COUPE-RATE PACKAGE
Whether as an everyday sporty ride for the executive, an exhilarating couples-only drive, or even a robust yet practical mover for young families, the Audi rs5 satisfies your needs, says Alethia Tiang
Ask anyone who’s ever bought a coupe why they did so, and chances are, “for family” will not be one of the reasons. It’s simply because coupes are just not known to be family-friendly – let’s be honest, they’re often seen as “selfish” cars made for drivers to feel the exhilaration of being in a sports car. But then there are coupes like the Audi rs5, a two- door sports car that is practical enough for young families, yet delivers that desired driving pleasure with its V6 biturbo engine.
Yes, the 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 on its 2010 predecessor, which produced a sonorous roar that excited petrolheads and fans alike, has been downsized to a 2.9L biturbo V6 engine. Although this has compromised that thrilling growl beneath the bonnet, the latest rs5 is no less exciting than its predecessor. Power is at the same 450bhp, while torque has been raised significantly from 430Nm to a wondrous 600Nm.
And did we mention that the new rs5 now boasts an acceleration time of a zippy 3.9 seconds? That is just as fast as the likes of a Porsche 911 Carrera T and the Aston Martin Vantage, and would give a close-enough fight to supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder LP580-2 and the Ferrari California T.
So yes, car lovers can still enjoy the promised robustness in this speedy Audi.
But, as all drivers know, it’s not just what’s on paper that matters; it’s also how the car drives. Get behind the wheel and you’ll find that the rs5 moves with the agility of a jungle cat. Tap on the accelerator as the light turns green and a split second is all it takes to hit road-legal speeds, proving how throttle-sensitive this ride is. Take on a sharp bend and it shows off how it hugs the corner with great precision in its
steering. All that while maintaining a smooth ride for the comfort of all those on board, thanks to its sports suspension with shock absorption.
What makes the rs5 even more versatile is how it allows family-toting petrolheads to bring aspiring motorheads along for the ride. This new version is bigger than its predecessor, providing more room inside for all passengers. The overall length of the car has been extended by 74mm, with an increased wheelbase of 15mm. This means that two adults – probably under 170cm – can sit comfortably in the back. Child safety seats can even be fitted for very young passengers.
The interior, done up in Audi Sport colours of black and red, is all top-notch quality and comes complete with a host of cutting-edge technology, along with details crafted specifically for the rs family models – including deep bucket seats upholstered in contrast-stitched leather with a honeycomb motif, as well as a rs- designed virtual cockpit and flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. Adding to the luxurious vibe are refined elements such as a gear lever sheathed in perforated leather, door handles in a satin finish and seats with a massage function.
The exterior, meanwhile, sports enough rugged tweaks worthy of the rs badge to give the car that aggression. Its design takes inspiration from the 1989 Audi 90 quattro imsa gto race car, which won seven out of 13 races in the American imsa series that year. As such, the rs5 boasts large lateral air inlets, led headlights with tinted bezels, a widened radiator grille with a honeycomb motif in high-sheen black similar to that of the latest R8 supercar, flared wheel arches, oval tailpipes with an rs exhaust system and a surface-mounted spoiler lip.
On the practical front, the boot has been expanded to a decent 465L volume – which is roughly the same boot size as sedans such as the Mercedes-benz C-class, and crossovers such as the Volvo XC40 and the Mitsubishi Outlander phev. This means the baggage compartment can fit approximately three large check-in luggage, making this coupe great for family road trips – in style.
One’s safety is also well covered, with the usual systems such as a heads-up display, the Audi side assist, an airbag system that covers the sides, front and head, and the Audi parking aid with reversing camera.
The Audi rs5 is indeed an all-rounder that allows everyone to revel in its prowess. And with news of the Sportback variant joining the fold in mid-2019, we look forward to seeing more of what the rs5 line-up will bring to the table.
The Audi RS5 is indeed an all-rounder that allows everyone to revel in its prowess.