AUDI

AUDI A5 SPORTBACK 35 TFSI Sport 5dr S Tronic

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph9.1s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2144 g/km

If you accept that the main purpose of Audi's A5 coupe is to provide a welcome alternative to coupe versions of BMW's 4 Series and Mercedes' C-Class, then the importance of the affordable 190PS 40 TFSI variant we're looking at here can hardly be stressed highly enough. Once upon a time, to get 150mph performance from an A5, you had to stretch to one of the pricey 'S5' variants. Here, around £35,000 gets you behind the wheel of a surprisingly quick version of this car. This revised model features a smarter look, an updated cabin and some efficient mild hybrid tech.

BRAND ON THE RUN

If you fancy a version of the second generation Audi A5 coupe with vibrant performance but need to keep costs in check, the 40 TFSI 190PS petrol model could be the one to choose. Jonathan Crouch checks out the improved version.

Ten Second Review

If you accept that the main purpose of Audi's A5 coupe is to provide a welcome alternative to coupe versions of BMW's 4 Series and Mercedes' C-Class, then the importance of the affordable 190PS 40 TFSI variant we're looking at here can hardly be stressed highly enough. Once upon a time, to get 150mph performance from an A5, you had to stretch to one of the pricey 'S5' variants. Here, around £35,000 gets you behind the wheel of a surprisingly quick version of this car. This revised model features a smarter look, an updated cabin and some efficient mild hybrid tech.

Background

Audi's A5 Coupe has been a strong seller or the Ingolstadt brand for some time now but often the entry-level petrol versions tended to be the ones that buyers tried to avoid. With this revised model, the baseline green pump variant could actually be the one to go for, thanks to the introduction of the brand's MHEV mild hybrid technology in the 190PS 2.0 TFSI engine used in the 40 TFSI variant we're looking at here, which also offers quite a turn of speed. It's just one of the changes made to this much improved second generation model. Let's check it out.

Driving Experience

Essentially, what the engineers have done with this 40 TFSI model's 2.0-litre TFSI powerplant is to maximise compression efficiency, add in a bit of power and via the non-negotiable S tronic auto transmission - take full advantage of the low first gear ratio that the installation of this 7-speed DSG 'box allowed them to fit. The result is sparkling performance. An A5 Coupe 40 TFSI is capable of 62mph in just 7.3s, en route to 149mph. This engine now features 12-volt MHEV technology, consisting of a belt alternator starter connected to the crankshaft. The system recuperates energy and stores this in a small lithium-ion battery, enabling the start-stop system to operate in a larger window and reducing the amount of effort required by the engine while moving at speed, reducing CO2 and improving fuel economy. As for driving dynamics, well you'd think in this regard that this A5 Coupe would be starting out with a disadvantage over 4 Series Coupe rival. Its front-driven layout will, after all, never reward an enthusiast in quite the same way as a rear-driven BMW. But in originally developing this car, Audi was convinced that it could be made to feel almost as good. To prove the point, three different suspension systems are being offered this time round, two of them passive and one featuring adaptive damping. Whatever your choice, you'll find the set-up firmer than it would be in an equivalent A4 saloon.

Design and Build

Think this improved version of the second generation A5 coupe doesn't look much different to its predecessor? Look again. The exterior has actually been significantly revised, with the front end in particular, delivering considerably more visual impact. The Singleframe honeycomb grille is wider and flatter, and above it ventilation slits reference the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side, while at the rear a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the car appear wider. Horizontal lines also dominate the interior of these improved A5 models. The large MMI touch display, the control centre of the car's redesigned operating system, is the focal point of the instrument panel and angled slightly toward the driver. It offers a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone via a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback which replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. Like all the latest Audis, this one gets the brand's 'Virtual cockpit' instrument binnacle, a 12.3-inch TFT display that replaces the conventional dials. Out back, the boot's well sized, offering a volume of 465-litres, more than you get in BMW and Mercedes rivals. The rear seat has a 40:20:40 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. Audi also offers an optional gesture control system for opening the luggage compartment lid via a foot motion.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £35,000 and there are 'Sport', 'S line', 'Edition' and 'Vorsprung' trim levels. Whichever spec you decide upon for your A5 Coupe 40 TFSI, you should find your car to be decently equipped. Personally, we'd avoid S line trim with its sharpened suspension that spoils the supple ride that's one of this car's nicest features. Still, that's up to you. S tronic automatic transmission is standard-fit. You can't have quattro 4WD with this engine - that set-up is a mandatory fitment with the '45 TFSI' version of this engine, but that of course will cost you quite a lot more. Whichever trim level you choose, you should find your car to be decently equipped. Among the features included are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, LED interior lights, the Audi 'MMI radio plus' with a 10.1-inch MMI colour display, Bluetooth, a USB charging function, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and Audi 'pre sense city' autonomous braking. Audi is particularly proud of its media connectivity, specifically the 'connect' system that can link to the Internet via the ultrafast LTE network. With the standard Audi smartphone interface, Apple Car Play and Android Auto bring the familiar smartphone environment to the car, if desired. The optional Audiphonebox with wireless charging in the centre armrest uses near-field coupling to link smartphones wirelessly to the vehicle's antenna.

Cost of Ownership

The A5's size, its optional 4x4 transmission and its equipment-laden interior might lead you to fear for its fuel economy but there really is no need with this 40 TFSI variant. Around 42mpg (WLTP) and around 132g/km of CO2 (NEDC) mean reasonable running costs. This is now an MHEV or 'mild hybrid' engine; we'll brief you on what Audi's definition of 'Mild Hybrid' tech actually means; a 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator that powers a 12-volt main electrical set-up in which a compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. During braking, the 'BAS' package can recover up to 5kW of power and feed it back into the battery. If the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at speeds between 34 and 99mph, the mild hybrid system will recuperate energy, while the car rolls in idle or coasts with its engine automatically switched off. The belt alternator starter-generator restarts the engine the next time the accelerator is depressed, and does so faster and more gently than a conventional starter. All of this you'll particularly notice at urban speeds where the engine start-stop system is cutting in and out. The start stop range begins at just under 14mph, so you'll often find the car coasting up to the end of a traffic queue, a traffic light or a level crossing.

