Quattro for A5

Next in line for Audi's A5 Coupe roll-out, the 3.2 quattro variant was released this week, offered with tiptronic for $95,900. The all-wheel-drive A5 carries a $4000 premium over the 3.2 multitronic model, released locally (and quietly) late last year (more here).

Both use Audi's 3.2-litre direct injection FSI V6 engine, rated at 195kW/330Nm. The new quattro model uses more fuel; claimed at 9.3L/100km (compared to 8.7L/km) and is only slightly quicker in the sprint to 100km/h, at 6.4sec versus the front-driven A5's 6.6sec.

Audi Australia will also release 3.0 TDI turbodiesel and 1.8T FSI engine variants for the A5 line-up "over the next 12 months". The company originally expected the 3.2 quattro model in April of this year and the full A5 range by August, however, the 1.8T won't be available until late this year, says Audi Australia.

"The A5 Coupe has shown it is a serious contender in its class. With competitive pricing, advanced engine technology and elegant design, the A5 turns the heads of the luxury car-buying public," says Audi Australia's managing director, Joerg Hofmann.

The A5 is up against the likes of fellow Germans BMW and Benz with 3 Series coupe and CLK, and the cheaper Alfa Romeo Brera. The 3 Series coupe and convertible models are the segment's best sellers.

Audi Australia continues to boast record sales and expects the added A5 models will help growth. The company expects the quattro model will be the A5 range's volume seller accounting for 35 per cent of total A5 sales (once the full range of models is on sale).

The A5/S5 offerings are cars Audi Australia "needed to have", according to company spokesperson, Anna Burgdorf. She says the addition of niche models not only serves the brand well in terms of image, but wins buyers otherwise overlooking the volume-selling models.

The 3.2 FSI quattro is $36K cheaper than its V8-engined S5 stablemate (more here) but after our (albeit) brief launch drive, we can testify it offers similar grip and poise on the road. The V6 is almost as sweet-sounding and happily revs high (to 6500rpm) with long, measured delivery.

The six-speed tiptronic automatic is smooth and responsive to throttle input, with well-positioned shift paddles.

Standard-fit equipment for the A5 quattro model includes Audi's memory key feature, 17-inch alloy wheels in six-spoke design, xenon headlights and park assist. Options include 18 or 19-inch wheels ($1350 and $3150 respectively), sat-nav (a hefty $5800) and Bang & Olufsen sound system upgrade ($1550). Otherwise the cabin is well-appointed with climate control and electrically adjustable front seats also standard. Buyers can choose from a range of trim treatments including walnut or aluminium 'hologram' effect.

The quattro tiptronic V6 A5 model gets the same safety fit-out as the multitronic variant: front airbags with two-stage inflation, front side airbags (thorax/pelvis) and sideguard head-level airbags. Stability control comes standard (with brake traction control), so too ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. The Coupe has three-point seatbelts in its four places.

Audi also released the S5 quattro with tiptronic this month. The tiptronic version starts at the same price as the six-speed manual S5, from $131,900.

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