AUDI A5 + S5

Maybe it’s a good thing that I got the S5 thing out of my system early. My first drive of the new ’5 was at the wheel of the flagship (until the RS5 arrives) S5. Added to what’s already a distinctly superior and remarkably civilised conveyance in the form of the A5, the S5 adds seemingly bottomless reserves of drama. Whether you’re summoning as many of the 3,0-litre V6’s 260 kilowatts as you need, or marvelling at the all- wheel-drive chassis’ ability to keep the car glued to your chosen cornering line.

This didn’t quite prepare me for the pleasant surprise of the lesser A5 2,0-litre diesel. With “just” two-wheel drive, it’s surprisingly wieldy in the corners and though the diesel growl may not be as musical as the S5’s, what you lose in musicality you gain in sheer bludgeoning urge. Ease away from standstill, pull out to overtake, and suddenly without any ceremony you’re doing 150 km/h. Talk about a stealth car.

The A5 has three engine options at launch: two 2,0-litre turbopetrols (140 kw and 185 kw), and a 140 kw diesel. Transmission options are seven-speed S-tronic or eight-speed tiptronic on the S5. The S5’s engine uses a new combustion process, according to Audi based on the B-cycle, involving centrally located high-pressure injection valves, shorter compression stroke and a higher compression ratio. Sportback and cabrio models will follow later.

Price: from R589 000