1st AUDI A5

Upmarket coupé delivers a tempting mix of comfort, classy build quality and trick kit

THE latest Audi A5 Coupé doesn’t look much different to its predecessor, but under the classy and understated exterior, it’s all new. It’s based on the brand’s MLB scalable platform, and it’s lighter, faster and more efficient than both the model it replaces and the revised 4 Series.

Even so, it wasn’t able to make this advantage pay at the track, where it had to give best to the BMW. Without the benefit of four-wheel drive, the A5 scrabbled from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, which was two-tenths slower than the 420d. The Audi also trailed during the in-gear tests, where its twin-clutch transmission was hobbled by its combination of fewer and more widely spread ratios. For instance, the box wouldn’t even let us complete the 50-70mph test in seventh. The A5 managed 9.9 seconds in sixth while the BMW took 7.5 in seventh and 5.8 in sixth.

Still, the Audi’s 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel is smoother and more refined than its rival’s unit. And while the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox’s ratios are poorly chosen for UK roads, with an extremely tall top gear, it shifts seamlessly in auto mode and responds promptly to the wheelmounted paddles. That said, for many buyers, the slick and precise six-speed manual will be a better choice as it’s good to use and makes for more relaxed progress once under way.

Turn into a corner and the A5 responds more quickly than the BMW, plus there’s a little less body roll. Yet the steering isn’t as well weighted, while mild torque steer upsets the car’s composure when powering out of slower bends – the four-wheel-drive quattro model is more planted in similar situations.

Take things easier, and the A5 impresses as a relaxed and refined cruiser. On the standard suspension set-up it’s a little firm at low speed, particularly on our car’s £900 19-inch alloys, but go faster and the dampers do a good job of filtering out road imperfections. Wind noise is also well, suppressed, while the tall-striding seventh gear keeps mechanical intrusion to a minimum, until the gearbox inevitably kicks down.

However, even this quirk can’t detract from the Audi’s premium appeal from behind the wheel. It’s not as good to drive as the 4 Series, but the smartly designed and beautifully finished cabin oozes the sort of classy sophistication you expect from a car like this. The ambience is further enhanced by the £1,395 optional Technology Pack, which adds a larger 8. 2-inch infotainment screen and the brand’s trademark Virtual Cockpit, replacing the traditional analogue dials with a configurable 12.3-inch TFT display.