The cabin space is good and the boot is huge, with the advantage of the fold-down rear seats. It's definitely a winner over the Lexus in that area.But the Japanese car scores in the body. The Audi is reasonably rigid but you feel the smallest ripples in the road, with tremors through the seat and wheel, and there is no encouragement to go sports car quick in the A5.Still, few people looking at the A5 Cabrio are likely to be chasing a sports car thrill, and it's a smooth new way to welcome the coming summer.Audi A5 Cabriolet Price: from $94,900-$116,500Engines: 2-litre petrol, 3-litre turbodiesel, 3.2-litre V6Power: 155kw, 176kw, 195kwTorque: 350Nm, 500Nm, 330NmTransmission: seven-speed S tronic manu-matic, quattro all-wheel drivePerformance: 0-100km/h, 6.4-73sEconomy: 6.8-9.5L/100kmEmissions: 179-226grams/km CO2 

The opportunity comes from addition of an entry-level two-litre quattro model and a double-clutch automated manual gearbox.Models and pricing The new powerplant - which also features in the company's new Q5 SUV - slots into the A5 range as an entry point, with the quattro manual priced from $79,900 and the seven-speed S tronic wearing an $83,500 pricetag.Drivetrains The two-litre four-cylinder engine shares blocks with the previous A4 2.0-litre TFSI - which offers 132kW - but the new turbocharged direct-injection engine has variable valve systems on inlet (timing) and exhaust (lift), a new intercooler design and chains operating the camshafts.The A5's new engine - which sits further back in the engine bay than its forebears - offers 155kW between 4300 and 6000rpm, with 350Nm of torque available between 1500 and 4200rpm.Audi says the systems - combined with engineering work done to reduce friction - to produce a quicker charging of the turbo, as well as improving fuel consumption, with an improvement of up to 20 per cent over the previous two-litre powerplant.When teamed with the S-tronic transmission the A5 returns 7.5l/100km, which drops by 0.1 when the manual transmission is directing drive.Audi is boasting better fuel use, fewer emissions, 100Nm more torque (although it's 5kW down on the BMW, 20kW up on the Benz) and more than a second quicker to 100km/h than the BMW 325i auto coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLK 200K auto coupe.The quattro system follows several other Audi models in apportioning 60 per cent of drive rearward, with the remaining 40 going to the front wheels; up to 85 per cent can head aft should conditions require it.Equipment The features list on offer includes 17in alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth phone link, xenon headlights and LED driving lights.As is the norm, the options list is extensive and expensive - the adaptive dampers add $3600, the multi-media interface with hard drive memory for music and satnav adds $5900, adaptive cruise control ups the price by $2945 and the whopper sunroof increases the asking price by $2860.There's also an S-Line sports package which increases wheel size to 18in, puts sports trim in the cabin and tightens up the suspension tune for $5850.Sales But what ever the argument about pricing and options, the A5 range thus far has performed "exceedingly well" on the sales front, according to Audi, with estimates of around 700 units for this year, currently led by the 3.2 FSI model representing almost half of A5/S5 sales.The company expects the introduction of the 2.0 TFSI model to gather 130 sales and about 30 per cent of the range total sales, which are already 50 per cent up on 2008 - the range totalled 623 sales for Audi last year.DrivingThe upgraded two-litre TFSI engine might well share the same basic block but the extra work has been worthwhile.Not that the 132kW version of the engine is any slouch - it is a decent powerplant - but the 155kW version that has been slotted into the middle of the A4 range and as an entry-level A5 has plenty of charm and performance.With the quattro system biased to the rear and the engine weight no longer hanging out ahead of the front wheels, the A5 TFSI doesn't feel like an entry-level model.The engine is willing and has a punchy midrange, there's next-to-no lag and the double-clutch gearbox slips cogs in 0.2 of a second.One of the best looking cars around, the A5 has enough room for four, decent luggage space and the ability to get from A to B without excessive thirst - at least until you get serious on a back road, but even then the trip computer won't frighten you.The A4 was also sampled with the new engine and was similarly spritely.With the adaptive damping system set to dynamic and swapping gears with the six-speed manual, the new TFSI models can both be punted with enthusiasm and show plenty of ability through the curves.The A5 in particular - and without the adaptive damping system - has enough punch from the powerplant and the ability to put it effectively to ground.A talented chassis, good grip without the perils of an understeery driveline and decent punch from a frugal engine gives the A5 added appeal at a better price.Audi A5 TFSI coupe Price: from $79,900.Engine: two-litre 16-valve DOHC intercooled turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Transmission: six-speed manual or seven-speed double-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive.Power: 155kW between 4300 & 6000rpm.Torque: 350Nm between 1500 & 4200rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 6.5 seconds. Top speed 245km/h.Fuel consumption: 7.4litres/100km (S tronic 7.5), tank 65litres.Emissions: 173g/km (S tronic 179).Rivals: Alfa Romeo GT V6, from $69,990.BMW 3 Series coupe, from $70,959.Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe, from $88,859.Peugeot 407 V6, from $69,800.

