Gorgeous new Audi A5 is here: SA info, prices

Published Mar 23, 2017

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Johannesburg – Audi’s all-new A5, launched in South Africa this week, sports an unashamedly evolutionary design, mostly because that’s just how Audi rolls but probably also due to the fact that its predecessor was described by its very own designer, the highly acclaimed Walter de Silva, as being the most beautiful car he’d ever created.

Nonetheless the new model's penman, Frank Lamberty, managed to infuse more attitude into its classically geometric three-box proportions, with a lower stance, swoopy new creases and a wider, flatter grille, ultimately giving the newcomer a more hunkered-down appearance. 

Despite its increased dimensions, which also result in more cabin space, the second-gen A5 is up to 60kg lighter than its predecessor.

The biggest design revolution takes place inside, where you’ll see a more horizontal dashboard design featuring a ‘floating’ 21cm colour screen, linked to a touch-pad, and those with deeper pockets can now opt for Audi’s 31.2cm ‘virtual cockpit’ instrument cluster and a 30-shade ambient lighting system. 

Other notable options include MMI navigation plus with Wi-Fi hotspot, Google Earth and Street View navigation, and wireless phone charging.

Wide range of engines

The South African engine range offers a good mix of turbo-charged four-cylinder petrol and diesel options and a potent new V6 in the S5. 

The least expensive A5, at R589 000, is the 2.0T FSI, rated at 140kW and 320Nm, and, as with all four-cylinder models, its engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic gearbox as standard. A 185kW/370Nm version of this motor is also offered, paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.0 TDI diesel is only available in one output guise – 140kW and 400Nm – and can be ordered with front-wheel drive or Quattro AWD.

The lead dog, until the RS5 arrives, is the latest S5, and it's shoved along by a redesigned 3-litre V6 turbo that’s good for 260kW and 500Nm, up 15kW and 60Nm on its predecessor, and mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic autobox. Expect 100km/h to come up in just 4.7 seconds.

The S5’s Quattro system has a mechanical centre diff that can send up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels if necessary, although only 60 percent makes its way to the back under normal driving conditions. The system is also assisted by a torque vectoring device and those seeking even sharper handling can opt for a ‘sport’ rear differential.

What standard features do I get?

The 140kW petrol and diesel base models come with automatic air conditioning, cruise control, MMI radio plus with Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, Audi Drive Select, indirect tyre monitoring system, seat upholstery with a mixture of real and artificial leather, Xenon plus headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

If you opt for the ‘Sport’ grade, you also get front sport seats, aluminium ellipse cabin inlays, 18-inch alloy wheels, bespoke grille and intake trim and chrome-tipped exhaust pipe,

The 185kW 2.0T FSI quattro adds electrically-adjustable front seats to the mix along with a rear parking aid.

Over and above all the abovementioned, the S5 gains Nappa leather trim, keyless start, Audi pre-sense, ‘S’ front seats with massage function, high-gloss package, 19-inch alloys and LED headlights.

RANGE AND PRICING

Model

Power/Torque

Price

Audi A5 Coupe

2.0T FSI S Tronic140kW/320NmR589 0002.0T FSI Sport S Tronic140kW/320NmR623 0002.0 TDI S Tronic140kW/400NmR619 0002.0 TDI Sport S Tronic140kW/400NmR653 0002.0 TDI Quattro S Tronic140kW/400NmR652 5002.0 TDI Sport Quattro S Tronic140kW/400NmR686 5002.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic185kW/370NmR723 5002.0T FSI Sport Quattro S Tronic185kW/370NmR757 599Audi S5 Coupe

3.0T V6 FSI Quattro260kW/500NmR928 000

ALTERNATIVES

Base petrol

Audi A5 2.0T FSI S Tronic140kW/320NmR589 000Mercedes C200 Coupe auto135kW/300NmR600 726BMW 420i Coupe auto135kW/270NmR615 596Mid petrol

Mercedes C300 Coupe auto180kW/370NmR695 922BMW 430i Coupe auto185kW/350NmR721 626Audi A5 2.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic185kW/370NmR723 500Lexus RC 200t EX180kW/350NmR748 900Base diesel

Audi A5 2.0 TDI S Tronic140kW/400NmR619 000Mercedes C200d Coupe auto125kW/400NmR643 300BMW 420d Coupe auto140kW/400NmR670 300Performance petrol

BMW 440i Coupe auto240kW/450NmR852 176Audi A5 3.0T V6 FSI Quattro260kW/500NmR928 000Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic auto270kW/520NmR935 282

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