A5 range revamped by Audi 13 | 07 | 2011
AUDI IS TO give its A5 range a midl-life update, including refreshed styling, new engines and chassis tweaks. The changes are aimed at giving the visual appeal, fuel economy and dynamic ability of all the models in the range — coupé, cabriolet and Sportback — a boost.
Order books for the new-look A5 open across Audi's Scottish dealership network in early September, ahead of the first cars reaching UK showrooms in early December.
One of the main styling updates for the A5 is a bolder look for the front headlights; these now have Audi's ‘wave’ LED design as seen on the A1, A6 and A8.
The front-end of the A5 is now also flatter and wider-looking, while there's also a new bumper and redesigned lights with optional LEDs.
Inside the cabin, the changes are rather more subtle. There's a new steering wheel design, a revised optional MMI infotainment system, a new finish for the instrument panel and centre console, a range of new upholstery and trim options, plus a new selector for automatic transmissions. There's also a new five-seat option available for the A5 Sportback.
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Across the range, CO2 emissions are down by as much as 22% in some models, and fuel consumption has fallen, on average, by 11%. There are three petrol and four diesel powerplants in the new range and all feature direct injection and forced induction, as well as stop-start and an energy recuperation system as standard.
The range starts now with the four-cylinder petrol 1.8 TFSI which has been substantially revised. It now produces 168bhp (up from 158bhp) and delivers 49.6mpg, up from 39.8mpg, and CO2 emissions of 134g/km, down from 164g/km.
And while the 2.0 TFSI’s power output remains unchanged at 211bhp, there's also a new 268bhp supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 which has been added to the line-up.
The entry-level diesel e — which returns 60.1mpg and emits 122g/km of CO2 when mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in the A5 coupé — is the 175bhp 2.0TDI.
The A5’s diesel line-up is completed by three V6 engines. A 3.0 TDI is available with either 201bhp or 242bhp, and they will be joined later in the A5’s life cycle by a low-emissions model which already meets EU6 emissions regulations.
In terms of tweaks to the A5's chassis, there's revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning for “precise handling and greater comfort”. Standard across the range are new 17in alloys, though options are available up to 20ins.
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Mark Stephens