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By Jonathan Crouch

Want style but don't want to totally abandon commonsense? Audi's second generation A5 Coupe in 40 TDI form with a 2.0 TDI 190PS diesel engine should fit the bill, as Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 59

Audi offers plenty of coupe options these days but the second generation A5 line-up makes the most real-world sense. Most A5 Coupe customers choose the 190PS 2.0 TDI variant we're looking at here. And you can see why. Efficiently is now much improved and the car looks even sleeker these days. If you can afford one, you'd like one.

Backgroundword count: 119

The Audi A5 Coupe gets larger, more sophisticated, sleeker and more efficient in this improved version of the second generation design. Most purchasers choose the 2.0 TDI diesel 190PS '40 TDI' version and as usual, there's the option of quattro 4WD. Like its predecessor, this car is based on the platform of Audi's A4 saloon, a rather sophisticated platform as it happens, the MLB Evo underpinnings able to trim up to 60kgs from the kerb weight in comparison to the previous model. The suspension set-up is firmer than you get in an A4 though, which should make this A5 feel sportier and better able to face down its arch-rivals, coupe versions of BMW's 4 Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

Driving Experienceword count: 297

So what's it like to drive? Decently rapid is the answer. 62mph from rest takes under 8s on the way to around 130mph, with the quattro version enabling you to match that kind of performance in the wet. But does this car handle as well as its BMW 420d Coupe arch-rival? Well, not quite as well. The Audi doesn't have rear wheel drive for a start. But this A5 gets remarkably close to its Bavarian competitor and the suppler ride you get with this Audi (providing you don't burden it with huge wheels and stiff suspension) will be preferable for many. You can improve it further by specifying a 'chassis with damper control' set-up, allowing you to match the ride to the road you're on and the mood you're in. Audi also point out that this car offers the option of a quick-reacting quattro four-wheel drive system, tempting indeed given our wintry climate. Normally, this system distributes the engine's power primarily to the rear but if necessary, can redistribute torque towards the front at lightning speed. It's all technology developed to be convincing to potential 4 Series Coupe buyers, though personally, I wouldn't get too carried away with BMW comparisons. In many ways after all, the slightly more relaxed and luxury-orientated Mercedes C-Class Coupe is closer in concept to this car. It's certainly with one eye on this model that Audi has tweaked the roadgoing experience in this MK2 model A5. You can improve it by paying extra for 'dynamic steering', but it might be better to simply get to grips with the standard 'Drive Select' system which tweaks steering feel along with engine management, auto gearbox response - even the air conditioning - in line with your choice of 'comfort', 'auto', 'dynamic' or even 'efficiency' modes.

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