Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 T FSI quattro Sport S tronic

Hot German Supermodel slightly  Aloof

Having driven the new A5 for only a day at the local launch, I was perhaps a little harsh when I first judged the car. Shortly afterwards, I would have a week where the A5 would get a fair chance to grow on me, and convince me of my initial skepticism. So let’s cut to the chase.

Call me superficial

Deciding whether I love, like or am left indifferent to the exterior styling of the A5, is rather difficult. If it were an entirely new creation from Audi, I’d be pretty impressed by its executive, sophisticated styling. But as the new and improved A5, I am not convinced. That emotional reaction that Audi strives to awaken in the customer’s limbic system… well, I seem to be immune to it. It is a stylish, but conservative-looking coupé, like a young Melania Trump in her modelling days. Beautiful, but a little robotic.

Where the rear-quarter view of the C-Class Coupé makes me swoon, my interest in the A5’s rear is piqued only by the new dynamic turn signals that flow in the direction you want to steer the A5’s nose into. This forms a part of the Audi Matrix LED headlights package for R20 000, that also includes dynamic turn signals in front.

Inside the cabin, it also feels more like a designer office than it does a sporty coupé. The elongated air vent on the passenger side reminds me of a hyper-modern, clinical working space. However, it is saved by the the view from the driver’s side. The combination of perforated black leather, brushed aluminium and top-notch knurled finishes make it look (and feel) as athletic as Caster Semenya. You can feel the quality at the touch of every button and in the turning of each dial. The rectangular 7-speed S tronic gear lever and surrounding MMI controls are a sight for sore eyes.

And that Audi Virtual Cockpit? It’s an option worth coughing up R 8 500 for. It allows you to have the info of your choice displayed at eye-level, in-between the digital rev counter and speedo. Did you opt for satnav? The map is right in front of your eyes. Call lists? Scroll down via the steering wheel controls. Your eyes never need to leave the instrument binnacle to glance at the large screen atop the dash. At the launch, I was hoping it would be retractable like the one in the A3, but sadly, it isn’t. Just like the screens of the C-Class Coupé and BMW 440i Coupé, it just sits there, and never goes out of sight. However, I was cheered up by Apple Carplay, part of the Audi Smartphone interface (R 4 950). Now you can ask Siri for stuff, and she’s more adept at deciphering your speech.

Then there’s the customizable ambient lighting that fades into the luxurious, suede-like Alcantara door upholstery. At night, it transforms the cabin into a magical, futuristic place. On more than one occasion, I found myself just chilling in the A5 in my driveway, instead of entering my house. The standard sport seats’ Rock Grey leather trim would not be my first choice, however. My journalist brother referred to it as ‘ABSA cheque book grey’.

Space in the rear is also at a premium. The BMW 440i allowed me a relatively comfy position in the back for short distances, whereas the Audi’s A5 Coupe’s rear passengers are left without any real legroom (if passengers of slightly above average height are riding in front). I’d feel bad to make someone ride in the back, unless they’re under 1.5 metres tall. Or my ex-mother-in-law. On the upside, the boot (with its impossibly light boot-lid) is rather large, at 465 litres. That beats Merc’s 400 litres and BMW’s 465 litres.

In motion

The A5 which I had at my disposal, is the quickest of the non-S derivatives, with 185 kW and 370 Nm and that grippy Quattro-system. The new A5 is substantially lighter (it has pretty much shed my full body weight of 60 kilograms..ahem) and is torsionally more rigid. In layman’s terms, it’s tauter and stiffer, which allows a more controlled drive. It is so controlled, in fact, that it leaves little entertainment value. It is perfect – almost too perfect. Body roll? It does not exist in the A5. The new electromechanical power steering? It’s hard to tell – yes, it is light in town and gets slightly stiffer at speed, and even more so when you have the selected driving mode (Audi Drive Select) set on Dynamic and not on Auto or Comfort. But this current trend (also found in its BMW-rival) of making the steering lighter and lighter doesn’t appeal to me. Even with the added Dynamic Steering (R16 250) I was left a little numb. Between the C-Class Coupé, 440i Coupé and the A5, the Mercedes-Benz offers the most tangible steering feel. As far as driving dynamics are concerned, I had more fun in the 440i. But when it comes to build quality and interior refinement, the A5 Coupé is the poster child.

Die-hard Audi fans will probably rejoice, but I sense that a more mature, settled and sophisticated driver may be taking their place behind the wheel of the new A5. Eventually, everybody has to grow up.

Facts & Figures

Name: Audi A5 2.0T FSI Quattro Sport S tronic

Price: R757 500 (as tested, R983 140)

Engine: 2.0-litre, all-wheel drive

Power/Torque: 185 kW and 370 Nm

Transmission: 7-speed S tronic (auto)

0-100 km: 5.8 seconds

Top Speed: 250 km/h

Fuel tank: 58 litres

Realistic fuel consumption (combined) 8 litres per 100 km

Luggage capacity: 456 litres

Also consider: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé (for its good looks), BMW 440i (for entertainment value).