Say hello to…
…the all-new Audi A5, which now effectively replaces the previous A4 and A5 ranges in Audi’s restructured line-up. Audi has stuck with a near-traditional petrol and diesel engine line-up although with hybrid tech built in. This includes a new hybrid 2.0-litre diesel engine which we’ve driven here. The A5 is available as a saloon (which is actually a five-door hatchback) or an estate which sticks with Audi’s Avant badging.
The A5 is available in three trim levels.
- Sport
- S-line
- Edition 1
Standard equipment on the Sport trim includes 18-inch alloys, comfort suspension, LED headlights, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus with 11.9-inch display, 14.5-inch OLED MMI touchscreen, wireless phone charging, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate, front sport seats with heating and four-way lumbar support, twin leather upholstery.
S-line adds 19-inch alloys, sports suspension, S line exterior styling, privacy glass, black headlining, stainless steel pedals, flat-top and bottom steering wheel, illuminated ‘S’ door sills, and embossed sport seats.
Edition 1 adds 20-inch alloys, matrix LED headlights, black styling pack plus black mirrors and door handles, red brake calipers, diamond-stitched Dinamica microfibre seats with powered adjustment (driver memory), MMI front passenger display, top-view camera, proactive occupant protection, extended lane assist and cross traffic assist systems.
Is the Audi A5 suitable for my fleet
From an operational perspective, yes, with the one proviso; your driver is covering high mileage that means an electric car is out of the question. The new hybrid system impressively smooths out the traditional diesel clatter when starting off and enhances stop-start transitions – particularly welcome in city traffic. However, efficiency didn’t quite meet our expectations in testing, with a real-world average in the mid-to-high 40s mpg, slightly down on the official combined figure of 55.4mpg.
Practicality remains strong, with a generous cabin for front occupants, though rear seat space is average. The boot remains sizeable, making the A5 TDI a viable option for many business users.
Leasing an Audi A5
Gateway2Lease is offering the A5 diesel in Edition 1 trim for £644 a month on a 3+36 contract with 20,000 miles a year. Maintenance is forecast at £98 a month by Gensen Reports. And Class 1A NIC comes in at £190 a month.
Driving an Audi A5
Diesel isn’t the standard fleet choice it was when the previous A4 and A5 were launched, but it’s to be praised that Audi is still offering the option when many rivals are dropping the fuel from their line-ups.
The addition of hybrid tech is welcome and really smooths the start-up of the diesel engine as well as offering additional power and, in theory, better fuel economy.
The only unexpected part to the hybrid system is that if you’re used to the diesel rumble, when the car’s running just on the electric hybrid system it’s odd (in a good way) that the car’s so silent.
The car drives in an exceedingly capable way. Audi engineers know what they’re doing when setting up a car to be both comfortable over typically poor British road surfaces, yet also feel secure if you want to have a bit more fun on a twisty road. It’s something the new entrant brands could learn from. Car’s don’t have to be either comfortable or sporty, they can be both.
While the suspension is to be praised, the seating position is difficult to get right – at least for taller drivers. The problem is centred around the position of the seat so that pedals are comfy to use.
While the hybrid diesel tech is good, the new trip computer system is not as simple and intuitive as the previous generation. The A5 is of the VW Group generation that’s been gifted touch-sensitive steering wheel controls that aren’t as easy to use as proper, pressable buttons.
The main infotainment screen is clear and responsive and while not quite perfect, it’s easy enough to use.
Overall the interior, in terms of materials quality and construction, is up to Audi’s usual high standard.
Overall the A5 may play things a bit safe in terms of design and features, but that’s also part of the appeal. A car that does everything well and will do 600 miles on a tank of fuel that takes only five minutes to refill.
FleetandLeasing.com verdict on the Audi A5
Audi’s A5 still offers diesel and for those that must have an ICE car, that’s to be praised.
Audi A5
- Model: A5 saloon 204PS TDI Edition 1
- Power: 204hp
- Torque: 400Nm
- Max speed: 150mph
- 0-62mph: 7.7s
- Official mpg: 55.4mpg
- Test mpg: 45.9mpg
- CO2 emissions: 134g/km
- BIK tax band 2021/22: 32%
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