The new Audi A5 3.2 Quattro AT6 coupe is a picture of refinement and sophistication mainly aimed at upscale singles and couples who only occasionally need a backseat.
The A5 3.2 Quattro has an unusually sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a potent 3.2-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 with direct-injection for better performance, higher fuel economy and lower emissions.
There's also a version called the S5 for power junkies. It has a 4.2-liter V-8 generating 354 horsepower, stiffer suspension and slightly larger wheels.
My test A5 3.2 Quattro's new, advanced V-6 was plenty potent. It delivers estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 27 on highways with a six-speed manual transmission and 18 and 27 with a fairly responsive six-speed automatic that has manual-shift capability. Figures for the fireball S5's V-8 are appreciably lower, at 14 and 21 with manual, 16 and 22 with automatic. Premium fuel is recommended.
The A5 has quick steering, sharp handling with tenacious road grip, a compliant ride with an all-independent suspension and strong stopping power with an easily modulated brake pedal. The speed-sensitive steering has good road feel, but some might feel it's overly light at low speeds, and sharp bumps jolt occupants.
Most coupes look slicker than sedans, and the A5 3.2 looks especially striking from the front, although I still can't quite get used to the rather oversized 1930s retro-style grille Audi uses for all models.
The A5 3.2 Quattro is well-equipped with comfort and convenience items. Standard features include an engine start/stop button, air conditioning with dual-zone climate control, power glass sunroof, leather-covered seats and cruise control. There's also an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and 10 speakers -- and the usual assortment of power features.
Safety items include traction control, an anti-skid system, a bunch of air bags, anti-lock brakes and even heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators.
Options include an $1,850 Premium Package with such items as heated front seats and folding exterior mirrors and a $1,700 Technology Package containing a rear-parking-assist system with a rearview camera. There's also a $2,900 S Package with front sport seats, unique interior/exterior trim, sport suspension and wider tires on 19-inch (vs. 18-inch) cool-looking wheels.
As with many coupes, long doors are awkward in tight spots, and the backseat is mostly comfortable for children -- although a 6-footer fits with reasonable comfort behind a tall front passenger. It's fairly easy to get in and out of the right rear seat because that seat has a sliding mechanism.
There's plenty of room up front, although high body sides, rather low window height and a high dashboard might make some shorter drivers feel a bit confined. However, there are large, highly supportive 10-way power front bucket seats with the usual height adjustment. The tilt/telescopic steering wheel also helps drivers of any height get comfortable, although it should have a power assist for a car in its price class. The wood-trimmed front cabin is roomy, despite a large console. High-quality materials are used throughout.
Doors have decent-sized storage pockets and the glove compartment is moderately sized, but the covered console storage bin is shallow. Conveniently located front cupholders have a cover to keep things looking neat when they're not being used. Gauges can be easily read, and the analog speedometer has a convenient digital backup unit. A console control knob with flanking buttons works with a dashboard screen to control most audio, climate and navigation system functions.
The roomy trunk has a low, wide opening with an indented area on the inner lid to help close it. The lid has manual hinges, but they're enclosed to they won't damage cargo. Split folding rear seatbacks sit flat and significantly increase the cargo area.
The A5 Coupe emphasizes style over performance, but provides a good blend of both.
Dan Jedlicka is leaving the Sun-Times on a full-time basis as of this weekend but will continue to write about the auto world for the newspaper. He also plans on writing online road tests and other auto-related material in the near future. If you sign up for the mailing list at danjedlicka.com, you will be e-mailed when his Web site fully launches.
