Mr. M

Thought you guys would like a more down-to-earth review instead of the S5 reviews...

Audi A5 3.2 Multitronic: Hey, good-looking

By Lee Nian Tjoe - May 5, 2007
The Straits Times

Looks count for a lot with coupes, and the A5 definitely has this area sewed up rather neatly. The marketing spiel pointed to the boxy Ur quattro from the 1980s, Audi's last GT car, as the A5's spiritual predecessor. But even in its time, that car was never considered beautiful. The A5, on the other hand, is a handsome machine.

The front may remind you of Audi's other two-door car, the TT. But the details are more delicate. The entire design climaxes at the other end, where alluring lines meet to form a taut behind. You won't miss the two sizeable tailpipes either.

As grand touring coupes go, the A5 exudes a presence and grace greater than other cars in its class. And it is not just a perception. The car boasts a longer wheelbase than both the BMW 3-series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

The cabin design focuses on making an impression. The dashboard architecture is similar to the well-appointed A6 sedan's. In addition, the car features a host of goodies not associated with junior executive class coupes.

These include the electronic parking brake, Audi's clever Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that manipulates everything from navigation to the sound system to the multi-zone climate control.

As in most latter-day Audis, the car displays above-par quality. But when finer details are concerned, like the tactility of the switchgear, the A8 is still the standard bearer.

Interior space is adequate. But as with any bona fide coupe, the cabin sits further away from the front bumper than a sedan's. Rear legroom ultimately depends on the generosity of occupants in front. Four tall people will find the accommodation acceptable, but only over short distances.

The tilted balance in favour of the engine room over occupant space reflects the car's emphasis on dynamic performance. By placing the front axle nearer the bumper than a typical Audi, and using lightweight aluminium for the suspension components, the engineers have managed an almost perfect front-rear weight distribution.

Disregarding the effects of generously endowed passengers tipping the actual balance, the benefits of having less weight dangling beyond the front wheels are easy to appreciate. You get a car that is more obedient to steering input, and one which is more effective in addressing common ailments like excessive squatting and diving.

On most fronts, the efforts to make the A5 an exciting car to drive (and not just to look at) have paid off. The 3.2-litre V6 front-wheel-drive version tested is a brilliant cruiser at any speed. It's pretty nimble on narrower country roads too. But the speed-sensitive steering could use more feel on the go.

A 354bhp 4.2-litre V8 S5 quattro is currently the only other petrol variant available, but Singapore will probably start off with a new 170bhp direct-injection 1.8-litre turbo.

As to how that new powerplant will fare in the coupe, we will just have to wait till next year to find out, won't we?

Price: $250,000 with COE (est)
Engine: 3,197cc 24-valve V6
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with manual select
Power: 265bhp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 330Nm at 3,000rpm
0-100kmh: 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 250kmh
Fuel consumption: 12.5 litres/100km (city)
Agent: Premium Automobiles

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