2010 Audi A5,Reviews

2010 Audi A5 receives a soft-top Cabriolet variant, a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a new trim level structure. The soft-top Cabriolet model also debuts for 2010, as does Audi's standardized trim level structure and an improved version of MMI
for navigation-equipped models.

The 2010 Audi A5 is a luxury sport coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The base Premium coupe comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated exterior mirrors, an electronic parking brake, a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, a panoramic tilt-only sunroof, automatic climate control, power front seats, leather upholstery, a split-folding rear seatback, Audi's previous-generation Multi Media Interface (MMI) with dash-mounted controls and a 10-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack. The Cabriolet adds a power-retractable soft top and a wind blocker.

Many higher-end standard features are optional on the lower trim levels. Prestige-only options include an S Line package (essentially a special Sport package with unique exterior and interior trim), 2010 Audi A5 Drive Select (includes adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering and four selectable driving modes for transmission and steering response and ride tuning), adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and a back-up camera with rear parking sensors. The Cabriolet-only Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system and ventilated seats.

Powertrains and Performance
Transmission options for the 2.0T consist of a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with manual shift control, while the V6 is automatic-only. Antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2010 Audi A5. A blind-spot warning system -- "side assist" in Audi's parlance -- is available as long as the navigation system has been selected. If an imminent collision is detected, the system alerts the driver and primes the brakes for full stopping power.

The front seats are adequately comfortable, although lateral support for spirited driving is lacking unless you spring for the upgraded sport seats via the Sport package or S Line package.

Driving Impressions
The 2010 Audi A5 handles well, with good body control and relentless AWD traction.

2011 Audi A5,Reviews

A new Titanium Sport package adds black trim and 19-inch wheels to the regular Sport package, while the Prestige trim picks up a standard rearview camera and parking sensors, plus an optional power rear-window shade. The 2011 Audi A5 is one sexy coupe and convertible. The A5 coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive (it's optional for the cabriolet).

For those who like the A5's looks but want greater performance, Audi offers the high-performance S5 coupe and convertible. The 2011 Audi A5 is available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. Both are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. The options list includes heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Prestige can further be equipped with an optional blind-spot warning system (Audi Side Assist), Audi Drive Select (adjustable settings for suspension, steering and transmission) and adaptive cruise control.

The Sport package available for the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels adds 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles for the automatic transmission. The Coupe's Titanium Sport package is basically a Sport package with some dark exterior and interior trim. The cabriolet's Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system, ventilated front sport seats, adjustable lumbar for the passenger seat and upgraded leather upholstery.

Powertrains and Performance
The cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Optional on the cabriolet is all-wheel drive connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive; a six-speed manual transmission is standard and the eight-speed automatic is optional.

The front-wheel-drive Cabriolet achieves an estimated 22/30/25.
Antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard on the "2011 Audi A5".

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Audi A5 handles well, with impressive body control and tenacious traction from the all-wheel-drive system.