Verdict: All of the A5 style with attractive running costs

Verdict

The Audi A5 has pulled off the trick of being an attractive coupe with sensible saloon-car efficiency with aplomb.

The four-cylinder engine never gets harsh, with vibrations being well damped to the point that there are very few clues within the cabin as to what’s powering the car.

Drive enthusiastically though and you’ll find that there’s little power available below around 1,800rpm and the body roll in corners shows this A5 wasn’t  developed to be sporty.

Handling is safe and predictable at best, with little feel through the steering wheel making it uninvolving and unexciting to drive.

Treat is at a relaxed cruiser though and you’ll find fewer cars as relaxing to drive, although the lack of low down flexibility means you’ll be changing down a gear or two on hills.

This is every bit the effortless motorway mile muncher that the A4 is, but wrapped up in a sexier shell.

Moving inside, the A5 is every bit as nice a place to spend some time as anything from BMW and Mercedes.

The latest C-Class might be getting the plaudits for its interior style and quality, but the A5 runs it remarkably close, and is leagues ahead of the sportier BMW 4-Series.

It’s not so good in the back though, where the low roofline and lack of rear doors leaves it very tight for space. Even children could start feeling claustrophobic.

However, as an alternative to the regular four-door saloons that dominate this sector, and assuming you can live with the practicality issues that a two-door coupe brings with it, then this really is an extremely tempting option for a company car driver.

More on the Audi A5  Ultra

Read the Editor’s review of the Audi A5 Ultra. Click here

Audi A5 SE 2.0 TDI Ultra: The Low Down…..

…..and what it costs