Audi A5 updated

Audi is updating its A5 range, with an updated chassis, new engines and a sharp new look.

The coupe, Sportback, Cabriolet and S5 versions all have updated styling, bringing them into line with Audi’s newer models such as the A6 and A8. There’s a new front grille with angled corners, a fresh front bumper and bonnet and smaller, reshaped headlights. The rear light clusters and bumper have been redesigned, too.

Inside, there are new designs for the steering wheel, steering column stalks, ignition key, automatic gearlever and air-conditioning controls. There is a range of new materials and colours, too.

Stop-start and energy recuperation systems are now standard for every engine. The 1.8 TFSI petrol unit is all-new, and emits 21% less CO2 than its predecessor. A 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 petrol joins the range, too.

All S5 models now have a supercharged 3.0-litre V6: the current S5 coupe uses the 4.2-litre V8 that was superceded in the Sportback and Cabriolet versions.

Tweaks to the rear suspension are aimed at improving the ’ ride and handling. There’s a new electromechanical steering system, too, which helps to reduce CO2 output by up to 7g/km.

Additional standard safety kit includes a system that detects when the driver is getting tired and issues a warning. Audi Active Lane Assist is a new option; it uses a camera that reads lane markings and can make slight corrections to the steering if necessary.

There are a range of new ‘infotainment’ systems, including an updated MMI navigation plus option, with a hard drive, seven-inch colour monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player. There are fewer control buttons, thanks partly to a new joystick controller.

Audi’s Bluetooth online car phone is another new option, which brings the option of Google searches, Google Earth sat-nav images and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The revised A5 range goes on sale later this year. Audi hasn’t confirmed prices, but it says there will be a small increase across the range. Similar improvements will be made to the A4 range in early 2012.