Latest news with #A5
South Wales Argus
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Audi A5 review - is the Audi A4 replacement a better car?
Datsun was the original name given to cars built by Nissan and sold in Europe. The badge was dropped in 1984 in favour of the parent company's brand. Going through a rebrand is a risky and very expensive business. In Datsun/Nissan's case it cost the company half a billion dollars… in 1984. Today that translates to roughly $1.3 billion just to change a name plate. And Nissan is far from alone. Mitsubishi cars used to be branded as Colts in the UK and Daewoo transformed into Chevrolet (in Europe at least) before disappearing altogether. Cars change their names too. Famously, Porsche was forced into a last minute change for its 901 sportscar when Peugeot claimed the number. Instead, it's rear-engined sportster was called… the 911. Tesla's Model 3 was originally going to be the Model E because the four model range would then spell out S-E-X-Y. Thankfully, clearer heads prevailed. The Alfa Romeo 164 saloon had to be rebranded as the 168 in Taiwan and Hong Kong because the number 164 means 'all the way to death' in Chinese. Which brings us to the Audi A5. The A5 is the new name for the A4, Audi's highly successful compact premium saloon. Why? Because last year marketeers decreed that odd numbers would henceforth denote internally combusted engines and even numbers would be reserved for electrically powered models. Or at least it did until earlier this year when the company did an about turn following complaints that the rebrand was causing confusion. Except it has no plans to swap the A5 back to the A4 – the only model to be rebranded before the whole plan was scrapped. Confused? You're not alone. I had the A5 on test and was approached twice by enthusiasts asking if it was the new Audi coupe. To which my answer was 'sort of' because there isn't going to be a direct replacement for the old two-door A5 Coupe. That's not to say the new A5 is unattractive. The shape is a modern re-interpretation of the previous generation A4 (internally known as the B9) which was hailed as one of the most beautiful cars in the world in a survey a few years ago – so that's a good place to start. The A5 brings the body style up-to-date with a bigger grille, sleeker headlights, flush-fitting door handles and a full width light bar at the rear that echoes the Audi A6 EV. The good news carries on when you slip inside. Audi has a justifiable reputation for building some of the best cabins in the automotive business and the A5 is packed with high technology. Most obviously, there's the full width digital screen set-up which adds a third monitor above the glovebox for the passenger to fiddle around with (they can change the radio station, call up a weather forecast and see how fast you are travelling among other things). Audi says the third screen cannot be seen by the driver but I was always aware of it out of the corner of my eye. The old A4 was one of the first Audi models after the Mk3 TT to get a virtual cockpit back in 2015 and the new system goes one further with a sweeping panoramic monitor set-up that can be customised to your individual requirements. The central screen is a whopping 14.5 inches and responds instantly thanks to a beefy processor upgrade and changes to the user interface. The high resolution means the graphics are sharp and easy to read. The main instrument screen measures 11.9 inches and displays all you need to know at a glance. Sadly, the beautiful row of silver alloy switches for the air con and climate control in the old A4 has been replaced by virtual controls on the new A5. At least they are permanently 'on' so it's fairly easy to adjust the temperate regardless of what you're doing (albeit not as simple as just flicking a switch). Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with a handy wireless charging plate for compatible phones. The Sound and Vision optional upgrade adds a Bang & Olufsen branded stereo and a head-up display. Touch sensitive pads on the steering control the audio and cruise/speed limiter, but they can sometimes be activated by mistake when turning the wheel and your palm accidentally brushes against them. There's more room inside the new A5, which is both longer and wider than its predecessor, and five adults can sit in complete comfort, although there's a transmission tunnel hump to be straddled by anyone sitting in the middle. The new model is more practical, too. Despite being designated as a saloon, the new model actually has a hatchback which opens to reveal a 445-litre space (417-litre in 4WD versions) that can be expanded by dropping the rear seat backs, creating a very useful long and flat load area. The BMW 3-Series may have a slightly larger boot, but it can't compete with the A5's hatchback versatility. Audi sent the diesel A5 for evaluation. It's been awhile since I've had the pleasure of driving a turbo diesel – a far cry from the mid-Noughties when, for a time, it seemed as if DERV was the future. On re-acquaintance it's easy to understand why. Fast, smooth and very economical, the TDI has to be the engine of choice if you do a lot of motorway miles thanks to its effortless mid-range shove and miserly fuel