Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic (A) Review
16 Jul 2012|21,821 views
Nobody needs a sports car. Period.
You read this, and then you recall fondly (that is if your college days aren't too miserable) that there was such a person by the name of Maslow who came out with a hierarchy of needs. At the top it states 'self actualisation'. And you start to convince yourself that a sports car would fit the need of your highest self-esteem realisation. Sounds like mid-life crisis?
In any sense, any metal boxes on fours bearing the quad chrome rings will be princely perceived, especially one with a singular cabin entrance on either side.
We take a closer look at the base coupe variant of the A5 family.
Exterior
With our local roads awash with premium offerings, the A5's subtlety are distinct (no pun intended), especially when coated in a less attention-grabbing silver. It is in this tone however that the coupe's refined lines are most obvious, following through the bonnet to grace the flanks. Running your fingers through the creases allow one to further appreciate the clean, unadulterated styling cue of the coupe - an attribute that we have grown to love about iconic coupes.
You read this, and then you recall fondly (that is if your college days aren't too miserable) that there was such a person by the name of Maslow who came out with a hierarchy of needs. At the top it states 'self actualisation'. And you start to convince yourself that a sports car would fit the need of your highest self-esteem realisation. Sounds like mid-life crisis?
In any sense, any metal boxes on fours bearing the quad chrome rings will be princely perceived, especially one with a singular cabin entrance on either side.
We take a closer look at the base coupe variant of the A5 family.
Exterior
With our local roads awash with premium offerings, the A5's subtlety are distinct (no pun intended), especially when coated in a less attention-grabbing silver. It is in this tone however that the coupe's refined lines are most obvious, following through the bonnet to grace the flanks. Running your fingers through the creases allow one to further appreciate the clean, unadulterated styling cue of the coupe - an attribute that we have grown to love about iconic coupes.
 |
The most distinctive change noticeable by the naked eye has got to be the daytime-running lamps. The trend-setter in the business, and arguably still the best running, the lamps exude a unique aura. But even so, it is still quite hard to tell the facelifted model apart from its predecessor, be it day or night.
Audi's 2+2 retains a clean, simple yet modernistic styling  |
Interior
Ingress to the cabin reveals a similar sentiment experienced with the exterior, one with immense familiarity. New to the refreshed model are the sleeker-looking gear lever and a re-worked control assembly, for the betterment of ergonomics. While stitching is done in a less racy white (as opposed to red in the S5), the sculptured steering instils a greater sense of confidence.
Sculptured steering a delight to behold; new 'loop-sided' gear lever aimed at ergonomics enhancement
Ingress to the cabin reveals a similar sentiment experienced with the exterior, one with immense familiarity. New to the refreshed model are the sleeker-looking gear lever and a re-worked control assembly, for the betterment of ergonomics. While stitching is done in a less racy white (as opposed to red in the S5), the sculptured steering instils a greater sense of confidence.
 |  |
Non-exclusive to the lineup, the coupe's interior can be highly customised with an exhaustive list of optional accessories and trim levels. The standard stereo pumps out adequate beats to the music, while audiophiles can opt for the premium Bang & Olufsen system.
Our test car came without the MMI navigation system, which also meant that infotainment controls are mounted on the central panel, instead of a more convenient location atop the transmission tunnel.
Practicality wise, the coupe comes with a proper-sized boot, with wide opening to ensure ease of loading. Rear quarters still won't hold full-sized adults well for long journeys, but will suffice for urban commute.
Our test car came without the MMI navigation system, which also meant that infotainment controls are mounted on the central panel, instead of a more convenient location atop the transmission tunnel.
Practicality wise, the coupe comes with a proper-sized boot, with wide opening to ensure ease of loading. Rear quarters still won't hold full-sized adults well for long journeys, but will suffice for urban commute.
 |
The Drive
As you would expect of any 2.0-litre powered chariot, the A5 is not what you would describe as blisteringly fast. Much is however, left for the force-induction to do the magic. With 211 bhp and 350 Nm of torque on tap, the coupe is no slow coach either, especially in our urban landscape where its fat torque band comes to good use from as low as 1,500rpm.
All thanks to the rigid chassis and suspension setup, the Coupe's body feels well composed, in spirited drives, be it on the straights or over bends. Consequentially, it is over road imperfections that occupants need to sacrifice the usual creature comforts.
Where the most significant works are done - 2.0-litre powerplant tweaked for better efficiency
While the car does not profess to do things for you (so far none of the Audis we sampled came with active lane assist), the drive certainly feels predictable - a relative breeze to tame the beast even at three-figure speeds. Like its stablemates, however, it lacks feedback at the helm, which is the only shortfall in creating engaging experience.
