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Saturday, March 12, 2011
Audi A5 delivers sensible sensuality
By Ken Walston
Journal Staff Writer
Audi's voluptuous A5 coupe is a study in sensible sensuality.
Its low, wide stance, enhanced with subtle bulges, gives the car the visual tension of a crouching panther. Devoid of excess — even the signature Audi grill looks circumspect — the compact coupe oozes conservative sophistication.
Looks aside, the A5 is a paragon of modern automotive design. Its smallish (for this class) four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power, but still sips fuel, returning a pleasing 29 miles per gallon on the open road. Nearly all of its competition employ six-cylinder powerplants, and several are quicker, but none can beat the Audi's blend of performance and thrift.
New this year is an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers rapid, unobtrusive shifts, enhancing the car's premium feel.
Our tester featured Audi's much-praised quattro all-wheel drive to supply reassuring all-weather grip. In conjunction with the optional Sport Package, the coupe devours curves with absolute confidence while still providing a surprisingly supple, subdued ride.
Notable are the car's disc brakes, which scrub off speed with amazing alacrity. What the new-this-year electronic power steering lacks road feel is more than made up in precision.
The cabin extends Audi's well-deserved reputation for interior design with an unassailable combination of Teutonic efficiency, modern styling and top-grade materials. The sport bucket seats (part of the aforementioned Sport Package) hold front occupants firmly in place but also provide superb long-distance comfort.
Gauges are highly legible and switchgear is generally well-located and not overly complicated. Fit and finish is unimpeachable.
Like most cars in this price range, especially those of European lineage, options can rapidly add to the bottom line. Our tester totaled just over $44 grand, a not-inconsequential sum, but given the car's alluring looks, dynamics and sensible economy, not that out of line.
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