- Fuel-efficient drivetrains
- Balanced chassis and competent dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- DSG can provide jerky acceleration on take-off
- Firm ride lacks compliance of Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe
- Steering lacks feel
- Not as enjoyable to drive as the BMW F32 4-Series Coupe
Review: Audi 8T3.I A5 Coupe (2007-11)
Overview
Released in October 2007, the Audi 8T3 Series I (8T3.I) A5 Coupe was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe was initially available with a 3.2-litre petrol V6 engine (the ‘3.2 FSI’ variant), but was subsequently offered with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (‘3.0 TDI’) and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine (‘2.0 TFSI’). Transmission choices included a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission with eight pre-set ratios (Audi’s ‘Multitronic’) and a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Year | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TFSI | 2.0-litre CDNB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 2009-11 | 132 kW at 4000-6000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1500-3900 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
2009-11 | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CCWA turbo-diesel V6 | 6sp auto | 2008-11 | 176 kW at 4000-4400 rpm | 500 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm |
| 3.2 FSI | 3.2-litre CALA petrol V6 |
8sp CVT | 2007-11 | 195 kW at 6500 rpm | 330 Nm at 3000-5000 rpm |
| 3.2 FSI quattro | 3.2-litre CALA petrol V6 |
6sp auto | 2008-11 | 195 kW at 6500 rpm | 330 Nm at 3000-5000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Audi B8 A4 sedan on which it was based, the Audi A5 Coupe was 78 mm shorter (at 4625 mm), 28 mm wider (1854 mm), 55 mm lower (1382 mm) and had a 57 mm shorter wheelbase (2751 mm).
The Audi A5 Coupe had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro and electronic differential locks
The A5 Coupe’s ‘quattro’ system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear axle.
Models with the quattro system were also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the Audi A5 Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.
Features: A5 Coupe
Standard features for the Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker 180 watt stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, Milano leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The 2.0 TFSI quattro was further equipped with a six-disc CD player, three-zone climate control air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights with LED driving lights and proximity key.
Beyond this, the 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI added front parking sensors, park assist display and Walnut brown interior trim.
March 2010: Audi A5 Coupe update
From March 2010, the 2.0 TFSI quattro – with the manual transmission – was fitted with ‘idle stop’, whereby the engine would shut down at idle.
December 2011: Audi A5 Coupe update
In December 2011, the A5 Coupe underwent a minor update as the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system was fitted across the range. Furthermore, all variants other than the 2.0 TFSI (FWD) received a satellite navigation system with seven-inch display, 10GB hard drive for music storage and DVD player.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe and S5 Coupe (June 2008)
- Technical Specifications: Audi 8T3 A5 Coupe 3.2 FSI (December 2007)
Review: Audi 8T3.II A5 Coupe (2012-16)
Overview
Released in February 2012, the Audi 8T3 Series II (8T3.II) A5 Coupe introduced an expanded range with the addition of the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants. Furthermore, the A5 Coupe 3.2 FSI was effectively replaced by the more powerful 3.0 TFSI, while the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI benefited from power upgrades. To minimise fuel consumption, all 8T3.II A5 Coupe models were fitted with start-stop, brake energy recuperation and electro-mechanical power steering systems. Other changes included revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning and a crown gear centre differential for the quattro system.
Visually, the Audi 8T3.II A5 Coupe could be identified by its redesigned head- and tail-lights, larger front air intakes, sharper bonnet edges and new headlights with LED running lights. Inside, there new materials, a new multi-function steering wheel, white instrument illumination and revised switchgear.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TFSI | 1.8-litre CJEB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 125 kW at 3800-6200 rpm | 320 Nm at 1400-3700 rpm |
| 2.0 TDI | 2.0-litre CGLC turbo-diesel I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 130 kW at 4200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2.0 TDI quattro | 2.0-litre CGLC turbo-diesel I4 | 7sp DCT | 2013-16 | 130 kW at 4200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
2012-13 | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 2.0-litre turbo CNCD petrol I4 | 6sp man., 7sp DCT |
2013-16 | 165 kW at 4500-6250 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm | |
| 3.0 TFSI quattro | 3.0-litre CMUA s/charged petrol V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 200 kW at 4780-6500 rpm | 400 Nm at 2150-4780 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CDUC turbo-diesel V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 180 kW at 4000-4500 rpm | 500 Nm at 1400-3250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 8T3.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi 8T3.II A5 Coupe was unchanged.
Features: A5 Coupe
Standard features for the Audi A5 Coupe 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI included 18-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker stereo with a CD player, MP3-compatiblity, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/memory card) and Bluetooth audio streaming, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The 2.0 TFSI was further equipped with three-zone climate control air conditioning, a satellite navigation system, DVD player, 10GB hard disk drive for music storage, proximity key and voice recognition. Beyond this, the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI added front parking sensors.
A5 Coupe Sport Editions: 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants
In August 2013, limited-run A5 Coupe 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were released. Compared to the standard 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI, the Sport Editions were further equipped with 19-inch five-segment-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, Audi’s ‘MMI Navigation plus’ system (with 20GB media storage, a DVD player and two SDHC memory card slots), contoured sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were also offered with premium metallic or pearl effect paint finishes as standard.
October 2013: Audi A5 Coupe update
In October 2013, standard features for the A5 Coupe were extended to include three-zone climate control air conditioning, while quattro models were also fitted with a reversing camera (Audi’s ‘parking system plus’).
Furthermore, the A5 Coupe 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI variants were fitted with Audi’s S-line exterior package which included different front and rear bumpers, side grilles, a diffuser insert, body-coloured side sills and ‘S-line’ logos on the front wings and door sill trims.
A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro: S line Competition
In April 2014, the A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro was released in an ‘S line Competition’ edition. Compared to the standard 2.0 TFSI quattro, the A5 Coupe S line Competition editions added 20-inch seven double-spoke alloy wheels with a titanium finish, sports suspension, Alcantara and leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, piano black instrument surrounds, ‘aluminium look’ pedals, privacy glass, a high-gloss black exterior styling package (including the door mirrors, door sill rail, rear diffuser and duck-tail spoiler) and the S line Sports package (for both the interior and exterior).
Only fifty (50) 2.0 TFSI quattro S line Competition models were offered for the Australian market. Available paint finishes included Ibis White, Glacier White, Daytona Grey, Misano Red and Sepang Blue.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T.II A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback (February 2012)
- Specifications: Audi 8T3.II A5 Coupe (February 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi A5
