Test drive: Audi A5 Sportback

Audi’s refreshed A5 model series has now arrived in showrooms across the Middle East. The Sportback, the Coupé and the Cabriolet models now feature cutting-edge technologies which make them even more efficient, sporty and powerful — regarding the engines, the chassis and infotainment alike.

The new A5 family sets standards for sportiness and efficiency. Audi has expanded the engine portfolio for the A5 range in the Middle East and now offers a new entry-level 1.8 TFSI multitronic, a 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and a 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic for all body variants. The 3.0 TFSI generates 272 hp and represents the first time Audi offers a supercharged V6 in the A5 Sportback and Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI A5 Cabriolet now features quattro four-wheel drive as a standard.

All the engines are turbocharged direct-injection units which provide plenty of torque; even the entry-level engine delivers 320 Nm of torque. The start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard in every version. Their CO2 emissions have been reduced by up to eighteen percent. The A5 Coupé sips a mere 5.8 l/100 km — which equates to 134 grams of CO2 per km — the best of any vehicle in its class.

The revised design gives clear visual expression to their revitalised character. On the outside the new Audi A5 features a new high-gloss, black single-frame grille and bumper, sleek fog lights as well as xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights and rear lights. Crisply rendered edges give the Audi A5 a broader, flatter appearance while maintaining outstanding crash-safety.

The A5 models’ interiors have become even more elegant. Audi equips the interior with new steering wheels, upholstery, inlays and colours, a new automatic selector lever, understated chrome braces on the controls as well as overhauled buttons, instrument cluster and centre console.

The assistance systems on the A5 have been upgraded with new functions, including the break recommendation which monitors the driver for signs of tiredness, and the enhanced adaptive cruise control. Audi active lane assist and side assist support the driver in remaining in lane and during lane changes. The infotainment systems in the new A5 range have been fundamentally advanced. The latest generation of the optional MMI navigation plus, the top-of-the-range version, features a large hard-disk drive, a DVD player and a seven-inch color monitor with 3D navigation mapping. The Bluetooth online car phone (option) offers navigation via Google Earth images and a WLAN hotspot.