Eye Catching Economy from the New Audi A5 2.0 TDI
Published: 6th November 2008
Audi A5 S line
The Audi A5 coupe is now available with the 2.0 TDI diesel engine, which is capable of 53mpg, and is available in both front and quattro four wheel drive formats. Prices start at £28,485 OTR and are set for delivery for March 2009. Its launch also coincides with the introduction of the even more striking S line specification for all A5 models, available at a premium of £2,250 over standard trim.
In keeping with its performance coupe positioning, the Audi A5 adopts the most powerful, 170PS version of the new generation 2.0-litre TDI unit first seen in the A4 Saloon and Avant. Enhanced by an advanced common rail piezo fuel injection system, the state-of-the art unit makes its impressive 350Nm torque output available from just 1,750rpm, and by fully exploiting this via the standard six-speed manual transmission the 0-62mph sprint can be dispatched in just 8.3 seconds in the front-wheel-drive version. This strong performance is underpinned by fuel economy that at 53.3mpg on the combined cycle is 20 per cent better than the already sparing Audi A5 2.7 TDI (44.1mpg), and CO2 output that at 140g/km is 9 per cent down on the next lowest producer, the A5 2.0 TFSI (154g/km).
The significantly improved refinement of the new common rail TDI and the sophistication of the aluminium-rich five-link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension makes for unruffled progress in the Audi A5 2.0 TDI, helped by its longest-in-class wheelbase. The repositioned front axle permitting shorter overhangs and much improved axle load distribution also works in favour of handling balance and agility, traits which are especially evident in the quattro version with its latest generation system with 40/60 front-to-rear power distribution.
Even sharper response is available to drivers who choose the optional Sport upgrade, which along with 18-inch 10-spoke V-design alloy wheels and sports seats brings sports suspension lowered by 20mm. This suspension set up is also included as part of the new S line specification available for all Audi A5 models, which features 18-inch 5-spoke S line alloy wheels, an exclusive S line front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions, S line treatments for the interior and Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. S line subscribers also have the option to specify an even more driver-focused S line suspension at no extra cost. Audi A5 Sport models carry a premium of £950 over their standard counterparts in each case, and new S line versions a premium of £2,250 over standard specification.
The addition of the latest generation 2.0 TDI engine brings the total number of units powering the Audi A5 to six. The range includes 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre V6 diesels with outputs of 190PS and 240PS, two 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units with 180PS and 211PS and a 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol with 265PS.
Audi A5
Our Audi A5 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK A5 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £26,710 - £40,265
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Models in the range: 28
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
