Just when the svelt and sexy A5 was beginning to look dated amongst its competitiors, Audi reveals the updated and face-lifted model.
Photos: Low Fai Ming
No matter, Audi has launched the 'new' A5/S5 range. Complete with a new wedge-styled headlight design, beveled single grille and new materials inside, the freshened cars will come in the full range of three body types, the Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback.
The range of engines will include a new 1.8-litre turbocharged unit producing 170 bhp, but more importantly, 320 Nm of torque! Likely to be the volume seller, the estimated price with today's COE prices is $235,500 for the Sportback. Other engines available are the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6 in the S5 models, and a range of diesel engines to suit buyers wanting to capitalise on the new reduced diesel taxes.
The S5 Cabriolet is the top-of-the-range model. A 3.0 TFSI engine with 333 bhp now powers every version of the S5 line, including the Coupé. The 4.2-liter V8 is no more. So while you may lose that orgasmic V8 soundtrack, you'll gain some economy, as the supercharged V6 requires 20 percent less fuel on average. Performance is not hampered (by much) either. The S5 Coupé will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
Being the first diesel-powered coupe to be offered in Singapore, the A5 naturally has a range of diesel models on offer. The punchy 3.0 TDI unit returns with 245bhp and 500Nm of torque that takes the car from nought to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds! A new 2.0 TDI is available as well.
The most obvious way to tell the old and the new - wedge-shaped headlights with new LED technology. Other new tech options are also available for speccing up. Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and the updated adaptive cruise control, are among them.
The interior, while largely the same, gets some new materials and colors. The controls have become even more intuitive as well with some repositioned and redesigned switches. The gearshift has also been ergonomically reshaped for a better grip.
Priced from $235,500 for the entry-level A5 Sportback, to $346,150 for the S5 Cabriolet, Audi's sporty-segment model looks set to freshen up the market again. More of it when we get the keys to one.
