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Pretty looking car
The 2011 Audi A5 can turn heads. Whether it is the coupe or the cabriolet, you can rest assured that this car will leave you speechless. The car borrows the same length and size as the A4, and here you get a much better design reflection. The A5 looks like a gorgeous car, one whose posters are worthy of adorning your childhood bedroom walls. In this case, this car should be parked outside your garage, angled and attracting all the eyeballs in the neighborhood.
The sculpted hood, the large horizontal grille, the mean headlamps, and the amalgamated front bumper with air intakes; the front fascia of the Audi A5 is all business. You can tell this car is sporty with a glance. The roofline is curved and smooth, it tapers very neatly onto the rear of the car. The rear is the same as the Audi A4 and you get the raised bumper along with dual exhaust pipes. From the side, it looks more like a muscle car, with raised lines and bodywork that accentuate the length of the car.
The 2011 Audi A5 looks even better when the top is down. The car is a superb cruiser and the soft top means you get a little more cargo space than you originally bargained for. It is a spectacular-looking car, no matter the version you choose. The car’s beauty is perhaps the most coveted feature, your driveway will look better with an Audi A5 sitting on it, that is a fact.
Performance to match the looks
So what about the engine? What lies under the hood of this handsome and flamboyant car? The engine is the same. The 2011 Audi A5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that doles out 211 bhp and has a peak torque output of 258 lb-ft. The great thing about this engine is that despite the lowly 2011 Audi A5 specs, the performance is simply brilliant. The car pulls through from all RPMs and you will have no worries with acceleration or overtaking.
The major differences between the coupe and the cabriolet lie in the transmission. The regular A5 coupe gets an eight-speed automatic and is coupled with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car does the 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. If you choose the six-speed manual, you’ll get an even better 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds.
The configuration on the cabriolet is different, it has a CVT and only front-wheel drive. The result is much slower acceleration and mediocre 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. Change that to a proper automatic instead of a CVT and the 0-60 time improves to 7.2 seconds. It will feel lethargic and sluggish compared to the coupe.
A drive that is worthy of your money
The specs are not the most eye-popping nor are they mediocre. The real winner is the drivability of the car. The 2011 Audi A5 feels like a very controlled machine on the roads. The car is calm on the roads, the engine lacks vigor, and you will find no problems with control. The Audi A5 is meant to be an easy and smooth car to drive. The car’s agility is nuanced and you will feel a smooth ride on straights and a little less bite on cornering.
It is intended for drivers who want an easy car, one that does not possess a unique driving characteristic. The steering is delicate, the ride will glide over bumps and the suspension is very soft. Comfort is the goal here and not driving pleasure. Chief amongst the 2011 Audi A5 problems would be this very issue of not having the greatest drivability in an Audi. While it may feel like nitpicking, to real driving enthusiasts this would be a deal-breaker.
Cool and comfortable interiors
Perhaps, the savior is the interiors on the 2011 Audi A5. Audi has been the segment leader in interior design. They make the most elegant and sophisticated car cabins. We have learned to love and expect only the best from Audi.
The 2011 Audi A5 interior lives up to the standard. The cabin is high-quality. You will be amiss to find even the slightest hint of cheap plastic in this space. The car’s interiors look luxurious, quite lavish even. The attention to detail is apparent and every single gauge, switch, and button feels delightful to touch.
Inside, you can find space in the front, plenty of it, in fact. The car is a coupe and despite offering rear seats, the space feels cramped. The seats are firm and comfortable. Over longer drives, you will truly appreciate the plushness of the seats.
You get decent headroom; however, it shrinks when you opt for the panoramic sunroof. The space at the back is the real concern. You will be better off using the 60-40 configuration to maximize cargo space, which is surprisingly more than the competition. Overall, Audi’s quality takes the cake. They have blended elements of wood, metal, and high-quality plastic in a masterful manner.
Safety in spades
The car does not have a crash test rating from the NHTSA or the IIHS. Despite that, the 2011 Audi A5 comes with a suite of safety features. ABS, traction and stability control, and front and side airbags are standard. You do not get curtain airbags on the cabriolet version; however, a pop-up rollbar system is included for protection. There are other options such as lane departure warning, radar-based cruise control, which enhance the safety aspect of the A5.
The verdict
The 2011 Audi A5 2.0T, is a car that stems from the idyllic image of what a car should look like. The design is breathtakingly simple and stunning. The performance is good, yet leaves a little more to be desired. The drive is smooth and easy. While enthusiasts will find that the muted nature does not suit them, the 2011 Audi A5 is not meant for them.
The car is a dazzling ray of sunshine in a world full of boring coupes. The cabins are also a major plus point. You get luxurious interiors and do not compromise on any aspect. The Audi A5 is an enticing prospect and for those that want to drive something for leisure, this is it.
