SPACIOUS COUPE’S SLEEK NEW LOOK

EDWARD STEPHENS WINS ADMIRING GLANCES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF AUDI’S SPORTY A5

SLEEK, sporty and definitely a car to turn heads. That’s the latest version of Audi’s A5 in S line Coupe configuration. The low stance, rakish roof line, swept back headlights and the dramatic body kit make this a car which stands out in the car park.

The latest version reached the first UK customers in the spring and features a number of exterior changes with the front end now far more dynamic thanks to the imposing larger grille with ventilation slits above it – a reference to the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984.

The whole package is enhanced with dramatic 19-inch gunmetal grey and silver alloy wheels.

This two-door stunner has an equally impressive interior with leather and Alcantara seats embossed with the S line logo, a flat bottomed multifunction steering wheel and alloy pedals.

There’s now a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard angled towards the driver, but the rotary pushbutton used in previous models has gone and the screen is operated in a similar manner to a smartphone.

As well as controlling most onboard features the screen doubles as the satellite navigation monitor with its Google Earth mapping system. And of course in front of the driver is Audi’s now well established virtual cockpit display with full HD resolution and a choice of three views. Despite the low roofline the A5 Coupe offers surprisingly generous space for the two rear seat passengers although anyone over 6ft tall could struggle with headroom.

And while you don’t have the flexibility of a hatchback when it comes to luggage there are release levers in the boot which drop the rear seatbacks to give you a large platform for holiday suitcases. Reversing the Coupe is made easy thanks to a rear view camera although surprisingly – for a car which with extras costs more than £47,000 – there was no forward camera view nor was there keyless locking and unlocking. On the road, however, the Coupe with 190 bhp under the bonnet is a delight to drive thanks to its punchy performance, firm but comfortable ride and tenacious grip when pushed on bends and corners. The suspension in all A5 models has been tuned to give an emphasis on comfort but with a sporting bias.

The 2.0-litre engine is mated to a seamless seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox with the bonus of paddles behind the steering wheel for manual gear changes.

The A5 also comes with selectable driving modes available at the touch of a button with the choice of Efficiency, Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual settings. The car tested here also featured a head-up display system, a £1,025 option but well worth the money as you never have to take your eyes off the road to see what speed you are doing. Other safety features on board included active lane assist and – to warn you when anyone is in your blind spot – side assist

So if you’re looking for a sporty four-seater with impressive performance and a host of key safety features the latest A5 Coupe ticks all the boxes.

Despite the low roofline the Coupe offers surprisingly generous space for the two rear seat passengers