Audi A5/S5 - First Drive

Inspired by the Audi Nuvolari concept, first shown at Geneva in 2003. From the front, the A5/S5 looks similar to the TT, but the tell-tale difference is the stylish new front lights with the band of LED's for sidelights. The rear bears a distinct resemblance to the current 3-Series Coupe although the A5 is an original design. The rest of the design follows current Audi styling cues, with its high-waistline and defining crease along the side. The coupe shape suits some colours better than others; I thought the S5 in white was particularly striking.

The A5/S5 is a great-looking car, the underpinnings are more likely to cause a stir. This car is the first Audi product to use the Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP), giving optimal weight distribution. At the front there's new five-link front suspension, which helps give the A5/S5 excellent body control and sharp handling. At the back, there's a completely re-engineered trapezoidal set up, which helped deliver a sporty ride and handling package during the Italian test drive.

Other changes include shorter front and rear overhangs and the rack-and-pinion steering has been placed closer to the wheel centre to improve steering feel and response.

Inside, there's the usual vault-like build quality with the dashboard similar to the A6. The launch cars we drove were fitted with Audi's intuitive MMI system (Multi-Media Interface) with DVD navigation. Music lovers are well catered for with the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system delivering 500 watts of music power from 14-speakers!

The A5/S5 is a reasonably practical coupe. There's room for four, but taller rear passengers will find legroom at a premium - especially with the S5's excellent high-backed sports seats. Boot space is impressive at 455 litres, which is expandable by releasing the split/folding rear seat.

I drove the 354PS S5 Quattro and the 240PS A5 3.0-litre TDI diesel, both with six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed Multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission will be available as an option on Quattro four-wheel drive versions. Top speed for the range-topping S5 is 155mph, with 62mph coming up at an equally impressive 5.6 seconds. Although the S5 is an exciting drive, it's the 3.0-litre TDi I would rather take home. The S5 I drove was fitted with optional 19-inch alloy wheels, which made the steering heavier and the ride much harsher.