Audi today unveiled the facelifted versions of its A5 range which includes the Coupe, the Sportback and Cabriolet models. The company’s goal was to freshen up the A5’s exterior looks and to improve both their driving dynamics and fuel economy.
The 2012 Audi A5 range is available exclusively with direct injection engines featuring forced induction and stop-start and energy regeneration system as standard. As a result, Audi says fuel consumption has been decreased across the range by 11% on average and CO2 emissions by as much as 22%.
The base engine for all body styles is the redesigned 4-cylinder 1.8-liter TFSI petrol, which produces 170HP and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The revised four-pot is more frugal with the Coupe returning 5.7 liters/100 km (41.27 mpg) on the combined cycle, or 21% lower than its predecessor, and CO2 emissions of 134 gr/km.
The 2.0 TFSI with 211HP remains unchanged, while a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 272HP has been added to the A5’s line-up.
The diesel range comprises of four engines, one four cylinder and three V6s. The base 2.0 TDI has an output of 177HP and, in the Coupe, consumes 4.7 liters/100 km (50.05 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 122 gr/km.
Next in line is the 3.0-liter TDI with 204HP. In the A5 Coupe with the Multitronic auto transmission, it consumes an average of 4.9 liters/100 km (48 mpg) and emits 129 gr of CO2 per km. The second diesel is a more powerful variant of the 3.0 TDI with 245HP, while later on, the A5 will also be offered with a new low-emissions diesel engine that will make the A5 the first coupe to meet the Euro 6 diesel standard.
Audi has made chassis tweaks across the range to improve the driving dynamics of the A5. These include a new electromechanical steering, new damper settings and revised rear suspension bearings for more precise handling as well as greater comfort. The base models come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, while buyers have the option of fitting their cars with alloy wheels up to 20-inches in size.
Exterior changes are restrained with the re-sculptured “wave” LED headlamps that have become a signature of recent Audi models being the most noticeable upgrade. Other revisions include the modified front grille, the redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, a new rear bumper and tweaked rear lights with optional continuous LED light strips.
On the inside, the most significant upgrade is the introduction of an available three rear-seat configuration for the A5 Sportback. The new steering wheel and auto gearbox lever designs, the different finishes on the instrument panel and console, the new trim options and an available MMI system with 3D imaging, Google Earth navigation and a WLAN hotspot, complete the changes for the 2012MY.
Despite the improvements, Audi says the new A5 is only marginally more expensive than its predecessor is. For example, in Germany the price increase for the A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI is just €200, while the base A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI starts from €33,350.
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