New A5 variant on sale

It can't be much of a coincidence that the Audi S5 was launched to the media two days ahead of the BMW M3. Both cars are V8-powered and while the BMW has the wood on the Audi with more power, the Audi develops more torque.

So with the halo car in the marketplace already (more here), it's time for Audi to address demand for more 'humble' offerings. Welcome one and all, the A5 3.2 FSI with multitronic CVT.

The A5 in this specification is the first of several A5/S5 variants to be released in Australia by Audi right through to August 2008.

Powered by a 3.2-litre direct injection ('FSI') engine, the new A5 model is priced at $91,900 -- a full $40,000 saving over the S5 already introduced.

That 3.2-litre FSI engine develops 195kW of power at 6500rpm and 330Nm torque at a range of speeds from 3000 to 5000rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 6.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in combined cycle testing is 8.7L/100km and CO2 emissions measure 207g/km.

The engine drives through Audi's 'Multitronic' continuously variable transmission, which is a stepless transmission, but offers seven programmed steps for those who prefer to change 'gear' manually.

Audi is releasing the various models in the A5/S5 range progressively. According to Melinda Keating, Corporate Communications Executive for Audi, the staggered releases are a consequence of availability, rather than a strategic choice by the Australian arm.

"It just comes down to the availability of the engine for Australia -- and as they become available to us, we'll introduce them to the market."

Other variants to follow are the A5 3.2 FSI quattro tiptronic in April 2008, the S5 4.2 FSI V8 quattro tiptronic and the A5 1.8 Turbo FSI multitronic (CVT) in May 2008, plus the A5 3.0 TDI turbodiesel quattro tiptronic in August 2008.

 » Get the best price on a new Audi A5

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