Audi A5

The Audi A5 coupe gets pretty good reviews, and it isn’t hard to see why. It’s a smart looking beast, infused with all the normal Audi qualities like an exemplary interior and strong engines.

Interior

Audi is on a roll with interiors, and the A5 is no exception. Everything feels and looks high quality. Space in the back is less than you’d get in an A4 though, and some testers had concerns about the driving position and the location of some switches.

Driving

While Audi does top work on its interiors, testers are rarely as keen on the way they drive. The A5 suffers similar problems.

While it handles tidily, it’s a long way off the agility of a BMW 3-Series and testers say it has a tendency of crashing through potholes. Quattro models have the advantage of extra traction in poor weather conditions.

Engines

Typically, a vast range of engines is available. A 2.0-litre TDI (diesel) and 1.8 and 2.0-litre TFSI (petrols) kick off the range, and both have more than enough urge to punt you down the road. Offering even more are the 3.0-litre diesels, which are refined and suit the character of the car perfectly, but still get 57mpg in some models.

Want to go ballistic? The Audi S5 is the one you’ll want, with its 333bhp. Recent improvements have liberated even greater economy for every engine in the rage, and car tax is very low for some models, particularly the 2.0 TDIs.

Value for money

A5s are priced competitively with rivals but it’s largely about deciding how much you’ll pay for the badge. Quattros can seem expensive. The TFSI petrols are relatively cheap next to the diesels, but you’ll get more miles from a gallon with the latter. Thanks to excellent economy, the 2.0 TDIs in particular will be inexpensive to run - tax is only £30 a year.

Worth noting

Some testers question whether the Quattro system is really worth the extra £1,500 or so you’ll pay over the regular models, reasoning that all A5s are fairly sure-footed. If you want a bit of extra security on the roads over Winter, it could be worth the outlay.

Conclusion

The Audi A5 comes recommended by the press. You might not find it to be the most fun of all the prestige coupes on the market, but there’s a lot to be said for the sleek styling and an interior of incredibly high quality. For some, the draw of the four rings on the grille will be all they need to make the decision.