Audi A5 Coupe S line Competition 2014 Review

What is this knob in my hand? Why, I believe it’s gearshift lever.

Let’s see, if I press this thing on the floor – what’s it called, a clutch pedal? – and then push the knob it clicks nicely into place. Now press the accelerator pedal – I know that one – and we go forward.

Gosh these manual gearboxes are neat devices aren’t they? But I never thought I’d be using one in an Audi again – at least not one that costs more than $80,000. For that sort of money, having a gearbox that can think for itself is pretty much expected.

But not in the case of the A5 Coupe S line Competition, a run-out limited edition of perhaps the best-ever looking Audi, a car due for replacement in 2015.

There are only 50 A5 CSlCs on offer and only in Australia, starting at $83,300 (plus ORCs) for the six-speed manual and rising to $85,200 (plus OCRs) for the seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic ‘automatic’.

While underneath is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol quattro A5 coupe, the A5 CSlC gets some extra gear thrown at it to tempt buyers. Which is just as well, because a standard A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro will set you back $73,800 (plus ORCs). By way of comparison, a brand new BMW 428i undercuts it at $80,500 (plus ORCs).

Audi even claims some of the extras are exclusive to this limited edition, including the rear diffuser, rear duck-tail spoiler, exterior mirrors in high-gloss black, lower side sill in high-gloss black, S line sports suspension in a firmer tune that is otherwise not available in Australia, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and unique interior upholstery combination with contrasting stitching.

Other stuff like aluminium-look pedals and privacy glass are available through the options book, while standard items the A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro model comes with anyway include xenon headlights, MMI Navigation plus with 20GB hard drive and full voice control, parking system plus with rear camera, convenience key with keyless entry and push-button start and three-zone climate control air-conditioning.

Then there’s all the safety doo-dads including six airbags, the required electric aids including stability control and anti-lock brakes. Some of the latest items like lane swerve detection and blind spot cameras are either optional or not available.

So the A5 CSlC’s inventory is quite good, but not as good as it looks. Those big titanium-coloured wheels really off-set the ‘Misano Red’ exterior of the test car nicely. De Silva is right to love the A5 and these adornments mean it is literally going out in style. It is a head turner.

And the nice thing is the A5 CSlC drives with a familiar sweetness too. It’s usually been the case that big Audis riding on the MLP set-up have handled better with smaller engines, and the A5 is no exception.

The turn-in is more neutral and less effort is required at the steering wheel than a V6 version of the A5. It’s a flowing and balanced drive, well integrated and thoroughly involving, with just a hint of rear-steer if you provoke it.

We had some awful weather in our week with the A5 CSlC and that demonstrated just how sure traction provided by the permanent all-wheel drive system is.

There are no alternate modes for dampers or the electric assist steering and this car does not need them. Yes, the ride is on the firm side, big potholes cause a shudder and the low profile Continental tyres roar bit on coarser surfaces, but it seemed more than liveable at town speeds.

At the heart of it all is that ubiquitous VW Group EA888 165kW/350Nm engine. It zings through the rev range, making maximum torque from 1500 to 4500rpm. It does it smoothly and quietly, developing just an edge of snarling aggression in the upper register.

Combined with that surprisingly delicate yet positive gearbox and clutch, it is a lot of fun to exploit, although you will find yourself shuffling back to fourth and even third on the steeps.

Audi claims the S tronic version will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 6.4 secs. In the manual it is up to you, and no doubt it would be an enjoyable challenge to extract a time that quick.

The other key figure – and the more important one for most of us – is the 6.6L/100km fuel consumption claim (6.7 S tronic). This proved rather optimistic as our week behind the wheel returned 9.2.

Speaking of optimism, trying to fit adults comfortably in the back of the A5 CSlC is an exercise in wishful thinking. That sexy roofline impinges too much and the legroom is limited. For smaller people it is fine, although they will struggle to see out the little windows.

It’s much better up-front, where the Alcantara bucket seats are deep and the driver grasps a comfortable leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The instrument display is usual Audi cat’s eyes meters, merging into a centre stack that is topped by a sizeable media screen, then plunging down through air vents, various media plug-ins and audio and air-con controls.

It’s busy and efficient in a typical Audi way and doesn’t relent when you get out into the centre console, where the MMI controller resides, along with the shifter and various storage options.

Indeed, storage is an A5 CSlC strong point and not only in the cabin. The boot is quite simply huge at 455 litres and when split-folded down will comfortably accommodate a bicycle.

Less practical are the huge and heavy doors which can be a bugger to push open when gravity is working against you. Don’t park too close to another car or wall, either.

And parking isn’t aided by the closed-in view from the cockpit, but a reversing camera and sensors help here.

Yep, this is not the most practical of cars, nor the most affordable. And even though the manual is a fun blast from the past, there is little argument in its favour over the S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

But having said that, this is a beautiful car to look at and highly satisfying to drive. And that has got to count for something.