This year Audi has dished up an award-winning performance in the form of its immaculately styled A5, awarded “2009 Design of the Year” by Automobile Magazine. The A5 is an all-new production, Audi’s first full-sized coupe since the 100 series, which delivers sporty, elegant and aggressive all in one gorgeous package that is sure to turn heads.
2009 Audi A5 Performance
The Audi 5 comes in two models – the standard A5 and its sporty twin the S5. The A5 carries a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, delivering 265hp and with FSI direct fuel injection. The S5 has a 354hp V8 with 6-speed manual transmission and reaches 60mph in under 5 seconds. It even carries an indicator to tell you when to change gears. Both the A5 and S5 features the quattro AWD system which gives a wonderfully smooth and responsive feel in collaboration with the speed-sensitive steering and stiffer sport suspension. The superior handling is also thanks to the positioning of the engine behind the front wheels, which moves the center of gravity back and results in better distribution of weight overall and better braking.
If you are driving an Audi A5 then fuel economy is probably not uppermost in your thinking, which is lucky because the V8 is thirsty at 14/19mpg, city/highway. The A5 employs a whole range of fuel saving technologies however, which give it a more respectable 16/27mpg city/highway. The A5 comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, and the S5 sports
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it up even more with 19 or 20-inch alloys with stylish 20-spoke design.
2009 Audi A5 Interior
The luxury level of the 2-door, 4-seat A5 is unsurpassed even by Audi themselves who are famous for their interior style. The interior is decked out in black with brushed metal accents and quality oozes from the way all the parts fit together so perfectly – no sign of imperfection in the plastic moldings and all the switches work smoothly. The optional nappa leather seats are cream colored in the A5 and red in the S5 and are every bit as comfortable as they look with plenty of lumbar and side support reminiscent of racing seats. The 2-door entry provides easy access to the back seat, but once there it is really only comfortable for the kids with minimal legroom.
There is a ten-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system optional in the S5 which is well worth the investment and Sirius Satellite Radio comes standard. Opt for the navigational package and you get a voice-activated color display and Multi-Media Interface. However even the standard package is luxurious with automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless, auxiliary input jack, cruise control and immaculately trimmed leather/ fabric seats.
2009 Audi A5 Safety
Audi excels in German-standard safety, and the A5 carries the full range of safety features. Electronic stability control and anti-locking brakes are standard, and automatically detect situations where the car goes beyond the limits of control, adjusting the engine power and braking to prevent over and understeering situations. There are six standard airbags for the front, side impact and side curtain and tire pressure monitoring system, plus LED daytime running lights and Xenon headlamps with a light sensor that automatically switches on low-beam lights in dim light situations. An optional safety extra is the rearview camera for safe reversing.
Safety features include:
- Electronic stability control, ABS and traction control
- Anti-skid system
- Six standard air bags – dual front, side impact and side curtain
- Tire pressure monitor
- Rearview camera
- Daytime running lights
Overall the 2009 Audi A5 is a masterpiece of design with an immaculate balance of sporty looks and performance, sophisticated styling and interior luxury that give everything else in its class a serious run for its money. Compared to the likes of the Porsche Cayman, which offers only 2 seats and a much heftier price tag, the Audi is not only a great performer, but reasonable value for the money.
