X
    Categories: AudiAudi

2012 Audi A5

The 2012 Audi A5 Coupe does well in the arena of midsize upscale cars. Its style is sharp, has pleasing fuel economy and a gorgeous interior. However, it is not the type of upscale midsize car that is performance-oriented.

The A5 has a turbocharged engine that is not as strong as what the BMW 328i has, but with the right combination of transmission and wheel drive system, you get the best combo.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $37,100.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.1 gallons (61L) MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.1 in. (462.5 cm) Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275.1 cm)
Height: 54 in. (137.2 cm) Width: 79.5 in. (202 cm)
Curb Weight: 3591 lbs (1629 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0L Turbo DOHC Inline 4 Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Horsepower: 211 HP Max RPM: 4300 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Tiptronic
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Engine

The Audi A5 has a 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0 liter engine that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lbs/ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission but car shoppers can go for the 8-speed automatic. The Quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard as well. Without a doubt, the A5 is a capable car. What car shoppers are looking for is the finesse that a V6 brings. Audi has not been offering a V6 for the A5 since 2010.

Performance

Although it has no V6, the A5 can compete with its rivals. The car brings enough power that you need when driving around the city and even on the highway. Sporty performance is not the primary aim of the A5 so it is not reasonable to demand for more.

With the Quattro system, the A5 can provide you with a tenacious grip which makes handling the car easier. However, the power assisted steering system seems too light when you are parking.

Exterior

Although the Audi A5 exterior is inspired by simple geometrical shape, it does not lack sharpness and good taste. The curves and the lines are minimal, making the A5 sleek. Its polished appeal is very attractive for car shoppers who go after elegance. The hood, the midsection and the rear are all in good proportion, suggesting beauty in a subliminal function.

Interior

The beauty of the Audi A5 is better experienced when you are in the cabin. Everything is made from high quality materials. It is obvious that Audi put a lot of thought into its interior design by looking at every detail. The cabin is lavish and the seats are comfortable. However, there are complaints about the interior devices because they are not user friendly.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government have not crash tested the 2012 A5 yet. Nonetheless, the A5 is generous in standard safety features such as the airbags, anti lock brakes, and the Quattro system. Regulatory bodies seldom crash test luxury cars because they are expensive.

Reliability

The 2012 A5 comes with the standard 4-year warranty and a 12-year corrosion and perforation warranty. Owners can avail of 24 hour roadside assistance that lasts as long as the standard warranty and the first scheduled maintenance after 12 months or 5,000 miles is free of charge.

Pros

The 2012 A5 has a capable engine that provides adequate power for your daily driving needs. The style is sleek, sharp and elegant. The interior is comfortable and lavish, and the attention to detail is superb.

Everything inside the A5 is made of the finest quality materials which make your driving more pleasurable. Furthermore, it has excellent handling, making the A5 easier to drive. The A5 has above average fuel economy as well.

Cons

The interior features, particularly the center console need to be mastered because it is not intuitive.

If you are the kind of midsize, upscale car shopper that goes after style, fuel economy and comfort, the 2012 Audi A5 is a good choice.

Competition

The BMW 3 Series Coupe (MSRP $38,700; 18 city / 28 hwy), Infiniti G Coupe (MSRP $39,800; 19 city / 27 hwy), Mercedes Benz C Class (MSRP $37,220; 21 city / 31 hwy) have been compared with the A5.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“In either guise, the Audi A5 is a boulevard cruiser–what we used to call a grand touring car–at its heart, and that means that the priority is clearly toward front-seat comfort, not for whomever ends up in back for short stints.”Car Connection

“Confidence inspiring, with little body lean in fast turns and great grip. Steering feel is responsive at higher speeds, but some testers complain that it’s too light at low speeds. Braking is powerful and stable.”Consumer Guide

“The A5 coupe and convertible have quiet, luxurious cabins. There is room for four, but the rear seats are snug. The car drives well, with agile handling and a taut, compliant suspension.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Audi has led luxury automakers in the utilization of weight-saving aluminum chassis structures, and that pays huge dividends in how the 2012 A5 performs on the road.”KBB

“The 2012 Audi A5 proves that beauty can be more than skin deep. With a pleasant driving demeanor, inviting cabin and admirable fuel economy, this sleek coupe is worthy of your attention.”Edmunds

Riztys: