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Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro

The brand new second-generation Audi A5 Coupe aims to get in which the strong-selling old model ended. How? Largely, by searching similar and doing the very similar stuff, but better. Audi certainly knows what its customers like.

As before, the most recent A5 Coupe comes from the A4, meaning it uses the most recent Audi chassis architecture, known as Major league baseball. To those A4 underpinnings, Audi has stiffened the springs and retuned the suspension to really make it feel a little sportier. It’s searching to include an impression more spice towards the worthy but dull dynamics from the A4.

The engine range is comparable and, some sales is going to be 2.-litre TDIs, Audi believes the three. TDI may also be popular. A 282bhp range-topping V6 diesel comes to 2017 so far, Audi is selling a lesser-powered 215bhp V6 TDI quattro, which we’ve driven here.

And just what an excellent engine it's. Even just 1250rpm, it’s in a position to surge forward effortlessly, with the type of refinement normally connected with £80,000 GTs. Yes, the seven-speed S tronic gear box can dither a little before it will get going, but it’s far better once moving, contributing to the posh feel from the A5 Coupe.

Precise steering and good body control causes it to be a pleasurable mix-country drive too. Maintained by the safety of quattro all-wheel drive as standard, a pleasant dose of additional sportiness could be felt, but it isn't excessive and definitely doesn’t spoil the ride.

The only real critique is it isn’t a little more engaging they are driving. A BMW 4 Series is much more agile and provides better feedback towards the driver the A5 prefers safe and secure instead of interactive and lithe.

But no BMW 4 Series can match the inside excellence of the A5 Coupe. It’s exemplary, with upmarket materials, ultra-obvious layout along with a classy feel. Maybe it isn't as stylish like a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, however the sheer logic and order within, specially the brilliant Audi MMI infotainment system, easily compensates for just about any perceived insufficient flair.

It’s a coupe it is not as impractical since you may think, either. They’ll have a job to go into there, but two six-footers will easily fit in the trunk easily enough (the greatest restricting factor will probably be headroom). The boot is larger than its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and also the standard 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats are handy.

It’s a powerful all-round performance for that A5 Coupe 3. TDI 218 quattro. And, even in a touch over £41,000, it’s still perhaps very good value, given its generous equipment list minimizing CO2 than its direct rivals. It might not possess the excitement of the BMW, however this is otherwise an very well-sorted vehicle that’s appropriately set to become a popular choice.