Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro MT6 Coupe. What’s not to like. Well we’ll look at a few things but overall this is a sweet automobile from our friends in Germany, of course. Following a look see at the A4 and A3, the A5 climbs the ladder of luxury sports cars in the Subcompact class. Of course a coupe has but two doors and a smaller back seat which is just fine for that youthful perceived need for performance, looking cool and of course not in need of a car for a budding young family.
The 2.0 liter engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and is the same engine I tested in the A4. The 6-speed manual transmission in this A5 delivers better fuel economy than the automatic and fits the sportiness theme. Truly a beautiful car.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 75%, Engine – Hungary.
Assembly – Ingolstadt, Germany
Class: – Subcompact
Cars: – A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q5, Q7, R8, RS4, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT
For some reason the brakes on this A5 weren’t “Grabby” as I reported on the A4 so I have to assume it was an anomaly. I also suspect the 0-60 performance of about 6.5 seconds is more impressive in the A5 because it hauls less weight and the manual transmission provides more performance generally.
Styling:
A big thumbs up to all Audi products but this is special. I’ve always leaned toward coupes with only two doors for sleek design but I think that people today are generally more practically minded and would opt for 4 doors. It just makes life easier and 4 doors are increasingly more acceptable to more people. 40 years ago 4-doors were for ‘old’ people.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
In keeping with the entire line of Audi the badge and snob appeal keeps the price at the upper limits of my threshold of pain. But relative to the performers in this class (kinda) the A5 goes more head to head with Infiniti and BMW. Mercedes is a notch up in class I feel and Corvette, well Corvette is simply raw power and a thrill a minute performance.
Conveniences and comfort:
All the Audi cars I’ve tested this year have been as comfortable as cars get by any standards. Naturally all models utilize the same electronics so they fall into the trap of being more confusing than most of us like. Controls simply need to be more intuitive.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you’re in the fast lane and your career is smok’n this is right up your road to looking good and prosperous.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A5 AWD $36-45,000, Mercedes-Benz CLK Class $48-64,000, BMW 3 $34-51,000, Infiniti G Coupe $36-39,000, Infiniti EX $34-37,000, Chevrolet Corvette $49-117,000.
Good News:
Great performer, comfortable ride and elegantly stylish.
Bad News:
Electronics controls are not to my liking – just not intuitive enough.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 211 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission quarto permanent all wheel drive, 18” 10 spoke alloy wheels, electronic stabilization program, ABS, halogen headlights, tire pressure monitoring system, front fog lights, leather 8-way power seats, leather wrapped sport steering wheel, auto climate control, stereo with CD player, SIRIUS satellite radio, 10 speaker 180 watt sound system, power windows & locks, trip computer, front and side and side curtain airbags, anti-theft alarm system, valet key, LATCH for children.
Options:
Premium plus: model $3,500 – 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, Led daytime running lights, three zone climate control, heated front seats, rain / light sensor.
Navigation package with camera: $2,500 – Audi navigation, voice control for radio/phone/navigation, color driver info system, rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
19” sport package $1,450 – 19” allow wheels with high performance tires, front sport seats, sport suspension, shift paddles (auto trans only).
$2.85/ Gal avg. November 12, ‘09
for more information.
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $36,000 – With options $44,675.
