A5 to star Down Under

In what is a major coup for Audi Australia, and the event itself, it now appears almost certain the new A5 will star at next month's Melbourne International Motor Show.

The all-new mid-size Audi coupe will not take pride of place on the Ingolstadt brand's stand on Melbourne's opening day (March 1). Rather it will have its covers lifted on March 6 to correspond with the star car's simultaneous unveiling at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva.

The A5 is an immensely important car for Audi. As well as being built to take on the super-successful BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes' CLK Class, the A5 is underpinned by an all-new chassis that will also underpin the all-new A4 when it launches -- reportedly later this year.

Much ado has been made about the new A4/A5 running gear's sweeter weight distribution and better steering and handling characteristics -- and this even before anyone outside the Audi inner sanctum has driven the car! Indeed, Audi has even set up a special website for the new car (see here).

Understandably, Audi Australia officials were less than pleased that news of the launch had leaked when CarPoint/Carsales contacted them.

However, that the Melbourne show has been gifted the opportunity to co-launch the car is a huge vote of confidence for Audi Australia. And perhaps a reward for strong sales in 2006... Last year, the local arm posted record stats selling a total 5770 units -- up 20 per cent compared to 2005 (4808 units).

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