consumption. At any speed, the A5 is quiet and smooth thanks to those smooth aerodynamic looks and acoustically-tuned glass. It's a very fine place to spend a long journey. It's a pretty snappy mover as well. If you choose the Quattro all-wheel drive version 62mph comes up in less then seven seconds. More importantly, there's enough mid-range torque to accomplish overtakes with nothing more than a mere flex of your right foot. The A4 – and the Audi 80 before it – have been a mainstay of the German marque's range for the best part of three decades. It's not hard to see why. With its smart looks, posh interior, roomy cabin and flexible load carrying capacity, the A5 is all the car most people will ever need. As for the name change, I think if this car were a breakfast cereal it would be Coco Pops – a firm family favourite that was rebranded as Coco Krispies in 1998 prompting a national outcry before common sense won out and the chocolate-flavour breakfast reverted to its original name just months later. Whatever the badge says, it's a damn good car.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- BBC News
A5: Elderly woman dies after two-vehicle crash
An 82-year-old woman has died after a crash on the A5 in County was Bernadette Cranley, known as Bernie, from Lifford in County car she was driving was in collision with a SUV on the Mellon Road between Omagh and Newtownstewart at about 12:30 BST on Saturday. The driver of the other vehicle, a woman in her 70s, was seriously injured and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The crash happened close to the entrance to the Ulster American Folk Park outside which were due to take place at the park on Saturday night as part of the Bluegrass Omagh Festival were called off. Throw-in for the GAA match between Donegal and Tyrone in Ballybofey was also postponed until 19:15 local time due to the road, which was closed for a number of hours, has since reopened, police have said. West Tyrone assembly member (MLA) Daniel McCrossan said tragedies resulting from the A5 are "never ending"."Can I ask our community to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers," he than 50 people have died on Northern Ireland's A5 road - which runs between Londonderry and Aughnacloy - since 2006. In the Republic of Ireland, three women have been killed in separate incidents on pedestrians - one in her late 20s in County Wexford and another in her 60s in County Meath - and a cyclist in her 70s in County Clare died in the crashes. What is the A5? The road, which is more than 58 miles (94km) long, is single carriageway for most of its length, with overtaking lanes in some A5 is a vital artery of the Northern Ireland road is also the main north-south route in the west of Northern Ireland, providing a link between County Donegal and Dublin, via the N2 in County Monaghan.A £1.2bn upgrade to the road was announced last year by then Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd, but is now the subject of a judicial review.
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Audi Korea unveils new A5 sedan, accelerating market comeback
Audi Korea unveiled the new A5 sedan and its performance-enhanced S5 trim at a media preview event on Thursday to reinforce its momentum to reclaim its position as a leading imported car brand in Korea. 'As I mentioned during the New Year media roundtable, 2025 will mark the year with the most new model launches for Audi,' said Steve Cloete, executive director of Audi Korea, during the event held in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. 'Today, we are excited to unveil these cars.' The sedans represent Audi's second full redesign unveiled in Korea this year, part of a plan to launch 16 new models this year — the largest number since the company's Korean debut in 2004. Built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion, the sedans offer class-leading interior spaciousness. By adopting an upgraded mild hybrid electric vehicle powertrain — an advancement over the previous 48-volt hybrid system — the models effectively address the noise and vibration issues often associated with diesel engines, the company noted. 'Audi is evolving, perfectly balancing combustion engine excellence with electric revolution. … The development will further strengthen our brand presence here in the Korean market and serve as a foundation for the next leap forward,' Cloete said. The unveiling event also featured a test drive of the A5 and S5, demonstrating their performance under extreme driving conditions such as sudden acceleration, high-speed cornering and abrupt deceleration. 'The models are not intended to be driven like sports cars, but we wanted to showcase their capability to handle such demanding situations,' an Audi Korea official said. Once recognized as one of the top three imported car brands in Korea alongside Mercedes-Benz and BMW by 2023, Audi slipped to seventh place in sales last year, selling 9,304 units in 2024. The lack of new model launches is believed to be a key factor behind the sluggish sales, prompting the company to accelerate its efforts to reclaim its former position by maximizing new car introductions in Korea. The A5 is scheduled to launch in Korea in July, starting at 57.89 million won ($41,415).
