Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2012 Audi A5 2.0T Coupe quattro tiptronic two door coupe. Audi has great distinctive styling, smooth ride, comfortable and put together to please the most fussy and particular car guy or gal. You’re gonna love this car.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 1%, Germany 75%. It is assembled in Ingolstadt Germany. Classification is Sub Compact. Cars from Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, allroad, Q5, Q7, TT, R8.
Opinion:
Protocol and etiquette on the Highway. There are rules of the road and then there are common sense courtesies that should be automatic to anyone and observed without anyone saying anything to you. It should be obvious that when road conditions change because of weather or traffic flow (faster or slower than posted speeds) you must adjust. We all need to be more aware of our surroundings and adapt to ever changing conditions, or as Richard says, the enemy will eat your liver.
Yes you can drive in the number one lane at 55 mph but you shouldn’t. If all other traffic is doing 65 or 75, move over if you must go slower than the flow of traffic. It won’t hurt you to do that for others who you must share the highway. And you are not there to do the job of the CHP in deciding how fast is safe.
I will take the opportunity here to say once again that 65 is way too slow for today’s highways and the cars we drive. Our State knows that, but they need the money honey, so they can continue to live beyond OUR means. Vote the buggers out of office when they come up for re-election. We have the power ultimately to change how government works. Presently they DON’T work. They live off of you and me.
Handling & Performance:
Well, it is a nice performer but it’s not fair to have to compare it with the Audi TT I tested the prior week that was simply a spectacular handling sport car. But in balance the TT is a two seater and I like the convenience and comfort of the A5 more than the performance of the smaller car. At other times in my life that would have been a reverse opinion. So we all must consider the purpose and need of any car we buy. This Coupe just fits the bill perfectly for more all around utility.
Styling:
Distinctively Audi in a sea of commonplace cars. Nice Job Audi.
Fit and Finish:
Interior assembly is not only excellent, it is elegant.
Cost:
About what I expected and more than I’d like to pay and less than the little more you get from more expensive luxury cars… know what I mean. At some point there are diminishing returns on what you have to pay for what you get. And they don’t get much prettier.
Conveniences and comfort:
I want more – I need less – so it’s a toss-up. It’s all good stuff and it has that classy look. It is comfy and a car I would own. The model I drove had the premium Plus package that includes Bluetooth and navigation but I have nav on my iPhone and also have a hands free portable device. I prefer Bluetooth built in but wouldn’t pay the extra money for the package. If, however, I could have just those features out of the package, that I would do. The upgrade package’s can add $9,000 to the price of this car.
Fair size trunk. Roomy front seats unless you have rear seat passengers who will need to share your legroom. Perfect for the young executive family. If you’re a golfer however the trunk is a little tight (narrow) for a pro-size bag. I’ve thought of getting rid of that big bag anyway.
Consumer Recommendation:
In the old days when I owned an auto repair shop, we did a lot of Audi’s but that was well before Volkswagen was involved and it is such a good company I’m comforted a lot as I have tested all of the Audi product. And in context with all the competitors listed here, it is at the top of the list of cars I would buy. For example, I love Hyundai and in particular the Equus (in the second year of production) is special but I wouldn’t spend $20 grand more for the Equus even though it is more luxurious. The A5 is great, and I get that from a lot of car guys that review cars as I do.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A5 $39,000, Infiniti G Convertible $47,000, Infiniti EX $36,000, Cadillac CTS $39,000, Mercedes-Benz E Class $50,000, BMW 3-Series $35,000, BMW 6 Series $74,000, Infiniti G Coupe $38,000, Lexus IS C $41,000, Volvo C70 $40,000, Chevrolet Corvette $50,000, Hyundai Equus $59,000, Chevrolet Camaro $23,000.
Good News:
Great styling and elegant inside and out, fair fuel economy, nice handling and power.
Bad News:
None noted.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter TFSI turbocharged 4 cylinder 211 horsepower engine, 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, Quattro all wheel drive with 40/60 torque split, 18” wheels, electronic stability control, electromechanical steering, 5-link front suspension and trapezoidal–link rear axle, tire pressure monitor, anti-lock braking system, sun roof with retractable sunshade, halogen headlights and front fog lights, rain and light sensors, heated power mirrors, leather seats, 12-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel, on board computer information system, climate control, cruise control, audio with in dash CD player and SD card reader, Aux input jack, driver adaptive airbag, passenger advanced 2-stage airbag, side and knee airbags, anti-theft alarm, LATCH system, 4-year 50,000 mile limited warranty / 12 yr corrosion and 4-year roadside assistance.
Gas Stats:
$4.13/ Gal avg. August 30, 2012
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
20 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $39,050.
