Audi A5 Saloon Driven Through Surrey Proved An Absolute Delight.
On some gorgeous driving roads around Surrey, the Audi A5 Saloon proved an absolute delight to drive. Jeremy Webb took on the ups and downs of the Surrey Hills and found the A5 peaked more than it troughed. He enjoyed the performance, handling, comfort, and spacious interior.
It is always enjoyable driving around the Surrey Hills, along tight, twisty lanes combined with spurts of straights, allowing you to push on to the national speed limit. It is made even more entertaining when you have a sporty saloon like the Audi A5 I was in.
The Audi A5 is a versatile vehicle that encompasses the features of the A4 Saloon, A5 Coupé, and A5 Sportback. It aims to combine the sporty elegance of a coupé with the comfort of a traditional saloon and the practicality of a hatchback's spacious tailgate. The challenge lies in balancing style and functionality to appeal to a variety of tastes. Additionally, the A5 offers five engine options to cater to a wide range of driver preferences.
The lineup begins with the TFSI 150, a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 148bhp, which accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.8 seconds—ideal for relaxed driving. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, the TFSI 204 provides 201bhp with a quicker 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds, positioned to compete closely with the BMW 320i and 420i Gran Coupé.
For diesel fans, the TDI 204 matches the petrol's power while offering impressive mid-range torque. It can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds, or just 6.9 seconds with the quattro all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Company car drivers or those looking for an eco-friendly option will appreciate the A5 e-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid that accelerates to 62 mph in only 5.9 seconds and can travel up to 67 miles on electric power thanks to its 20.7 kWh battery. While it lags slightly behind the Mercedes C300e, which offers a 68-mile range, the Audi A5 maintains a perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and luxury.
The e-Hybrid effortlessly switches between its engine and electric power, gliding almost silently on electricity alone for as long as possible. To activate the engine, you must press the throttle down firmly, and even then, when it engages, it doesn't deliver the full force of its 295bhp.
Every Audi A5 comes equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission that provides a delightful driving experience. Those who choose the S line trim or higher will benefit from gear-shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, allowing for a more engaging interaction with the vehicle's performance. The gear shifts are generally smooth and quick; however, to maximise responsiveness, it is recommended to switch to Dynamic mode. This mode prompts the transmission to downshift more readily, which enhances the engine's lively response and elevates the overall driving experience.
Both the diesel and S5 models feature mild-hybrid technology, an innovation allowing the vehicles to operate briefly on electric power, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour during our tests, while also improving fuel efficiency.
The Audi A5 features a sophisticated suspension system with three options: a standard Comfort setup, a sportier configuration for S line trims, and an adaptive suspension for the S5 model. The S line’s passive suspension is generally well-balanced but may produce a noticeable jolt over sharp road imperfections, particularly with the larger 20-inch wheels.
The steering provides a pleasing balance of lightness and precision, enabling confident handling in both curves and straightaways. While it may not engage drivers as intensely as a BMW 3 Series or 4 Series Gran Coupé, the A5 delivers a smooth, reliable journey, appealing to those who prefer a more straightforward driving experience.
Finding the perfect driving position in the new Audi A5 is a seamless experience. The driver’s seat is designed for optimal alignment with the vehicle's controls, providing an intuitive interface. In the upscale Edition 1 and S5 models, the seat heightens comfort with electric adjustment capabilities, along with luxurious ventilation and massage functions that cater to your needs during longer journeys.
the driver’s display is elegantly integrated into a curved panel that seamlessly connects with the 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, creating the illusion of a single, cohesive unit. Both screens are equipped with advanced OLED technology, offering stunningly crisp and clear graphics that are visually pleasing and easy to navigate, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The digital driver’s display in the A5 is both informative and adaptable, featuring three sections that cater to individual preferences and driving needs. Most of the vehicle's functions can be easily accessed through a central infotainment screen, which is complemented by a physical knob specifically for volume adjustments, as well as buttons dedicated to selecting different driving modes and activating the parking camera.
For frequently used functions, there are two narrow columns of digital shortcut keys positioned near the driver. However, these keys can be small and tricky to operate while on the move. The infotainment system itself might initially feel overwhelming due to its home screen, which displays numerous icons requiring scrolling, but it compensates with rapid responsiveness and smooth animations that enhance the user experience.
In the Edition 1 models, there’s an added touch of luxury with a supplementary 10.9-inch touchscreen installed for the front passenger. This screen features a column of shortcut keys that simplifies access to various settings, making it easier for both occupants to stay connected and organised.
From the driver's seat, visibility is generally excellent. The sturdy front pillars are easy to manoeuvre around, and the large side windows provide a clear view when checking over your shoulder. However, rear visibility is somewhat limited due to the presence of rear headrests. This issue is alleviated by the standard front and rear parking sensors and the reversing camera, which help make manoeuvring smoother.
Edition 1 also includes enhancement features such as 360-degree cameras and adaptive matrix LED headlights, which automatically adjust to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers, boosting safety.
The Audi A5 features a sophisticated interior design, although some compromises are noticeable. The silver plastic trim around the centre air vent feels more budget-friendly than premium. Additionally, while the glossy piano-black finish on the centre console looks sleek, it easily attracts fingerprints and scratches, necessitating frequent maintenance.
Practical and versatile the Audi A5 can adapt to your needs.
Getting in and out of the A5 is simple thanks to its wide doors and low sills. There's ample head, leg, and elbow room in the front for comfort. The interior also includes practical storage solutions, such as a hidden tray under the armrest and a cooled wireless charging pad. Space for rear passengers has improved compared to the A4, making it more accommodating for taller individuals, though headroom can still feel limited.
Available trims include Sport, S line, and Edition 1, with the Sport trim featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery. The S line offers sportier elements, while Edition 1 and S5 models have even more luxurious features.
The Audi A5 is a practical, versatile saloon that can transform into a large load carrier. Its performance and handling are assured, making journeys pleasant whether they are leisurely cruises or beating up bends. The vehicle can be a comfortable, steady transport for five with luggage, and a sporty chariot, so it adapts to your mood. Whatever you choose it for, it won't disappoint.
With a starting price of £46,000, Audi provides a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty.