Audi A5 Coupe 2007 - Present

The Audi A5 is something new for the German car giant. It's a new size that sits between the A4 and A6 (no shit Sherlock), and as such it's a slight oddity. Taking on the 3-Series and it's own smaller brother the A4 the A5 offers a decent level of performance but still somewhat confused positioning in the market place. It's Audi putting another option into a market in which it is already big and as such may take sales from itself but is likely to also take sales from Mercedes CLK as well as pinching some custom from BMW.

The body shape of the A5 is low and slick. The corners are all rounded and smooth and the headlights look like the eyes of a brooding gunslinger sizing up an enemy in the distance. On the inside front seat occupants are treated to exceptionally comfortable seats, with plenty of legroom, head and shoulder space. The back seats can't make quite such a boast and this is where the A5 fall into a confusion. It makes little sense to make a bigger car to an already established favourite among press and buyers alike, and make it smaller on the inside. The rear seats are well finished and comfortable but only really for a child as there is little in the way of leg and headroom. Access is also only really suitable for the young and supple. While in motion the car is a very calm and tranquil place to be. Road and engine noise make virtually no intrusion into the cabin, the suspension is nicely set up to balance razor sharp handling and comfort for all of the occupants (room permitting). The dash board and instruments are trademark Audi with good quality materials and eye catching red LED displays throughout. The cup holders are something of a disappointment in such a nicely finished car. They are merely two cup shaped holes in the centre console, where you would really expect something a bit more funky, and retractable.

Once on the road the driver is immediately reminded why they have opted for the A5 as it's a real delight to drive. The engine options are all useful with a choice of the 1.8 Turbo and 3.2 V6 petrol or 2.7 TDI and 4.2 diesel units. They are all decent performers with the small petrol option reaching 60 mph in 8.1 seconds on it's way to 140 mph and the smaller diesel managing 4 mph faster at the top end and 7.4 seconds for the sprint to 60 mph. However, if performance is what you're looking for then you're not going to be happy unless you're driving one of the two models that are clipped at 155 mph. The 3.2 V6 gets to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and the range topping 4.2 S5 Quattro gets there in 4.9 seconds, you'd better warn passengers before doing that to avoid any nervous breakdowns. The S5 has a decent spread of power throughout the rev range and is a very versatile and adaptable motor. With 349 bhp under your right foot you can't help feeling that you're the one in charge of the roads, so expect to get out of the car feeling confident and assured.

The handling is good and the ride comfortable, but the suspension being set for comfort means that the handling is a little flabby. Lets just put that into perspective and say that the A5 is a fine car and handles well under all but the sternest test, the sternest test is the remarkable 3-Series BMW and when compared to the Bavarian magician, the A5 is found out. The steering is accurate but lacks feedback somewhat. There is little in the way of body roll but being such a low slung shape the centre of gravity is low so it naturally resists roll. An excellent cruiser the A5 will eat up motorway miles like a stray dog will leftovers, but there are other cars that will do the same for a lower starting price.

The A5 can be viewed on one hand as a sensible bit of marketing for Audi as it gives them two good performers in the same class. The fact that they are both inferior to the 3-Series will make it a disappointment.

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