Audi A5 Review

Audi A5 Review 1

Audi A5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Audi A5 ranks 13 out of 21 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Audi A5 may not be the fastest or sharpest-handling upscale midsize car, but the A5 makes up for it when it comes to style and fuel economy. From its delightful exterior to its handsomely appointed interior, the A5 is pleasing to nearly every reviewer’s eyes.

Although the 2011 Audi A5 is not the sportiest car in its class, plenty of testers enjoy what it is good at: looking good and returning better-than-expected fuel economy. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, the A5 produces an underwhelming 211 horsepower. But when you consider the coupe comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive – convertibles have standard front-wheel drive – and gets an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the A5 makes a good case for itself.

Most critics agree with Edmunds: “Thanks to its sleek and sexy styling, the 2011 Audi A5 could be a dog to drive and we'd still like it. Luckily, it's quite nice to drive, and fuel-efficient, too."

Other Cars to Consider

If you’re looking for an upscale midsize car, there is a noticeable bias towards performance in this class. With that said, the Audi A5 focuses on being more practical with a hint of sportiness.

If you’re shopping for a car that prioritizes luxury over sport, the Lexus ISconvertible deserves a shot. With two different motors, the IS comes in two flavors: a 2.5-liter V6 producing 204 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 making 306 horsepower. Additionally, because the IS convertible has a folding, metal hard-top, it serves as both a coupe and a convertible. However, that luxury eats up trunk space with the top down and the Lexus only comes in rear-wheel drive.

But if you prefer stronger sporting credentials, the BMW 3-Series is a better pick. Prepared to satisfy you with two powerful engines and optional all-wheel drive on coupes, the 3-Series is known for its razor-sharp handling and sporty suspensions. Keep in mind that the 3-Series’s sporty suspension can be harsh during daily driving.

Details: 2011 Audi A5

For 2011, the Audi A5 remains largely unchanged with exception of some engine changes and the repackaging of its options. In a move likely to upset enthusiasts wanting more power, Audi has discontinued the 3.2-liter V6 it used to offer in the A5. Now buyers will only have one engine choice with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

A high-performance A5, the S5, is available as a coupe or convertible, and is reviewed separately.

• "Given the influx of power-folding hardtops in the U.S. market, Audi seems poised to separate itself from the herd. The new A5 and S5 Cabriolets offer handsome styling, whether the top's up or down, impressive cargo capacity, and formidable street cred." -- Motor Trend
• "The A5 is a comfortable, rewarding car to drive, with a beautiful cabin and fuel economy that soars to about 30 mpg on the freeway. Beautiful and sensible -- now that's a combination to fall in love with."--Edmunds
• "All told, the 2011 Audi A5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for luxury, power and technology."--Automobile.com
• "Aside from a few changes to option packages, there are no significant changes for 2011."--Cars.com

Read more :  http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Audi_A5/

Audi A5 Review 2

Driving

Where Audi really needed to improve its game was in the driver involvement department. With the A5, it has just done that. The coupe features a wide track, its steering has been engineered from scratch, the quattro 4WD is biased towards the rear and the front axle has been moved forward 120mm to counteract understeer. All this work has had the desired effect. The A5 offers meaty steering, good turn-in and, impressively, a better sense of balance than the firm’s storing RS4. Thanks to its 4WD traction, the car is also very efficient through corners – especially slow ones. The trouble is, it doesn’t deliver the same feedback and sharpness as its arch-rival, the BMW 3-Series. Opting for the optional Sport pack would improve things – but would also hurt the ride quality. As standard, the Audi is comfortable, particularly on motorways where it has a quiet, forgiving ride. As for engines, the 3.0-litre TDI has been developed, and now delivers more power. It doesn’t feel like a normal diesel – it’s smoother, with good composure and minimal diesel-like rattles. It pulls cleanly from below 1,500rpm and revs to an impressive 5,200rpm. 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds is potent, though the gearbox is springy and transmits vibrations.MarketplaceThe A5 is impressive in the metal. It’s best viewed from a distance, where you can appreciate the subtle line that forms the car’s shoulder, and the sweeping roof that flows down into the bootlid, ending in a tiny lip spooler. If anything, we thing the rear is more successful than the generic nose, and the front end is only distinguished from other Audis by the standard xenon headlamps with their dramatic LED running lights. Up close, the first thing you notice is how low the A5’s roof is. When you open one of the relatively short doors, you seem to have to dip much lower to get in. but inside, it’s a full four-seater – finally, it’s a return to a market Audi abandoned in 1996. Built on the Modular Longitudinal Platform that will underpin the next A4, the Audi offers a fairly extensive range of engines, including the 3.0-litre TDI we tested, plus a 2.7-litre TDI, a 3.2-litre V6 petrol and the superb 4.2-litre V8 S5. There’s just the single bodystyle. Its arch rival is the BMW 3-Series Coupe – this car is a competitor to that model in absolutely every respect, and you know Audi has benchmarked its Munich counterpart to the nth degree. The Mercedes CLK is an alternative, as is the leftfield Peugeot 407 Coupe.OwningThe interior is all-new for the A5. We expect elements of the design to appear on the next A4, but in the meantime the Audi’s cockpit looks and feels unique. But that’s not to say it’s perfect. The new key is rather clumsy, the switches for the electric windows click nastily and the heating controls are fiddly. Nevertheless, the cabin has a quality feel, while the dash’s wraparound effect enhances this and provides a sense of space. You won’t benefit if you’re sitting on the cramped rear bench, though, while you’ll struggle to get your feet under the front seats. But what’s been taken from rear legroom has been given to the load bay – the A5’s 455-litre boot is huge. It’s pretty economical too, while retained values look extremely glittering.

Read more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/newreviews/209763/audi_a5.html#ixzz1U1uXImrb