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By
EWAN KENNEDY
7 May 2007
Audi Australia has just announced a grand tourer (GT) that
seems sure to push the German marque’s image higher in public
perception in this country. Which will do Audi no harm at all because
sales in this country are already rising significantly as potential
buyers are finally getting away from the Benz-or-BMW mindset.
Audi A5 was foreshadowed at the Melbourne Motor Show earlier
this year when we witnessed the world launch of the
high-performance variant, the Audi S5.
The new A5 coupe has the best interpretation yet of the latest
Audi single-frame grille them, with a grille that really dominates
the front yet doesn’t become overly aggressive. Note the clever
wave-form styling line that smoothly flows up and down as it makes
its way along the side of the car as it moves from the top of the
headlights to the upper corners of the taillights.
The long-wheelbase, short-overhang body gives a look of
stability that’s sure to be backed up by on-road behaviour.
Though Audi claims the A5 is a full four-seater we really find
it a bit on the tight side in the back seat. In any case who buys
a grand tourer to haul four people rapidly across continents? This
is very much a personal car for two very good friends. Friends who
want to carry a fair bit of luggage around (e.g. golf clubs!),
because a 455-litre boot is impressive in a car of this type.
It goes without saying that the interior has the typically
high-tech look that the company has done so well for years.
There's a lovely feeling of quality throughout, whether you choose
the leather or Alcantara trims. These are cars that will be able
to cosset their occupants in conditioned air while they are
listening to quality audio systems. And do so for hour after hour
as the cars waft through huge distances.
A large range of engines has been announced for the new Audi
A5. The four-cylinder turbo and V6 naturally-aspirated petrol
units, as well as a brace of V6 turbo-diesels. One of the latter
being a full on sporting unit that’s actually quicker than the
top petrol engine.
Thus pushing further the lessons learned by Audi while running
turbo-diesel engines to victory in the classic Le Mans 24-hour
race.
Just as interesting is the fact that the Audi-developed
direct-injected petrol engines aren't all that far behind the
turbo-diesel offerings.
Audi A5 goes on sale in Australia in October 2007, being on
display at the Sydney International Motor Show. Initially it will
be offered in 3.2-litre petrol engine format. Other models will
follow through 2008, including the high-performance S5 variant.
Prices for the A5 have yet to be finalised, but expect them to
begin at about $90,000 and finish under $100,000 for the topline
variant. Audi S8 will retail from approximately $130,000.
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Marque Publishing Company
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