Audi steals limelight with the launch of facelifted A5 range

The first generation of the A5 was one of the locals’ favourite in its segment since its debut in 2007, noticeably through the sheer number of A5 Coupes and Cabriolets roaming on our streets.  Capitalising on the success of the sporty two-door models, Audi introduced a new four-door Sportback variant in 2009. Now into its mid-lifecycle, the A5 range receives subtle changes on the outlook, with a lineup of more efficient drivetrain.

The A5 family
As with its predecessor, the face-lifted A5 will come in three body types – Coupe, Cabriolet, and a four-door Sportback. As the forbearer of daytime-running LEDs, the new A5 range sports a re-interpretation of the aesthetic niceties – now in a more dimensional wedge-form. 

The local-bound A5 coupe comes with Dynamic steering as standard. The A5 coupe, being the first coupe in the local market available with a diesel drivetrain, returns with a tweaked version of the 3.0-litre TDI V6 unit with 245hp and 500Nm of torque on tap, with a sprint-timing of 5.8 seconds from 0-100km/h.

The new A5 Cabriolet combines refinement with a true-blue open-top motoring experience. An optional acoustic top with added insulation is now available as an alternative to the standard fabric cover. The cabriolet also packs more practicality now than ever, with an array of accessories such as wind deflector, automatic front seatbelt feeds, and neck-level heating. Safety is not compromised either, with head-thorax side airbags and aluminium plates for enhanced roll-over protection.

Despite being the largest in the family, the A5 Sportback does not lose out on the sporty elements as compared to the others. The four-door features the visual-cues of a coupe, with the practicality of wagon. In base trim, the Sportback receives a new 1.8 TFSI engine, which is developed with fuel-economy and emission in-mind, without the compromise of performance. This model also marks the debut of a continuously variable multitronic transmission for the A5 range.

The new powerplants is proof of Audi’s technical advancements – engine downsizing at its best. The 3.0 TFSI features forced-induction technologies, boasting improved performance yet lower consumptions and lesser emissions when compared to the 3.2 FSI engine which it replaces. Except the A5 Sportback in 1.8 TFSI trim, all other variants in the A5 family receives Audi’s renowned quattro four-wheel drive system.

A5 S models
All three models in S-lineup, namely the S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback will feature the 3.0 TFSI powerplant, which replaces the 4.2-litre V8 in the predecessors. The super-charged V6 delivers 333hp, but sips fuel at the rate of 8.1 litres per 100km.

New to the S5 range is the electro-mechanical steering, which claims to improve the fuel efficiency by 0.6l/100km. Coupled with electronically controlled suspension, and the optional Audi drive select system, the S5 family now offers enhanced driving dynamics with up-rated versatility, and hence a more rewarding driving experience.