Audi A5/S5 Return of the coupe

Looks like Audi is coming of age and is finally on par with its German rivals. After revamping its whole line of base models, Audi is now focussing its energy on more specialized models. While these don’t exactly bring in a lot of money, they do a lot for the company’s image, proving that it has matured. Audi introduced two speed machines, the RS4 and R8, and is now back to grand touring coupes with the A5 and S5 models.When it comes to coupes, Audi is no novice. We all remember the first Audi quattro, affectionately called the Ur quattro, which was introduced in 1980 and sold in Europe until 1991. The major models in this market are now sport coupes, including the BMW 3 Series coupes and the Mercedes CLK. The new S5 might even match up with bullets like the Mercedes CLS and the BMW 6 Series - maybe not in terms of proportions, but in style and attitude.

Six or eight cylinders?

In Canada, the choice won’t be hard to make. The first car in this line is the A5 3.2 which, like the S5, will only be offered in Canada with quattro all-wheel drive. Hidden under the hood is a V6 engine making 265 horsepower. This model could use a little sprucing up, but prices for options haven’t been released yet. Look further down the line at the S5 4.2 and I bet you feel butterflies. It comes with the same engine as the S4, a 4.2-litre V8 that produces 354 horsepower. Both these engines have direct fuel injection, which Audi has dubbed FSI.

When the A5 and S5 are released this fall, they’ll only be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. If you want an automatic, which includes a Tiptronic mode, you’ll have to wait until next year. And forget a direct shift gearbox - these just aren’t compatible with longitudinal engines. Audi breaks new ground in Europe, where some of its models with front-wheel drive get an 8-speed automatic.

A matter of style

It’s no news that when it comes to cars, style sells. And this is especially true for coupes. One thing that Audi understands well is that these cars turn heads. Under the direction of Italian designer Walter de’Silva, Audi has produced one of its most stylish vehicles ever. In fact, de’Silva goes so far to say that it is Audi’s greatest beauty yet. Just one look and you feel that you have to have one.

The S5 is the most striking, since it has a number of sporty features. Its front end is particularly impressive, with the daytime driving lights made up of a row of LED lights in the optical unit, which gives the vehicle a unique and intimidating style.

When it comes to wheels, I’ve found Audi’s designs a little too classic. While this is true in the A5, I have to admit that the S5 really surprised me, breaking away from the manufacturer’s usual style. Designed to let you catch a glimpse of the black brake callipers, the wheels on the S5 do a lot for the overall look of the car.

Sitting in the lap of luxury

In keeping with its reputation for cushy interiors, Audi has lined the A5 and S5 with rich fabric. Yet it showed a little restraint and everything is in good taste, with just the right amount of sportiness. The designers clearly had driver comfort in mind when they put all the instruments and central console together in a single block. Ergonomically speaking, they couldn’t have done better.

Another nice touch is the perfectly integrated navigation system screen, which doesn’t interrupt the style. Each with four seats, the A5 and S5 bring together the sporty lines of 2-seater speedsters and the practicality of sport sedans. Although the back seats are best-suited for children, two adults can fit with relative ease, as long as you don’t have giants up front.

Aboard the S5, you’ll find a few features that kick up the sportiness another notch or two, such as sporty trim, a unique steering wheel, a titanium background for the instrument panel and suede on the seats with the S5 emblem.

On the road

Get behind the wheel of the A5 or the S5 and you’ll quickly see why these are grand touring vehicles and not race cars. Whereas the S4, RS4 and R8 are all about pure performance, the A5/S5 duo combines performance and driving comfort. The Luxury Sport theme is confirmed with steering that is somewhat lighter than in other models. Although it is a less powerful vehicle, the A5 is agile on turns, thanks to its lower weight, especially in the front.

If I had a wish, I’d ask the V6 engine to growl a little more. As it stands, it seems a little dead in sport drive mode. On the other hand, the V8 inside the S5 rumbles just enough to satisfy the driver without being irritating. Playing with the manual transmission and accelerator is much more fun when every time you gear up you feel like you are in a powerful race car.

Although the cars differ slightly in terms of suspension, both offer a sporty ride while ensuring comfort on the road. It’s too bad that the people who can afford this kind of machine generally don’t make the most of its capabilities. They like what these vehicles look like on paper, but rarely experience the full capabilities of their cars.

Without a doubt, Audi has taken an important step toward becoming the reputed manufacturer it hopes to be. The company has struggled to find its defining characteristic, but it now looks as though style will be its trademark. And I’ve got to say, they’ve done it right! The Audi A5/S5 will make your heart race…

Summary

Test vehicle: 2007 Audi S5 2007

Price range: $78,000 (estimated price)

Test model: Audi S5 4.2 quattro

Test model price: n/a

Options: None

Freight: $700

EnerGuide ratings: n/a

Reported fuel consumption: n/a

Basic warranty: 4 years/80,000 km

Competition: BMW 335Ci coupe; Infiniti G37 coupe; Mercedes-Benz CLK; Volvo C70

Strengths: Unusual style, ergonomically designed interior, powerful transmission, quattro all-wheel drive

Weaknesses: Some equipment only available as options

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