Over the last decade auto manufacturers have increased the amount of SUV model types they build and sell, and have reduced the amount of sedan body types they manufacture, driven by market forces which dictate todays consumer would rather have a modern SUV body shape rather than the old fashioned sedan.
One good example of this is the South African BMW plant which stopped building the 3 series sedans a few years ago, and now only manufacture the X3 SUV.
All that said, Audi has just launched its all new A5 sedan in the hope the market for that variant is still around and will buy this new product. Clean lines, confident proportions, and dynamic presence is the recipe for the new A5. Viewed from the side the cabin stretches in a graceful arc towards the rear, flowing into a gentle sloping window and finishing at a short-sculpted tailgate with pronounced spoiler lip. At the front, a new wider, flatter grille with three-dimensional honeycomb structure is framed by slim headlights. From the rear the car resembles the A6/A4 look with sculptured design and advanced lighting technology. Rectangular exhaust trims contribute to its refined sporty look.
Pick your exterior body colour with three new metallic options now available, Horizon Blue, Grenadine Red, and Ascari Blue. A bespoke colour selection curated to personal preference is also available for customers seeking further individuality.
Driver focus is key inside the cabin defined by technology and tailored comfort. The “Digital Stage” comprises a curved 14.5-inch central touchscreen and a 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus. Ambient lighting is available in thirty colour options, enhancing the cabin atmosphere. Decorative inlays in brushed aluminum, open-pore wood, and carbon fibre are available through various packages.
Two levels of sound offered, the first being a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 loudspeakers and 16-channel amplifier with a total output of 688 watts. A second system is an option with more powerful headrest speakers in both front seats with efficient amplifier which drives 20 speakers with 810 watts of power. Four speakers integrated into front seat headrests enabling personal surround sound.
One of the highlight features in this new sedan is the optional panoramic glass sunroof with segmented switchable transparency, the roof adjusts between clear and shaded sections.
Again, two options are on offer to provide technology. The Tech Plus package has Matrix headlights, Comfort Access, Digital key, 360-degree camera, and various driver assistance systems.
The Tech Pro has digital OLED rear lights with selectable light signatures, MMI front passenger display, Steering wheel and Seat heating, and Sport Suspension.
Another buyer choice is the power train, a dynamic 2.0 TFSI engine producing 146kW and 340 Nm paired with front-wheel drive or 200kW and 400 Nm available with Audi quattro all-wheel drive.
Four derivatives available to the South African market:
- Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146kW S line R1,123,000
- Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146kW Black Edition R1,166,800
- Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200kW quattro S line R1,238,000
- Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200kW quattro Black Edition R1,281,000
Sold with 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.
