Audi A5 3.2 FSI 2008 review

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.

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 tiptronic

Price: from $95,900

Engine: 3.2-litre V6; 195kW/330Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, AWD