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Updates for Audi's A5 stunners

Audi has updated its A5 model range with a freshened look, new technologies and – importantly – new and more powerful engines. Sadly, the non-turbo 4.2 V8 has been dumped from the S5.

Changes to the looks oft he elegant range are slight - nNew bumpers, revamped grilles and a few more curves and edges. Head and tail lights have been redesigned and employ xenon plus and LED daytime running lights are now standard across the range.

Additionally, the Sportback, Coupe, Cabriolet, S5 and RS5 also have fuel-saving technologies such as an automatic start/stop and recuperation systems, regardless of engine.

The new A5 line-up now includes two new diesel TDI and petrol TFSI units and, given Audi’s range of drivetrains, a number of transmissions are offered,.

The output of the 2.0 TFSI is unchanged at 155kW/350Nm but new to the line-up is the 200kW supercharged three-litre TFSI V6 with 400Nm of torque. It replaces the non-turbo 3.2 V6.  

The four-cylinder diesel engine range comprises a new 130kW/380Nm 2.0 TDI and a 180kW/500Nm 3.0 TDI, a particularly clean diesel that, Audi says, will make this A5 the first coupe to meet Euro6 diesel emission standards.

OPTIONS, OPTIONS


Front-wheel drive models are mated to a multitronic CVT, and quattro models are fitted with seven-speed S tronic. Cars equipped with quattro and S tronic also feature a crown-gear centre differential with torque vectoring first seen on the RS 5.

Other A5 models, according to Audi, have updates to the chassis: it's more finely tuned and, for increased feedback, electromechanical power-steering is new to the A5 range.

Audi’s "drive select" system (which adjusts the power-steering assistance) throttle sensitivity and automatic transmission shift points in Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Efficiency” modes, is optional and activated by a button on the dash.

New paint finishes are used for the instrument cluster and centre console and there’s a new selection of upholstery.. Five seats for the A5 Sportback are also now optional.

A host of standard assistance features, including a new driver information system that recommends driving breaks, adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assistance make their debut in the A5.

S + RS = FUN

The adaptations to the S5 and RS 5 should please speed fiends. The S5, in Sportback, coupe or cabriolet configurations, is powered by a supercharged 3.0 TFSI engine producing 245kW but which, Audi claims, is 20% more efficient than the V8 it replaces. Average fuel consumption for the V6 is listed as 8.1 litres/100km.

Visually, the updated S models feature new lights, modified body details, new crystal-effect paint finishes and subtle changes to the interior.
 
Along with the addition of the crown-gear center diff and electromechanical power -teering, S sport suspension and the 18” wheels are also standard.

At the top of the range, the RS 5 Coupe receives a similar update to the rest of the range although its new grille and bumpers have a decidedly more athletic appearance.

The Audi RS 5 retains its non-turbo, 4.2 FSI V8 which generates 331kW at 8250rpm and peak torque of 430Nm between 4000 and 6000rpm and launches the coupe to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds - just 0.2 slower than the new BMW M5. With the seven-speed S tronic, Audi claims a fuel consumption figure of 10.8 litres/100km.

Standard equipment includes 10-spoked, 19” forged aluminium wheels, MMI 3-G satellite navigation and a quattro sports differential.
 
PRICES:

 
Audi A5, S5 and RS 5 Coupé:

2.0 TDI multitronic FWD - R437 000
2.0T FSI multitronic FWD - R457 000
2.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R477 000
3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R571 000
3.0 TDI S tronic  quattro - R569 000
S5 3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R675 000
RS 5 4.2 V8 S tronic quattro - R908 000
 
Audi A5 and S5 Sportback:
2.0 TDI multitronic FWD - R427 000
2.0T FSI multitronic FWD - R447 000
2.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R467 000
3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R561 000
3.0 TDI S tronic quattro - R559 000
S5 3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R665 000

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet:
2.0 TDI multitronic FWD - R497 000
2.0T FSI multitronic FWD - R517 000
2.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R537 000
3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R631 000
3.0 TDI S tronic quattro - R629 000
S5 3.0T FSI S tronic quattro - R735 000
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