...the A5 retains the elegance of a traditional grand tourer while continuing Audi’s general shift toward sportier, more dynamic vehicles.This new diesel version, with its quality engine, improved fuel economy and CO2 output has entered the market at just the right time to take advantage of the growing interest in keeping things lean and green.DrivetrainThe A5 is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine that produces 176kW between 4000-4400rpm and a substantial 500Nm of torque between 1500-3000rpm. It gets power to all four wheels via a six-speed tiptronic transmission with DSP.Shooting from 0-100 in a rapid 5.9 seconds, it burns 6.9 litres of fuel every 100km and expels 182gm of CO2 per 100km.ExteriorLike the A4, the A5 is underscored by Audi’s intent to position their vehicles as athletic as well as elegant. To this end, they have included a focus on road presence, muscle and poise, and its shows with a longer, wider, lower chassis, shaped by graceful, sweeping lines and short front overhangs.The long v-shaped bonnet coupled with sleek right-angled headlights and large air inlets create an impression of breadth in the nose that highlights the distinguishing single-framed waterfall grill.The short, sporty rear is emphasised by long smooth lines starting from the C-pillar.InteriorInside the A5 you are surrounded by quality materials and workmanship. The dash is angled slightly towards the driver creating a snug cockpit feel and the ergonomic seats hold you firm at the wheel.A 10-speaker sound system, leather upholstery, cruise control, electric front seats, Bluetooth compatibility, leather multi-function steering wheel and auto-dimming rear-view mirror are all standard, as is the drive information system – with trip computer, auto-check control and ambient temperature.Split fold rear seats and a decent 455-litre boot allow comfortable trips away.Running GearThe long wheelbase and shorter overhangs, along with a newly designed five-link suspension arrangement at the front wheels means the A5 is firm but not stiff, with precise steering and superb agility.The ride is comfortable, smooth and stable thanks to the trapezoidal-link rear suspension with new kinematics.SafetyA comprehensive airbag package together with ESP, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Differential Lock, traction control and Brake Assist, pushes the A5 into the superior safety category.PricingThe Audi A5 3.0 litre diesel quattro starts at $93,894.DrivingThe A5 is a great looking driver’s car and this new diesel variant is very impressive.After having just stepped out of a Japanese luxury hybrid, it felt a little stiff but just a few minutes in and we realised what we’d been missing – and that the Japanese car was just like driving a couch.Audi’s ever improving interior design makes for an agreeable place to spend extended periods and this one with its angled dash gave us that cosy cockpit feel. The instrumentation was easy to read and intuitive.With a 5.9 second 0-100 sprint, it’s no secret this diesel addition to the A5 range is a real performer. Acceleration is immediate and smooth and with a bit of room it will pin your scone into the headrest no trouble.The ride is firm enough to give you good feel but easygoing enough for longer journeys. The steering is light and true, allowing for great feedback.All wheel drive plus the firm suspension pack keeps the car stuck to the road surface and there is little body roll.The diesel is a great addition to an already impressive line-up.Verdict: 8.2

Normally such a claim would be treated as the ramblings of a man who wants to keep his job, or someone clearly disenfranchised with the real world.But de'Silva is on the money here.The Audi A5 is indeed a very pretty car that appeals with soft feminine lines and perfect balance.Based on a modified Audi A4 sedan platform, the coupe seats four adults — though tall rear seat occupants will suffer restricted headroom — in leather-trimmed luxury.Only two A5 models have hit Australia though more are planned, including a more affordable four-cylinder turbo model.Because price is perceived to be the A5's biggest flaw, not because the ingredients aren't first class but because for $91,000-odd, the competition is enormous.Both models — one's a front-wheel drive as tested here and the other is an all-wheel drive version — are powered by a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine.That's big by European standards are indicates a healthy fuel thirst. Yet that isn't the case.Even after some brisk driving the front-drive A5 rarely saw more than 10 litres/100km.Some credit goes to the efficient engine but more praise is attributed to the continuously-variable transmission.Better known as CVT, this is an automatic that has no cogs and gears and instead uses a simple belt-drive. Audi calls it Multitronic.The uncomplicated transmission claims better fuel economy figures than a conventional automatic.The downside is that off the mark it is sluggish in getting drive to the wheels.The solution is to use the transmission's “manual” mode that locks in seven preset ratios. You then drive it like a clutchless manual, changing gears with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.There's plenty of urge in this engine and excellent chassis strength so the A5 handles superbly and ride roughened bitumen quietly and with saloon car compliance.Typically Audi, the ride is firm and positive so there's always a sense of confidence and safety.But against the typically Audi black dashboard, the A5 gets a stylish instrument cowling that extends to dip over the centre console.It looks better than the slab styling of earlier Audis and comes with more kit, including the central monitor that accesses everything from satellite navigation and TV to radio and climate control. That is, everything you ticked on the option list.The A5 gets an electronic park brake — great idea and bizarrely ignored by many rivals — to create more space on the console.The extra room has allowed the six-disc CD player unit to come out of the glovebox and onto the dashboard, making it much easier to load and unload the discs.At the same time, the glovebox now fits more than just a pair of gloves.In addition to seating for four, the boot is cavernous.The space-saver spare is a disappointment, especially because it's mounted on a bit of foam and clearly shows that a full-size spare can fit.This cheap spare also disadvantages the ability of this coupe to really run so comfortably over long distances. SpecsAUDI A5Origin: GermanyPrice: $91,900Engine: 3.2-litre, V6Power: 195kW @ 6500rpmTorque: 330Nm @ 3000-5000rpm0-100km/h: 6.6 secondsTop speed: 250km/hFuel: PremiumFuel tank: 65 litresEconomy (official): 8.7 litres/100kmEconomy (tested): 9.1 litres/100kmGreenhouse: 207g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: CVT auto; front-driveBrakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assistTurning circle: 11.4mWheels: 17-inch alloy, 245/45R17 tyres; space-saver spareLength: 4625mmWidth: 1854mmHeight: 1372mmWheelbase: 2751mmWeight: 1495kgTowing (max): 1800kgWarranty: 3yr/unlimited km, roadside assistService: 15,000km What we like: Style, economy, performance, qualityWhat we dislike: Expensive, space-saver tyre