2011 Audi A5 Review
Friday, 4 March 2011
The Audi A5 has its roots in the last generation a convertible: the Audi A4, but the A5 has become far more than a transformation of other vehicles. This car has only been offered for 3 years, but the Audi A5 for 2011 is a novel fine-tuning of an existing, remarkable vehicle.The A5 has several improvements including the introduction of an 8-speed auto gearbox delivering a smoother ride when compared directly to the former 6-speed gearbox that the 8-speed offering now replaces. The 2011 A5s will differ from earlier offerings via newer wheel designs on the upper trims as well as new wood trims in their interiors.Although it may seem like an outdated trend in a society where the folding-metal convertible tops are all the rage, the A5 maintains a soft-folding top that still offers superior noise dampening and a rapid fold/unfold process. While the newer tranny proves beneficial, this car's fuel efficiency diminishes with larger engine sizes. As with the majority of convertibles and as is common in the class, the A5 has a small trunk.
The Range
- Bodystyles: Coupe, Convertible
- Engines: 2.0L turbocharged I-4, 3.2L V-6, 3.0L supercharged V-6, 4.2L V-8
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
- Models: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, S5
What's New
The 2011 Audi A5 and S5 have been updated with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 6-speed automatic. Premium Plus and Prestige models each get two new wheel designs as well as a new Titanium Sport Package. Birch wood trim has been replaced with Nutmeg Laurel wood and the navigation system now incorporates HD Radio. Prestige models also get an optional power rear window shade and standard back up camera and rear parking sensors.
Exterior
The 2011 Audi A5 is a rakish coupe both in hard top and convertible forms that out-styles the competition. Unlike the competition, though, the convertible model uses a traditional fabric roof that raises and lowers quicker than contemporary folding-metal roofs.
Interior
Leather is standard, along with power front seats, automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel and a power sunroof on Coupe models. Wood trim and seat heaters are optional. The trunk is fairly large and gives up only 2 cubic-feet of space on convertible models.
Performance & Handling
Thanks to its turbocharger, 2011 Audi A5's base four-cylinder engine and its 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque is a willing and capable engine, and the most efficient of the lineup. An optional 3.2-liter V-6 provides 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque for the more sporting, but those looking for the most performance will want the S5. Convertibles offer a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque while the coupe offers a 4.2-liter V-8 with 354 horsepower and 325 pound feet. Quattro all-wheel drive is optional on most models and standard on the S5.
Safety
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with side impact thorax bags for front passengers and front and rear head curtain bags. Electronic Stability and Traction control are standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
- Cabriolet FWD: 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway
- Cabriolet AWD: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- Coupe AWD manual: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway
- Coupe AWD automatic: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- Coupe AWD V-6 automatic: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
- S5 Cabriolet: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway
- S5 Coupe manual: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway
- S5 Coupe automatic: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway
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