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2026 Audi A6: New-gen 5 Series rival gets PHEV power
The Audi A6 e-hybrid quattro has been unveiled for Europe in both sedan and Avant (wagon) body styles, and with the choice of two plug-in hybrid drivetrain options. Both versions pair a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor built into the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The standard-output version makes a combined 220kW and 450Nm, and can complete the 0-100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h. Meanwhile, the high-output iteration has 270kW and 500Nm. It reels off the 0-100km/h standard in 5.3 seconds. Both versions of the drivetrain are equipped with a battery pack located under the boot floor boasting 45 per cent more capacity than the one used on the previous generation A6. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Rated at 20.7kWh (net), the new battery supports AC charging up to 11kW. In EV mode, the A6 PHEV can travel at speeds up to 140km/h, and can achieve up to 111km of emissions-free driving. If these details sound familiar, that's because the latest generation A5 liftback and wagon are also offered with the same plug-in hybrid drivetrains. In addition to all-wheel drive, the A6 plug-in hybrid comes with all-wheel steering as standard, as well as three-zone climate control system. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The high-output variant is also fitted with the S line equipment package, which includes sports suspension that's 20mm lower, seats with chunkier bolsters, a three-spoke steering wheel, a black single-frame grille, more prominent air intakes, and matte chrome finishes. Order books for the A6 plug-in hybrid models are now open in Europe, with the deliveries beginning in the northern summer. In Germany the 220kW variant is priced from €65,800 ($115,500) for the sedan, while the 270kW version starts at €75,050 ($131,700). Wagon models carry a €2500 ($4400) premium over the sedan. It's unclear if the plug-in hybrid drivetrain options will be made available Down Under, but we'll update this article when we find out more. Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Audi A6
7NEWS
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Audi A6: New-gen 5 Series rival gets PHEV power
The Audi A6 e-hybrid quattro has been unveiled for Europe in both sedan and Avant (wagon) body styles, and with the choice of two plug-in hybrid drivetrain options. Both versions pair a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor built into the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The standard-output version makes a combined 220kW and 450Nm, and can complete the 0-100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h. Meanwhile, the high-output iteration has 270kW and 500Nm. It reels off the 0-100km/h standard in 5.3 seconds. Both versions of the drivetrain are equipped with a battery pack located under the boot floor boasting 45 per cent more capacity than the one used on the previous generation A6. Rated at 20.7kWh (net), the new battery supports AC charging up to 11kW. In EV mode, the A6 PHEV can travel at speeds up to 140km/h, and can achieve up to 111km of emissions-free driving. If these details sound familiar, that's because the latest generation A5 liftback and wagon are also offered with the same plug-in hybrid drivetrains. In addition to all-wheel drive, the A6 plug-in hybrid comes with all-wheel steering as standard, as well as three-zone climate control system. The high-output variant is also fitted with the S line equipment package, which includes sports suspension that's 20mm lower, seats with chunkier bolsters, a three-spoke steering wheel, a black single-frame grille, more prominent air intakes, and matte chrome finishes. Order books for the A6 plug-in hybrid models are now open in Europe, with the deliveries beginning in the northern summer. In Germany the 220kW variant is priced from €65,800 ($115,500) for the sedan, while the 270kW version starts at €75,050 ($131,700). Wagon models carry a €2500 ($4400) premium over the sedan. It's unclear if the plug-in hybrid drivetrain options will be made available Down Under, but we'll update this article when we find out more.
