When it comes to a premium sports coupe, Audi has done many things right with the new A5. For foundational purposes, the new 2013 Audi A5 is an excellent luxury sports coupe to base performance variations of the model off of, which Audi has had much success in the performance oriented S5 and thrilling new kid on-the-block RS5. Having spent a week in the new 2013 Audi A5 2.0 Turbo Quattro all-wheel drive, I can assure consumers they are getting a well-engineered and aesthetically pleasing luxury sports coupe and convertible.

After a successful 5 year run, the Audi A5 receives a slightly revised front end highlighted by its redesigned and distinctively eye-popping LED running lights for the 2013 model year.  Over-all styling for the A5 remains the same, which is a good thing considering its proven drivetrain featuring a 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new Audi A5 powertrain manages to work in harmony to provide a decent output to propel the A5 in a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. With an output of 211 horsepower around 4,300 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque available as low as 1,500 rpm, the A5 is no pushover despite the smallish 4-cylinder engine. Coupled with the advanced Quattro all-wheel-drive system and new 8 speed automatic transmission, the new A5 feels light on its feet and proves to be quite the capable turbo-4-cylinder luxury sports coupe.

Enthusiasts will be happy to know that the driving dynamics of the new A5 are astounding. Even though Audi has switched over to an electric power steering unit from a hydraulic unit in previous years, the steering is still nicely weighted. Although, some of the natural feel of the steering feedback has been lost in translation as it seems to be a characteristic of other new Audi vehicles.

The new 2013 Audi A5 2.0T proves to be somewhat agile and handles well through turns. Much of the handling abilities pay homage to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system where it is consistently making adjustments depending on the traction of each wheel. Under normal conditions the all-wheel-drive system will direct 40 percent power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear to give it a rear-wheel-drive biased approach to handling. Although, the all-season tires on my Audi A5 test vehicle clearly reach their limits well before the suspension system does when exploring the lateral-G limitations.

The 8-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job to keep the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine at bay and in the powerband when extra passing power is needed. Shifting speed from the 8-speed auto can be somewhat delayed but proves to be adaptive with a sport mode setting doing a good job holding lower gears much longer and quickly up-shifting without much gas pedal effort.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Audi A5 are respectable getting 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. During my highway trip I averaged 31 mpg, but this was mostly on back-highway roads with speeds only reaching a maximum of 65 mph. Interstate driving is another story as I clocked 28 mpg traveling “slightly” above the posted speed limit. In either situation, the turbo 4-cylinder proved to be quite the capable engine virtually matching acceleration from comparable V6-equipped vehicles while getting better gas mileage.

On the open road the new A5 had a quiet cabin isolating most road and wind noise.  Visibility from the driver’s perspective is good even when checking blind spots. The standard tilting vent-only panoramic glass roof panel, however, lacks a solid sun shade where a perforated soft shade takes its place. The shade tends to let in more sunlight for my taste during those high-noon times of day when your sunglasses barley do their job.

Inside the new 2013 Audi A5 the cabin provides seating for 4 adults and a visually pleasing premium-class interior trim and surfaces. Although the use of plastics is in abundance, Audi manages to once again keep the interior at a level expected by those in the market for a premium luxury automobile.

The ornamental-stiched leather seats on my new 2013 Audi A5 test vehicle considerably lacked bolstering but proved to be comfortable enough for my 200 mile-long highway trip. The rear seating area is just enough room for normal sized adults, however, you would be pushing the envelope with 6-feet tall adults in the rear with the low-slopping roofline of the sleek A5 coupe. Additionally, the front occupants must be short enough to give the rear passenger enough leg room to even consider sitting in the rear. Basically, things can get cramped pretty quickly with a 3 or 4 “big” guys in the A5.

My particular Audi A5 test vehicle, in addition to the list of standard features, only includes the premium plus option package including auto-dimming mirrors, music interface with iPad cable, mobile phone Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats with driver-side memory, homelink garage door opener, LED taillights, and Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The new Audi A5 does have a suitable amount of standard features but falls short of its standard equipment offerings when compared to vehicles that cost considerably less. Though, your money is well spent on the new A5 having an excellent drivetrain and the enthusiastic drive characteristics to match and hardly ever disappoint.

The new 2013 Audi A5 can be had with a barrage of options to satisfy many appetites for luxury amenities, including a convertible model. Keeping things on a level playing field, my Audi A5 carried a modest $43,635 as-tested price tag, just over 4 grand north of the base price of my A5 quattro triptronic (automatic transmission) equipped vehicle at $39,050 (excluding a $895 destination charge). With pricing considered, the all-new 2013 Audi A5 is well-deserved for a look by anyone in the market for one of the best looking cars on the road with a proven, capable, efficient drivetrain and the availability of premium appointments and luxury amenities boot.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base A5 manual transmission $37,850.00/ As-Tested $43,635.00 with the Premium Plus package and Triptronic automatic transmission
• Engine: 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder 211 horsepower @ 4300 rpm / 258 ft-lbs torque @ 1500 rpm
• Wheelbase: 108.3in.
• Total length: 182.1in.
• Total width: 73in.
• Total height: 54in.
• Track: f/r-62.6/62.1in.
• Headroom: f/r-39.1/36in.
• Legroom: f/r-41.3/31.7in.
• Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons
• Curb weight: 3,681lbs. with Tiptronic automatic transmission
• 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
• EPA mileage: 20 mpg/city, 30 mpg/highway