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By EWAN
KENNEDY
18 May 2009
Audi
has delved into the vast resources of the Volkswagen Group to add
a more affordable engine variant to the classy A5 model. And, to
top it off, the proven 2.0 TFSI petrol engine can be linked to the
seven speed S-Tronic auto shifter, featuring a double-clutch
changer and is also quattro all wheel drive. A six-speed manual is
also available for those who like DIY.
The new A5 package is impressive: the four cylinder engine can
return 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres. If needed the same car can
rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
The classy A5 coupe with its new heart comes to market at $79,990
for the manual and $83,500 for the S-Tronic auto. These now form
the entry level for the A5 with 3.0-litre diesel and 3.2-litre FSI
variants all in the $94,500 to $98,500 bracket. The S-Tronic
transmission has been adapted from front wheel drive use where it
was found in Audi TT and A3. It is also utilised in the sporty A4,
A5 and recently launched Q5 SUV.
The 2.0 TFSI, four times engine-of-the-year winner, is a surefire
hit in the A5. It pumps out 350 Nm of torque and combined with the
road-hugging suspension and quattro all-wheel-drive ensures the A5
goes as well as it looks. The engine combines direct fuel
injection and turbocharging with Audi's new valvelift system. This
varies valve lift on the exhaust valves for increased power output
and best possible fuel economy.
The launch was conducted on hilly, twisting roads in Sydney's
Hawkesbury River region. We had the opportunity to drive both
gearbox variants.
Interestingly, Audi claims the seven-speed S-Tronic, with a shift
time of 0.2 of a second, is slightly more economical than the
manual, a rarity in automotive terms. We found no evidence of any
turbo-lag with either transmission.
The A5 is a tar-hugger that corners flatly at speed. The steering
is light but has good road feel, and the S-Tronic transmission is
responsive while barreling out of tight corners. Such was the
terrain we did not get the six-speed manual any higher than fourth
gear, but sufficient to say the do-it-yourself shifter is well
mated to the engine, with slick changes and a light clutch pedal
supplying manual drivers with a significantly sporty experience.
The self-locking centre differential controls torque distribution
with 40 per cent going to the front and 60 per cent to the rear.
But, it can deliver as much as 85 per cent to the back end.
The new A5 engine is well-timed in the current economic climate.
When the A5 was launched in December 2007 it did so with the 3.2
FSI multitronic at $95,300. This was followed by the 3.2 FSI
quattro tiptronic ($98,500) in June 2008 and the diesel variant,
the 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic ($94,500) in December 2008.
With the new variants more than $10,000 under other models, it
should see the A5 continue its sales success. To date the segment
is 6 per cent down in the current economic climate, but A5 is up
49 per cent.
“Bringing a more affordable four cylinder engine to the market
in the A5 is an important move for us,” said John Roberts, Audi
Australia's product planning manager.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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