The 2013 Audi A5 Coupe may not have the acceleration offered by some of its rivals, but with its pleasing driving demeanor, confident handling, and frugal fuel economy, it is hard to complain. Little has changed under the hood for the model year except the traditional hydraulic power steering assist has been switched to electric. A5 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder to deliver 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Again, it is not a tremendous amount of power, but with the standard six-speed manual you enjoy 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for 26 mpg combined. Audi quattro® all-wheel drive is available to enhance performance and improve control while driving in inclement weather. It does not sound as refined as a six-cylinder, but it does provide a crisp feel of the road and impressive body control. It is composed while merging on the highway, and the cabin remains as quiet as pricier models.
• Audio - True music lovers will appreciate the available Bang & Olufsen® system that offers 14 speakers and 505 watts. However, the standard 10-speaker system with iPod, CD player, auxiliary jack, and satellite radio will satisfy most.
• Navigation -The upgraded interface alone makes it worthy adding on the navigation system. It puts controls between the armrest and shifter, so they are literally at your fingertips.
• Audi Advanced Key - This convenience feature lets you start your engine, and lock and unlock the doors without digging your keys out of your pocket or purse.
• Bluetooth® - Send, end, and receive calls with this popular technology feature. It is included in the Convenience package and comes with an enhanced interface for iPod.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not performed crash tests on the 2013 A5 Coupe, but Audi vehicles are known for receiving top safety scores, so one would expect this one to do well. In a braking test it stopped from 60 mph in 108 feet, which is an impressive number. Safety minded buyers will want the Prestige trim, which includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitor. Noteworthy safety features include:
• Pre-collision safety system
• Post-collision safety system
• Brake drying
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Electronic stability control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Dusk sensing headlights
• Engine immobilizer
• Turn signal mirrors
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Daytime running lights
-Sleek- is the word most commonly used to discuss this head-turning vehicle. Graceful lines finish into modern curves, and the restyled grille and headlights match Audi's newly adopted angular design language. Every detail blends harmoniously, from its Singleframe® grille to its aerodynamic roof to the available adaptive rear-wing spoiler.
The cabin in the A5 is every bit as nice as what you get in Audi's more expensive vehicles. The seats are comfortable, but they are lacking a bit in lateral support. There is plenty of room in the front seat, but the lack of leg and headroom in the backseat makes it really only appropriate for children. The center stack is modern and nicely designed. However, the dash-mounted Multi Media Interface that comes standard is a disappointment. The upgraded system has a console-mounted controller and more simplified menus.
For a coupe, cargo space is impressive at 12.4 cubic feet. The rear seat does fold to offer a little more room.