Recapturing the Audi spirit
ANDREW KOCH
The hugely successful Audi Quattro was launched around 28 years ago. It was a huge hit around the world during the ’80s with production finishing in 1991, as sales diminished.
Audi has tried to replicate its success since, without any progress until now. The S5 stands every chance of recapturing the spirit of the car that created the whole Quattro phenomenon.
The S5 is the current flagship of the new A5 range of smart-looking coupes. Even though the S5’s lines are essentially the same as the A5’s, a number of subtle cues will tip off informed bystanders to the fact that they’re looking at an S model. Details include a revised grille, silver-coloured side mirrors, quad exhaust pipes and unique 19-inch alloy wheels, in addition to S5 badges.
These subtle changes make the S5 one sexy but sinister-looking performance coupe. The S5 has a flowing character line that bends smoothly along the body’s sides, but perhaps its most distinctive design cue is its LED daytime running light -” a cue that is now becoming a signature on selected models in the new Audi line-up.
Like the old Quattro it is a four-seat coupe with rear seats that can accommodate children and small adults in reasonable comfort.
Once you get in you will be further impressed. It feels solid and spacious, while the cabin is up to the usual exemplary Audi standards of good taste and ergonomic efficiency. Interior quality and detailing is an Audi strong suit, and the S5 doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Silver-coloured trim encircles the gauges and dash vents, and high-end materials like aluminium, carbon fibre and/or wood are available in addition to the standard piano black accents.
The overall effect is a cabin that’s both sporty and elegant. One detail worth noting is the electromechanical handbrake, which has an automatic mode that applies the brake whenever the car stops and then releases it as you drive off.
When it comes to grunt, unlike the Quattro, whose 2.1 litre five-cylinder engine could muster only 147kW, this one has a V8 motor of twice the size, with 260kW up its sleeve.
Under the bonnet the S5’s 4.2-litre V8 fires up with a purposeful roar which then settles down to an invigorating rumble. All that power makes highly inadvisable numbers appear on the speedo, which, allied to a quick and slick gearbox, means you need a positively saintly disposition if you’re not to fall victim to its adrenalin rush.
But sadly, Audis are great in a straight line -” they just don’t like the twisty bits. This is the second new Audi coupe I’ve driven this year. The new TT was a big improvement over the old, but neither of them has yet perfected good cornering.
The S5 is a beautifully executed GT-style coupe, with luxury and performance in equal measure. It’s not cheap, but the S5’s price represents reasonable value against its rivals, particularly the Mercedes-Benz CLK.
It’s not a direct BMW M3 competitor though. We’ll have to wait for the uncompromisingly sports-focused RS5 to make that comparison.
AUTO SPECS
Price: $131,900
Engine: 4.2-litre petrol V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 260kW
Fuel: 12.4-litres/100km
