Audi A5 2009 News

Audi has today announced a wide-ranging Takata airbag recall, with owners of the Q5, A5 and A3 impacted.

Hot on the heels of the Australian government's mandatory Takata airbag recall, Ford, Audi and Tesla have joined the list of carmakers to detail which of it's models are affected.

Audi has sharpened its A4 and A5 lineup for 2014, with prices dropping by up to $7300 across the sedan, wagon, coupe, hatch, and cabriolet body styles. The previous entry A4 1.8 TFSI petrol manual sedan has been dropped from the range, with the 1.8 TFSI Multitronic auto now forming the kickoff point for the lineup at $55,500.Similarly, the non-quattro 3.0 TDI diesel sedan and Avant wagon models have also been discontinued, and a new $65,800 2.0 TDI diesel quattro sedan variant joins the pre-existing $69,900 Avant model with the same drivetrain. A5 Coupe and Sportback models also gain 2.0 TDI quattro variants, priced equally at $75,700.Petrol 2.0-litre models across all body styles gain a version of the direct and port-injected turbo engine seen in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI, which produces 165kW in Audi guise and an unchanged 350Nm. The change marks a 10kW improvement over previous 2.0-litre quattro models. FEATURESThe entry A4 and A5 1.8 TFSI models gain standard three-zone climate control and a colour Driver Information System (DIS). Buyers of the A4 1.8 TFSI models can choose from two new option packages, including the $2990 Technik package that brings MMI Navigation plus satnav and Parking system plus, which is comprised of front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.Also available for A4 1.8 TFSI models is the $2,200 Comfort package, which brings electric front seat adjustment and heaters, an auto-dimming interior mirror and proximity keys. A4 sedan models can also be optioned with the $1,690 Assistance Package, comprised of adaptive cruise control and Active lane assist.All Quattro models now come with the Parking system plus system as standard, and both petrol and diesel A5 3.0-litre models now come with the sportier S-Line exterior package. "We have made some of the most popular options now standard," Audi Australia’s marketing boss Kevin Goult says.PRICINGA4 Sedan 1.8 TFSI multitronic - 125 kW - $55,500A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI multitronic (special order only) - 130kW - $57,900A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 130kW - $65,800A4 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro manual - 165kW - $63,000 (up $1300)A4 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 165kW - $65,800 (up $1300)A4 Sedan 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 180kW - $88,000A4 Sedan 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 200kW - $92,900 (down $500)S4 Sedan 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 245kW - $119,900A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI multitronic - 125 kW - $58,500A4 Avant 2.0 TDI multitronic (special order only) - 130kW - $60,900A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 165kW - $68,800 (up $1300)A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 130kW - $69,900S4 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 245kW - $123,400RS 4 Avant 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic - 331kW - $149,400A5 Coupe and Sportback 1.8 TFSI multitronic - 125 kW - $64,200 (down $2700)A5 Coupe and Sportback 2.0 TDI multitronic (special order only) - 130kW - $65,700 (down $3000)A5 Coupe and Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 130kW - $75,900A5 Coupe and Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro manual - 165kW - $74,000 (down $6900)A5 Coupe and Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 165kW - $75,700 (down $7500)A5 Coupe and Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 180kW - $93,800 (down $2100)A5 Coupe and Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 200kW - $98,400 (down $1900)S5 Coupe and Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 245kW - $135,400A5 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI multitronic - 125 kW - $75,800 (down $2700)A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI multitronic (special order only) - 130kW - $77,900 (down $3000)A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 165kW - $89,100 (down $7300)A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic - 180kW - $106,700 (down $2100)A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 200kW - $110,500 (down $1900)S5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic - 245kW - $146,000

As the first shoots of spring emerge, new car sales figures for September show a jump in convertible buyers. And money is no object, with many prepared to spend up big to pop the roof down.VFACTS industry figures show a modest sales surge of the Mazda MX5, Mini Cooper cabrio, Volkswagen Eos and Audi A3 convertible - all costing more than $40,000. Further up the price list Audi's A5 cabrio, the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Volkswagen Eos are also popular with prices for some of the German cars topping out at more than $80,000.Dealers and carmakers say the warmer weather is helping. Mazda spokesman, Steve Maciver, said the order books for the company's popular MX5 were growing. "It's a combination of things but once the warmer weather hits, people like the idea of a convertible," he said.September sales figures show a 17 per cent jump in sportscar sales, which includes convertibles. Apart from topless motoring, luxury off-roaders are also proving popular. BMW spokesman, Toni Andreevski, said the company's popular X5 off-roader, which opens around $86,000, surged last month on the back of fresh supply from the United States. "We've got more stock and buyers are prepared to spend," he said.TOP 10  BRANDS    Sept           YTD 2009 (+/- on 2008)Toyota                   16,007             142,898       -22.3%Holden                      9744               85,667       -14.0%Ford                          8427               70,289       -13.7%Mazda                       7205               57,695         -7.2%Hyundai                    5484               47,625        36.4%Mitsubishi                4312               40,092        -16.3%Nissan                       4079               38,446       -15.8%Honda                       3939               31,787       -22.9%Subaru                      2807               27,225         -9.0%Volkswagen             2307               22,717         -5.4%