As you would expect of any 2.0-litre powered chariot, the A5 is not what you would describe as blisteringly fast. Much is however, left for the force-induction to do the magic. With 211 bhp and 350 Nm of torque on tap, the coupe is no slow coach either, especially in our urban landscape where its fat torque band comes to good use from as low as 1,500rpm.
All thanks to the rigid chassis and suspension setup, the Coupe's body feels well composed, in spirited drives, be it on the straights or over bends. Consequentially, it is over road imperfections that occupants need to sacrifice the usual creature comforts.
Where the most significant works are done - 2.0-litre powerplant tweaked for better efficiency While the car does not profess to do things for you (so far none of the Audis we sampled came with active lane assist), the drive certainly feels predictable - a relative breeze to tame the beast even at three-figure speeds. Like its stablemates, however, it lacks feedback at the helm, which is the only shortfall in creating engaging experience.
A myriad of cost options are available for the A5 coupe, many of which can alter radically the driving experience. For instance, the lack of visual proximity parking aids is likely to spawn questions on the car's footing in the premium segment.
Conclusion
In base guise, the A5 Coupe still retains the potency of its more powerful siblings, delivering what Audi cars have been renowned for - accomplished build quality and easy-to-go-fast driving characteristic.
There is no doubt that the particular example we have here leaves much to be desired - reverse camera, navigation system, larger alloys etc. All that however, can be solved with the simple ticking exercise on the list of cost options, which will beget an equivalent, if not exponential growth in monthly repayments.
Even in its basic form, the A5 charms with its practicality as a 2 + 2 coupe, satisfying the notion of an everyday sportscar. Holding steady at the forefront of Audi's foray in the Coupe segment, the facelifted A5 have eclipsed the predecessor in what it set off to do - Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through technology).
Conclusion
In base guise, the A5 Coupe still retains the potency of its more powerful siblings, delivering what Audi cars have been renowned for - accomplished build quality and easy-to-go-fast driving characteristic.
There is no doubt that the particular example we have here leaves much to be desired - reverse camera, navigation system, larger alloys etc. All that however, can be solved with the simple ticking exercise on the list of cost options, which will beget an equivalent, if not exponential growth in monthly repayments.
Even in its basic form, the A5 charms with its practicality as a 2 + 2 coupe, satisfying the notion of an everyday sportscar. Holding steady at the forefront of Audi's foray in the Coupe segment, the facelifted A5 have eclipsed the predecessor in what it set off to do - Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through technology).
Nobody needs a sports car. Period.
You read this, and then you recall fondly (that is if your college days aren't too miserable) that there was such a person by the name of Maslow who came out with a hierarchy of needs. At the top it states 'self actualisation'. And you start to convince yourself that a sports car would fit the need of your highest self-esteem realisation. Sounds like mid-life crisis?
In any sense, any metal boxes on fours bearing the quad chrome rings will be princely perceived, especially one with a singular cabin entrance on either side.
We take a closer look at the base coupe variant of the A5 family.
Exterior
With our local roads awash with premium offerings, the A5's subtlety are distinct (no pun intended), especially when coated in a less attention-grabbing silver. It is in this tone however that the coupe's refined lines are most obvious, following through the bonnet to grace the flanks. Running your fingers through the creases allow one to further appreciate the clean, unadulterated styling cue of the coupe - an attribute that we have grown to love about iconic coupes.
You read this, and then you recall fondly (that is if your college days aren't too miserable) that there was such a person by the name of Maslow who came out with a hierarchy of needs. At the top it states 'self actualisation'. And you start to convince yourself that a sports car would fit the need of your highest self-esteem realisation. Sounds like mid-life crisis?
In any sense, any metal boxes on fours bearing the quad chrome rings will be princely perceived, especially one with a singular cabin entrance on either side.
We take a closer look at the base coupe variant of the A5 family.
Exterior
With our local roads awash with premium offerings, the A5's subtlety are distinct (no pun intended), especially when coated in a less attention-grabbing silver. It is in this tone however that the coupe's refined lines are most obvious, following through the bonnet to grace the flanks. Running your fingers through the creases allow one to further appreciate the clean, unadulterated styling cue of the coupe - an attribute that we have grown to love about iconic coupes.
|
The most distinctive change noticeable by the naked eye has got to be the daytime-running lamps. The trend-setter in the business, and arguably still the best running, the lamps exude a unique aura. But even so, it is still quite hard to tell the facelifted model apart from its predecessor, be it day or night.
Audi's 2+2 retains a clean, simple yet modernistic styling |
Interior
Ingress to the cabin reveals a similar sentiment experienced with the exterior, one with immense familiarity. New to the refreshed model are the sleeker-looking gear lever and a re-worked control assembly, for the betterment of ergonomics. While stitching is done in a less racy white (as opposed to red in the S5), the sculptured steering instils a greater sense of confidence.