Summary

For most buyers, most of the time, the 190PS 40 TFSI A5 Coupe will be all the car they actually need. Audi will go on selling plenty of the torquier 40 TDI diesel models of course, but the next time you see an entry-level 2.0-litre petrol-powered variant, mark the owner out: they've made a savvy choice. As for the changes made to this revised model, well the MHEV mild hybrid tech doesn't make a huge efficiency difference, but it's a step in the right direction and the cabin's now even classier. If you're browsing in this segment at this price point, this is still a difficult package to resist.

  • Electric front windows
  • Rain and light sensors
  • Windscreen with acoustic glazing

  • Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL
  • Multi collision brake assist
  • Hill hold assist
  • Electromechanical parking brake

  • Front/rear floor mats
  • Luggage compartment mat

  • Comfort dynamic suspension

  • Audi smartphone interface
  • Audi phone box with wireless charging
  • Bluetooth interface
  • Audi connect safety and service (e-call)
  • Voice control system

  • Rear view camera
  • Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors
  • Electro-mechanical power steering
  • Cruise control system with speed limiter with free wheeling capability
  • Audi drive select (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual)

  • Automatic start-stop system with coasting functionality and efficiency programme
  • Power operated tailgate

  • Audi virtual cockpit - 12.3" full colour digital instrument cluster,vehicle/engine speed,3D navi map,Radio/media information+Driver assistance systems
  • Email, calendar and text messages displayed via MMI
  • Service interval indicator
  • MMI nav+ with MMI touch - 10.1" high resolution MMI display, touch sensitive, 3D map, route/country info, dynamic route guide, personal route assist

  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Electric folding door mirrors
  • Electric adjustable heated door mirrors
  • Body coloured door mirrors

  • Aluminium ellipse silver inlays

  • DAB digital radio reception
  • 8 passive loudspeakers
  • Two SDXC card slots
  • CD player
  • Two additional USB ports for rear passenger in rear centre console

  • Body colour door handles
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Radiator grille and air inlets in titanium black with matt aluminium silver inserts
  • Rear diffuser in matt titanium black with trim strip in matt aluminium silver
  • Sport front and rear bumpers with side skirts
  • Matt aluminium silver tailpipe trim
  • Body colour side sill trim

  • LED headlights and rear lights with LED daytime running lights
  • Front fog lights

  • Deluxe 3 zone electronic climate control

  • Door sill trims with aluminium inlay
  • 3 spoke high multi-function leather sport steering wheel with paddle shift and height and reach adjustable
  • Twin leather upholstery + front sports seats
  • Front centre armrest
  • Tool kit

  • LED interior light pack - A5/RS5

  • Variable restraint system
  • Pre sense city
  • Pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection
  • Seatbelt monitoring
  • 6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags
  • Height adjustable front seatbelts
  • Tyre pressure warning
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Front passenger airbag deactivation
  • 3x3 point rear seatbelts

  • Manual seat adjustment
  • 4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger
  • Front head restraints
  • Rear headrests
  • Heated front seats
  • ISOFIX child seat mounting and top tether
  • 40/20/40 split folding 3 seater rear bench seat

  • Anti theft wheel bolts
  • Keyless Go
  • Immobiliser
  • Remote central locking
  • Anti theft alarm system

  • Towbar preparation

  • Sunvisors with vanity mirrors

  • Tyre repair kit

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 144
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 147
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 144
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • CC: 1984
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 7 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 6.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 44.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 44.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 43.5

  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29E
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 150
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Coin Series: Sport
  • Coin Description: TFSI
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

  • Engine Power - BHP: 150
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.1
  • Top Speed: 139
  • Engine Power - KW: 110
  • Engine Power - RPM: 3900
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 199
  • Engine Torque - NM: 270
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1350
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 27.6

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R18
  • Wheel Style: 5 TWIN SPOKE
  • Tyre Size Rear: 245/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

  • Width (including mirrors): 2029
  • Height: 1386
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4757
  • Wheelbase: 2824

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1280
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1510
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2070
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 560
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 465
  • No. of Seats: 5

  • Metallic paint: £675
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Audi exclusive paint: £2,400
  • Panoramic glass sunroof: £1,400

  • Storage and luggage comaprtment pack - A5 Sportback: £195

  • Metallic - Tango red: £675
  • Metallic - Glacier white: £675
  • Metallic - Floret silver: £675
  • Metallic - Mythos black: £675
  • Metallic - Manhattan grey: £675
  • Metallic - Navarra blue: £675

  • Solid - Brilliant black: £0
  • Solid - Ibis white: £0

  • Audi Exclusive - Custom: £2,400

  • Foldable tow bar: £995

  • Twin leather - Okapi brown with titanium grey headlining and black dashboard + front sport seats: £0
  • Twin leather - Black with titanium grey headlining and black dashboard + front sports seats: £0
  • Twin leather - Atlas Beige with Atlas beige headlining and granite Black/Atlas beige dashboard + front sports seats: £0
  • Twin leather - Rock grey with Titanium grey headlining and Black/Rock grey dashboard + front sports seats: £0

  • 18" 5 twin spoke design aluminium alloy wheels: Included
  • 18" 5 twin spoke star design aluminium alloy wheels: £150

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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