The Frankfurt Motor Show literally roared to life this morning when a classic BMW 507 roadster ran laps of a custom-built oval track inside the German carmaker's $30 million stand.

The Sportback represents a return to luxury hatchback motoring for the well-heeled masses.The arrival of the Sportback into Audi’s Australian showrooms will eclipse BMW by a few months. The Sportback range arrives in the first quarter next year ahead of the BMW 5-Series based Gran Turismo, which is slated for the second quarter. Audi's entrant will be on par with the BMW in the space race, but both will be far cheaper than the ‘other' German luxury hatch, the Porsche Panamera.The Sportback is the third model in the A5 stable, joining both the coupe and cabrio. Audi says the A5 Sportback will forge a new segment for the brand.As expected from the teaser images released several weeks ago, the Sportback does not depart too far from the Audi script. The five-door has short front and rear overhangs, long wheelbase and wide track while four frameless doors complete the dynamic look.Inside the spacious cabin has enough room for four along with a large boot that increases from 480 to 980 litres with the rear seats folded. The rear seats also split-fold and there is a small ski-port for long items.The luggage hatch is seamlessly integrated into the long, tapered tail end with flat C pillars.A rear spoiler lip, diffuser insert and dual exhausts are not only functional but add visual presence to the rear.Both TDI and FSI engines will be available, but Audi Australia is yet to finalise the range and pricing. However, both front and quattro all-wheel drive models are tipped, with prices expected to be slightly above equivalent A5 coupe models. The entry A5 coupe opens at $79,900 for the 2.0-litre TFSI.In Europe, three direct injection petrol and three TDI engines will be available with Audi's multitronic automatic or seven-speed S-tronic automatic. All are equipped with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration, storing it temporarily in the battery.Audi will initially offer three petrol and three diesel TDI engines, with a further three engines to follow next year. The petrol engines a 2.0-litre TFSI with 132kW or 155kW and the 3.2-litre V6 with 195kW are all equipped with the Audi valvelift system for variable control of valvelift. The three TDI engines will include a 125kW 2.0-litre four cylinder, 140kW 2.7-litre V6 and 176kW 3.0-litre V6. The 2.0-litre has a combined fuel economy figure of 5.2litres/100km and is coupled with a stop-start ignition system for better city economy.

As the officially `leaked' partial photo of the car shows, the Sportback four-seater has a coupe-like silhouette with hatch-like practicality. The design is clearly aimed at cars like the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Volkswagen CC and Mercedes-Benz CLS, essentially taking the four-door coupe concept a step further.The carmaker says the idea was to combine the style and sophistication of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan, yet have the versatility of a wagon.Audi Australia spokesperson, Anna Burgdorf, says the Sportback will be a welcome addition. Audi currently sells about 80 A5s a month and Burgdorf believes the Sportback has the potential to become a popular model like the A3 Sportback."There definitely is a market for that type of car," she says.Audi no longer has an A6 Avant in its lineup, so the A5 Sportback has the potential to slide into this niche as an alternative."Of course we still have the A6 Allroad for those buyers looking for something more," she says.Although prices and specifications have not been announced the hatch is tipped to cost slightly more than the equivalent A5 coupe models, which opens with the $79,900 2.0-litre TFSI.Audi executives have made no secret of the fact that they wants to lift the brand's passenger car model count from 27 to 40 by 2015 and elevate its status beyond key rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in many markets.Both TDI and FSI engines will be available but the final engine lineup and pricing for Australia is yet to be finalised.The five-door has a long and tapering roofline with short front and rear overhangs. It sits on a 33mm shorter wheelbase than the A6 sedan and has four frameless doors.The Sportback's luggage capacity of 480 litres almost equals that in a A4 Avant, with the rear seats in place. With the rear seats folded the Sportback space increases to 980 litres.All engines meet stringent Euro 5 exhaust emission standards, and diesel versions are equipped with particulate filters. In Europe, two FSI petrol engines and three common rail TDI engines are available, all from the Audi family.The petrol engines are equipped with the Audi valvelift system producing more power and higher torque but delivering lower fuel consumption. The 2.0 TFSI quattro has a power output of 155kW and 350Nm and the 3.2 V6 quattro generates 195kW. The diesel engines range from a 2.0 TDI up to a 3.0-litre V6. The 2.0 TDI is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox and produces 125kW/350Nm.It also has a start/stop system to help lower fuel consumption.The 140kW/400Nm 2.7 TDI and the 176kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 TDI and quattro all-wheel drive round out the range.