Sculptured steering a delight to behold; new 'loop-sided' gear lever aimed at ergonomics enhancement
Ingress to the cabin reveals a similar sentiment experienced with the exterior, one with immense familiarity. New to the refreshed model are the sleeker-looking gear lever and a re-worked control assembly, for the betterment of ergonomics. While stitching is done in a less racy white (as opposed to red in the S5), the sculptured steering instils a greater sense of confidence.
| |
Non-exclusive to the lineup, the coupe's interior can be highly customised with an exhaustive list of optional accessories and trim levels. The standard stereo pumps out adequate beats to the music, while audiophiles can opt for the premium Bang & Olufsen system.
Our test car came without the MMI navigation system, which also meant that infotainment controls are mounted on the central panel, instead of a more convenient location atop the transmission tunnel.
Practicality wise, the coupe comes with a proper-sized boot, with wide opening to ensure ease of loading. Rear quarters still won't hold full-sized adults well for long journeys, but will suffice for urban commute.
Our test car came without the MMI navigation system, which also meant that infotainment controls are mounted on the central panel, instead of a more convenient location atop the transmission tunnel.
Practicality wise, the coupe comes with a proper-sized boot, with wide opening to ensure ease of loading. Rear quarters still won't hold full-sized adults well for long journeys, but will suffice for urban commute.
|
The Drive
As you would expect of any 2.0-litre powered chariot, the A5 is not what you would describe as blisteringly fast. Much is however, left for the force-induction to do the magic. With 211 bhp and 350 Nm of torque on tap, the coupe is no slow coach either, especially in our urban landscape where its fat torque band comes to good use from as low as 1,500rpm.
All thanks to the rigid chassis and suspension setup, the Coupe's body feels well composed, in spirited drives, be it on the straights or over bends. Consequentially, it is over road imperfections that occupants need to sacrifice the usual creature comforts.
Where the most significant works are done - 2.0-litre powerplant tweaked for better efficiency
While the car does not profess to do things for you (so far none of the Audis we sampled came with active lane assist), the drive certainly feels predictable - a relative breeze to tame the beast even at three-figure speeds. Like its stablemates, however, it lacks feedback at the helm, which is the only shortfall in creating engaging experience.
As you would expect of any 2.0-litre powered chariot, the A5 is not what you would describe as blisteringly fast. Much is however, left for the force-induction to do the magic. With 211 bhp and 350 Nm of torque on tap, the coupe is no slow coach either, especially in our urban landscape where its fat torque band comes to good use from as low as 1,500rpm.
All thanks to the rigid chassis and suspension setup, the Coupe's body feels well composed, in spirited drives, be it on the straights or over bends. Consequentially, it is over road imperfections that occupants need to sacrifice the usual creature comforts.
Where the most significant works are done - 2.0-litre powerplant tweaked for better efficiency While the car does not profess to do things for you (so far none of the Audis we sampled came with active lane assist), the drive certainly feels predictable - a relative breeze to tame the beast even at three-figure speeds. Like its stablemates, however, it lacks feedback at the helm, which is the only shortfall in creating engaging experience.
A myriad of cost options are available for the A5 coupe, many of which can alter radically the driving experience. For instance, the lack of visual proximity parking aids is likely to spawn questions on the car's footing in the premium segment.
Conclusion
In base guise, the A5 Coupe still retains the potency of its more powerful siblings, delivering what Audi cars have been renowned for - accomplished build quality and easy-to-go-fast driving characteristic.
There is no doubt that the particular example we have here leaves much to be desired - reverse camera, navigation system, larger alloys etc. All that however, can be solved with the simple ticking exercise on the list of cost options, which will beget an equivalent, if not exponential growth in monthly repayments.
Even in its basic form, the A5 charms with its practicality as a 2 + 2 coupe, satisfying the notion of an everyday sportscar. Holding steady at the forefront of Audi's foray in the Coupe segment, the facelifted A5 have eclipsed the predecessor in what it set off to do - Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through technology).
Conclusion
In base guise, the A5 Coupe still retains the potency of its more powerful siblings, delivering what Audi cars have been renowned for - accomplished build quality and easy-to-go-fast driving characteristic.
There is no doubt that the particular example we have here leaves much to be desired - reverse camera, navigation system, larger alloys etc. All that however, can be solved with the simple ticking exercise on the list of cost options, which will beget an equivalent, if not exponential growth in monthly repayments.
Even in its basic form, the A5 charms with its practicality as a 2 + 2 coupe, satisfying the notion of an everyday sportscar. Holding steady at the forefront of Audi's foray in the Coupe segment, the facelifted A5 have eclipsed the predecessor in what it set off to do - Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through technology).
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.9km/L
Horsepower
168kW (225 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
6.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A5 Coupe
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