Audi Launches A5 Coupe
Shah Alam, 13 July 2010 – Euromobil today unveiled one of the most captivating Sports coupes I have seen around for quite a while. All it takes is one look, and you will fall in love with its sleek shape, beautiful lines, and timeless form – if you can afford the RM399k, (and I can’t), it will be a car you buy and never want to sell, because one day, it will be a collector’s item. Yes, I am talking about the Audi A5 Coupe – – it is a car that will make you throw away all those notions that a two door car is impractical, that it is difficult for passengers to get in and out – the sheer beauty of it will mesmerize you and if you even had just enough to pay the instalments and eat nothing but roti canai for the next 3 years, you might just put your John Hancock on the sales order.
There are many variants, including a 3.2 litre version, but the main star on show today at the launch was the 2.0 litre TSFI engine that produces 211 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the all four wheels Audi Quattro style through a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. Shod with 18-inch wheels, and 245/40 R 18 tyres, zero to one hundred kilometres per hour is achieved in a sizzling 6.5 seconds, while top speed is a respectable 245 kilometres per hour. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres (EU combined cycle), but in real world terms, if you have a heavy foot, don’t count on it. It is really up to you where you want to balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy – I will bet that if you buy the A5 Coupe, you will be one who enjoys driving, and driving hard. Still, there will be some who will get reasonable economy that could be close to the rated figure, but these would be those who are really buying the A5 Coupe for the shape (and bragging rights).
With the A5 Coupe, comes a long list of goodies – in terms of safety, you get a total of six airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) for better traction around corners and when one wheel slips, ABS, EBD, and BA. An electronic immobilizer is standard equipment, and those with precious small cargo can attach child seats to the ISOFIX mountings in the front passenger and rear seat.
Inside, the instrumentation is functional, with analogue meters where it matters (tachometer and speedometer). The front seats are bound in Milano leather with embossed S-line (high grade specification) logos. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel features multi-function, and is leather covered, with shift paddles mounted within easy reach.
Tasteful matt brushed aluminium inlays are placed around the cockpit to give the A5 Coupe a sporty look, and the front seats are electrically controlled, including electric lumbar adjustment. For comfort, there is three zone air-conditioning, and for convenience, the rear seats fold down for more space. An electrically operated rear blind keeps the hot sun off your back if you are sitting in the rear seats.
At the front, there are Xenon adaptive headlights, and LED daytime running lights, supplemented by halogen front and rear fog lights. Headlight washers are standard equipment, as are LED turn signals integrated in the wing mirrors. The tail lamps are of LED type.
In the entertainment department, you get with the A5 Coupe, Ipod and USB interface, an Audi Symphony radio, a 6 CD changer and a SD card reader. Sound comes from a Bang and Olufsen 10 channel amplifier with 14 speakers and 505 watts total output. The on board computer gives information on fuel range, average fuel consumption, average speed, average driving time, and service interval. A navigation system is available as an optional extra.
For driving comfort and dynamics, there is the Audi Drive Select system that allows three driving modes – Auto, Comfort and Dynamic modes. With the A5, you can also restart on a slope without fear of rolling backwards with the Audi Hill Hold Assist. Other features include a tyre pressure monitor, light and rain sensor, a parking aid, cruise control and dynamic steering.
As you can see, the Audi A5 doesn’t just cost you money – it provides plenty of value in return for your investment – so you can start beating a path to the nearest Audi showroom – I hear the waiting time is about four months, at this moment!