Everything from an A5 cabrio, A5 Sportback, A4 Allroad wagon, A7 four-door sports coupe, A1 Sportsback, Q3 off-roader and R8 convertible is on the books.But Audi Australia is not revealing just what is likely to head to Australia.Audi Australia general manager of marketing, Immo Buschmann, is giving little away on the new arrivals, only confirmed the early 2009 launch of the Q5 off-roader.However, he hints that an A5 Sportsback and maybe an A4 Allroad were on the cards."But we have not decided," he says.He says he is unaware specifically what the Germany headquarters has in store for Australia regarding new models.Recently, Audi AG's product development chief, Michael Dick, revealed to European media that Audi's range of 22 vehicles will grow with another 18 "in our heads".It is believed the A5 convertible will be unveiled in Europe before the end of the year with an A5 Sportback arriving next year, followed by the Q3.The A5 Sportback will be designed to fill a gap between the A4 Avant and A6 Avant.Performance derivatives are believed to be among the mix, with an R5 and RS5 mooted.One thing is clear though, the huge investment local dealers have taken in new "Terminal" showrooms will pay off.The first "Terminal" dealership cost $12 million and is located in Sydney's Five Dock.It is the first of a design that will be adopted globally."Our dealers have invested heavily to be able to display and sell these new cars," he says."The Q5 is our next big launch."Audi is expected to launch the car with a tough Trans-Continental drive through Outback Australia like the successful Q7 launch.Speaking at the launch of the RS6 Avant, Buschmann, says although the focus on RS is to maintain exclusivity, he admitted that in the future, the company may have to broaden the RS thinking."If there is demand to broaden the RS portfolio then we will look at it," he says."The ethos of the RS is entirely up to our product strategists."But I imagine we would look at a top-down approach when we look at eligible RS cars, those that have the necessary DNA." 

The German prestige brand already has its revitalised TT here, and the TT convertible and R8 supercar are coming next year.But Audi believes it needs more new models to broaden its appeal and continue its attack on Mercedes-Benz and BMW.It has just confirmed a $17 billion offensive that will put 10 more models into the Audi family by 2015, including the mid-sized A5 coupe.The additions will also include an all-wheel-drive Q5 to sit below the Q7 off-road flagship."There are tremendous opportunities in segments that we have not been in before," Audi Australia managing director Joerg Hofmann says."Our company has a very long-term approach, and part of achieving 1.5 million cars by 2015 is to have a big product offensive."We are doing it to compete in every segment with our premium competitors. It's a combination of new variants and new models."I would definitely expect half a dozen new models. We already have the R8, which is the first mid-engined sports car, then the A5 and the Q5."Audi will stretch its line-up from 22 models today to 40 by 2015. It will spend about $3.2 billion a year on research and development. Total spending on new models will be more than $11 billion.Hofmann is in Germany for management conferences to discuss the newcomers. He is also pushing for extra cars for Australia and the early introduction of new models.He has very high hopes for the A5, which will sit between the TT and the R8. It will go head to head with BMW's 3-Series coupe and the Mercedes CLK."It's a stand-alone, separate product," Hofmann says."It's bigger than the A4. This is one of the niches that Audi is finally filling."It is one of the most beautiful cars that Audi has ever done."The A5 is not expected here before 2008."We will try to get it as soon as possible. I would be very happy if we have a few cars in the country before the end of next year."Hofmann says the A5, and the smaller Q5 AWD cannot fail because they will be tapping areas where his company has not been able to compete.He believes they will have a similar impact to the Q7, which has been a sellout Down Under."Look at the number of BMW 3-Series coupes they sell in Australia each year, and the X3. If you add up the BMW numbers, it is 6000-7000 cars just in Australia," he says."The Q7 is the best example. And the Q5 will be another. That will give us the volume to push us for further growth."