Audi adds some pop to its stylish A5 range with a number of updates spanning the coupe, cabriolet and Sportback models.
The changes are mostly cosmetic although changes beneath the metal are detailed, too.
Physically, Audi appears to draw a stronger relation between the A5 models and their A6 sibling, particularly with the new headlight unit with LED daytime running lights and the new tail light arrangement. A new front bumper with larger air inlets, revised grille and fog lamps are some of the other improvements.
Different colours have been added to the palette (four colours are now available for the A5’s canvas roof) and fresh materials are used to trim the cabin.
HERE AND THERE
New steering wheels, an updated steering column and a host of different stalks, buttons and dials splashed across the cabin are also part of the update, although Audi seems particularly proud of its MMI infotainment system’s “significant” upgrade.
All Audi’s now come with an eight-speaker audio system, while the top-of-the-range navigation plus (with hard drive, colour screen, 3D graphics and DVD player) has fewer buttons and a joystick control for choosing songs. Another new option is Audi connect that basically turns the car’s cabin into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected while on the move via their mobile devices.
FUEL SAVERS WITH PUNCH
Hidden from view, the TDI turbodiesel and TFSI petrol units used all benefit from fuel-saving forced induction plus direct fuel injection, while start-stop technology and an energy-harvesting braking system are now standard across the range.
The biggest change in the engine range is the evidence that Audi’s trooper, the naturally aspirated 195-kW 3.2-litre V6, makes way for the 200-kW supercharged V6 TFSI currently seen in a range of Ingolstadt’s products.
The 155-kW 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged, while the only diesel in the local range, the 3.0 TSI, gets a boost from 176 to 180kW.
Audi says the A5’s chassis has been more tuned for sportier driving while electromechanical power steering makes its debut in the range.
Audi SA has confirmed that the updated A5 coupe, cabriolet and Sportback models will be available in South Africa from the first quarter of 2012. However, local representatives were unable to say when changes would be rolled out to the sportier S5 variants and the range-topping RS5.
The changes are mostly cosmetic although changes beneath the metal are detailed, too.
Physically, Audi appears to draw a stronger relation between the A5 models and their A6 sibling, particularly with the new headlight unit with LED daytime running lights and the new tail light arrangement. A new front bumper with larger air inlets, revised grille and fog lamps are some of the other improvements.
Different colours have been added to the palette (four colours are now available for the A5’s canvas roof) and fresh materials are used to trim the cabin.
HERE AND THERE
New steering wheels, an updated steering column and a host of different stalks, buttons and dials splashed across the cabin are also part of the update, although Audi seems particularly proud of its MMI infotainment system’s “significant” upgrade.
All Audi’s now come with an eight-speaker audio system, while the top-of-the-range navigation plus (with hard drive, colour screen, 3D graphics and DVD player) has fewer buttons and a joystick control for choosing songs. Another new option is Audi connect that basically turns the car’s cabin into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected while on the move via their mobile devices.
NOSEY: The A5's sculptured new front end on display.
FUEL SAVERS WITH PUNCH
Hidden from view, the TDI turbodiesel and TFSI petrol units used all benefit from fuel-saving forced induction plus direct fuel injection, while start-stop technology and an energy-harvesting braking system are now standard across the range.
The biggest change in the engine range is the evidence that Audi’s trooper, the naturally aspirated 195-kW 3.2-litre V6, makes way for the 200-kW supercharged V6 TFSI currently seen in a range of Ingolstadt’s products.
The 155-kW 2.0 TFSI remains unchanged, while the only diesel in the local range, the 3.0 TSI, gets a boost from 176 to 180kW.
Audi says the A5’s chassis has been more tuned for sportier driving while electromechanical power steering makes its debut in the range.
Audi SA has confirmed that the updated A5 coupe, cabriolet and Sportback models will be available in South Africa from the first quarter of 2012. However, local representatives were unable to say when changes would be rolled out to the sportier S5 variants and the range-topping RS5.