2008 Audi A5 Reviews

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 

Audi’s first coupe variant of the fourth generation A4 since 1996 simply attracts the eye. The question is whether it’s a matter of style over substance.DrivetrainsThere is currently one petrol engine available for the new A5 – with a choice of multitronic or tiptronic ‘flappy paddle’ transmissions. Audi say that a turbo diesel and a smaller petrol will be available late 2008/early 2009.The flasgship quattro – our test car – was a 3.2 litre, six cylinder FSI that puts out 195kW and 330 Nm. It gets power to the permanent four-wheel via a six-speed tiptronic transmission. Getting from 0-100 in 6.4 seconds, it burns 9.3 litres of fuel every 100kms.ExteriorLike the A4, the A5 is underscored by Audi’s intent to position their vehicles as athletic as well as elegant. To achieve this 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 car’s front that highlights the single-framed 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 audio system, leather upholstery, cruise control, electric front seats, Bluetooth compatibility, leather multi-function steering wheel and auto-dimming rear-view mirror are all standard, with many more options available.The Driver Information System (DIS) – with trip computer, auto-check control and ambient temperature – is also standard in the A5.Split fold rear seats and a decent 455 litre boot allow comfortable trips away.ChassisThe 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 in large part 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.PricingOur top of the range 3.2 FSI quattro tiptronic comes in at $95,900, with the multitronic version $4000 cheaper.Halligan saysThis is a beautiful car, especially looking at it from the front quarter where the grill and lines flowing to back are superb. The test car was light metallic blue, subtle and stylish. The wheels were quite simply the best I have seen.But I don't quite get it. It took me a while to figure out who I thought would buy this car: smart divorcees that are doing OK, both male and female that want to show they have style, like well designed cars, but are not going through a mid-life crisis. It's not a family performance car, it's not an enthusiast’s car. It's a cruiser, in all connotations of that term.Driving it however did not live up to expectation, or perhaps it did, Beautiful body, superb features and good breeding. It is almost a case of the supermodel cliché. I always considered Audis', especially ones with either a turbo or a V6 and quattro AWD to be capable drivers cars. This isn’t, it is just an OK one, and I guess that is fine for audience I think it fits. Speaking of fits, the current Audi seats just don’t fit me. Instead of spooning the driver they seem to want to push you out of the seat with too much curvature at the lower back.Would I buy one? No, my kids are of the age where they need just a little more room in the back. Would I buy an RS version? I’d consider it but still probably go towards a CLK. Audi seem to be dropping their enthusiast drivers appeal and Mercedes are improving theirs by spades. The CLK is also equally beautiful, but leaves you more satisfied.Rating 7.7Audi A5 3.2 FSIPrice: $91,900Engine: 3.2L/V6, 195kW/330NmEconomy: 8.7L/100kmTransmission: CVT with eight settings

The newest variant of Audi’s alluring A5 coupe has been launched, priced from a stiff $95,900 plus the usual eye-wateringly expensive options.Following as it does the fierce V8 S5 and the foppish A5 3.2 Multitronic, the newcomer might not seem like hold the front page news.But the A5 3.2 quattro tiptronic – for ‘tis its name - is the one to potentially bring fashion conscious and performance-fancying punters to this four-ring brand model line.It has what the others lack one of both of – quattro all-wheel-drive and a proper automatic transmission. The $130K S5 has quattro but remains manual only for the moment. The lesser A5 lacks both quattro and gears, running a continuously variable transmission.This one boasts the same drivetrain as the recently released topline A4 sedan. In essence, it is of course the same thing with two fewer doors and a luxuriously appointed rear luggage rack rather than decent back passenger space.But it looks great. And that’s the main thing, right? It also goes.For full drive impressions, see the Daily Telegraph on Saturday or check back here next week. AUDI A5 3.2 quattro tiptronicPrice: from $95,900Engine: 3.2-litre V6; 195kW/330NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, AWD