Busantourism.com: Audi A5 range facelifted with changes under the skin

Thứ Ba, 12 tháng 7, 2011

Audi A5 range facelifted with changes under the skin

The Audi A5 range has been given a refresh, four years after the four rings impressed us with a graceful, beautifully proportioned Walter de’ Silva coupe. Audi has since added soft top Cabriolet and four-door Sportback variants to the family. Besides some minor exterior upgrades, the facelifted A5 comes with changes under the skin as well.

As you can see from our combi image, the signature Audi grille of the new car (on the left) has a different shape – the top edges have been sawed off to make it a six point box.

The new bumper features pronounced air inlets with big struts, revamped grilles and flat fog lights. The engine hood has been give some sharply chiseled edges for a “3D look” and the front end now appears lower and wider.

The headlights are also new. Their lower edge forms a wave and the LED daytime running lights runs a ring around the main projector, a more distinctive layout than the underline of the pre-facelift A5. The rear lights have also been redesigned and are optionally available with continuous LED light strips. The bumper has been reprofiled, too.

Audi’s benchmark cabin gets some updates as well. There are new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, and new steering column stalks. A button is used to directly adjust the optional seat heating/ventilation in three stages. Also updated were the ignition key, the automatic gear selector lever and controls for the air con and Audi drive select.

Displays are now illuminated in white. There’s also a new selection of upholstery and inlays. Additionally, the originally four-seat Sportback can now be ordered as a five-seater.

The engine lineup consists of three petrol engines and four TDI units, all with forced induction and direct injection. Start-stop and brake energy recuperation is standard across the board.

Audi highlights the redesigned 1.8 TFSI that features new innovations in the control of the valves and their lift, thermal management concept, injection system, turbocharger and the integration of the exhaust manifold. This 170 hp/320 Nm engine consumes just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 km and spews 21% less CO2 than before.

All S5 models are now equipped with a 3.0 TFSI producing 333 hp. Compared to the older 4.2-liter V8, the supercharged V6 consumes on average 20% less fuel per 100 km. Accelerations remains impressive with a 0-100 km/h dash time of 4.9 seconds. Top speed is of course limited to 250 km/h.

Another new feature in the A5 series is the electromechanical power steering, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 km and up to 7g CO2/km because it consumes zero energy while driving straight.