Best of both worlds for Audi A5

Nov 6 2008 Steve Hughes

Best of both worlds for Audi A5

AUDI is aiming to offer the best of both worlds with its sleek A5 coupe, which now comes with the option of a 50mpg diesel engine and a sport package.

The new oil-burner uses the more powerful 170bhp version of the company's two-litre turbodiesel unit that is also to be found beneath the bonnet of the A4 saloon and Avant models.

In the case of the A5 it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and comes with a choice of front wheel drive from £24,485 or permanent four wheel drive from £30,010.

The order book is open now for first deliveries from March with the further option of Sport versions costing £29,435 and £30,960 plus S line models with prices of £30,735 for front wheel drive and from £32,260 for the quattro.

In standard form the newcomer has an official economy figure of 53mpg and a CO2 rating of 140g/km despite brisk acceleration to 60mph in just 8.3 seconds.

The optional Sport upgrade, which becomes available on all A5 models, costs £950 and includes 18-inch ten-spoke V-design alloy wheels and sports seats plus sports suspension lowered by 20mm. This suspension set-up is also included as part of the new S line specification, which is also available on all models.

It includes 18-inch five-spoke S line alloy wheels, a different S line front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions, S line treatments for the interior and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Also included are a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, S line embossed sports seats upholstered in leather, a perforated leather gear knob, three-zone climate control, rear acoustic parking, driver's Information System in colour and an Audi Concert audio system with single CD and ten speakers.

It costs £2,250 and comes with the no-cost option of an even more driver-focused suspension set-up.

The addition of the 2.0 TDI model means there are now half a dozen different engines on offer, comprising 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre V6 diesels, a pair of 2.0-litre petrol units and a 3.2-litre V6 petrol.