Always wanted an Audi A5 but pricing made it out of reach? Prices + specs on the cheaper new 1.8T models here

Ever since Audi launched their A5 luxury sports coupé, back in 2007, many people have aspired to own one of these beautifully sculpted coupés, or one of the extended range of fastback Sportback and cabriolet models.

Trouble is, the A5 range is not a cheap car, and through the years it has been on the market, prices have, as on all cars, escalated.  With the February 2015 Audi price increase, the A5 range started at a R 518 000 price point, which is for an Audi A5 Sportback 2.0TDI SE.

New 1.8T engine models

The good news is that the range price has just been lowered thanks to the addition of the new 1.8T engine models, coming in at R 45 000 less for the Sportback, R 38 000 for the coupé, and R 51 000 lower on the 1.8T cabriolet.  Where the previous base models were the 2.0TDI, undercutting the 2.0T petrol models by some R 27 000, the 1.8T engine brings the A5 into a lower price bracket.

The 1.8T engine uses the Audi TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection) technology, and if you were worried this engine is too weak, look at the outputs:  125kW is available from an unstressed 3800 revs, through to 6200, and torque is 320Nm at 1400-3700 r/min.  These numbers compare well to the 2.0T, which makes 165kW and 350Nm.  Fuel economy is about on par between the 2 engines:  between 5.7 and 6.2 l/100km depending on gear and body variant.

Manual gearbox re-introduced to A5

Although most buyers opt for an automatic gearshift in this car, some Audi A5 models used to be offered in manual, which is also cheaper than the auto.  At launch even the S5 V8 could be had in a manual, before being replaced by the V6 engine.

The A5 1.8T is being offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or the multitronic gearless CVT automatic.

Available in all 3 body shapes

The good news is the A5 1.8T is available in all 3 body shapes:  Sportback, coupé and cabriolet, so whichever you prefer or find to be most affordable or practical… or beautiful.

Prices and availability

Audi A5 Sportback 1.8T SE manual	R 473 000
Audi A5 Sportback 1.8T SE auto	R 490 000
Audi A5 coupé 1.8T SE manual	R 483 000
Audi A5 coupé 1.8T SE auto	R 500 000
Audi A5 cabriolet 1.8T SE manual	R 543 000
Audi A5 cabriolet 1.8T SE auto	R 560 000

The 1.8T engine is available at Audi dealers now, and considering the A5 has been with us for some 8 years already, and the new Audi A4 has already been shown, and will available here within months, the A5 replacement could not be too far off.

You can configure yours on the Audi SA website at audi.co.za

 

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