Audi A5 Coupé 3.0 V6 TDI 240 CV Quattro, road test (I)
Diego G. Moreira
31 October 2011
4 min. 
This long title, combining engine, version and drivetrain, gives us an idea of the sports car we get behind the wheel of this time. The Audi A5 is not a new model in the German manufacturer’s range, but it has recently received some changes that give it a more up-to-date design, making it a very current and interesting model in terms of design, performance and space.
Within the extensive engine range of the Audi A5 we chose the powerful, performance-oriented and at the same time well-balanced three-litre V6 of 240 CV, paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. This engine is a perfect match for this model because it gives us an appealing combination of performance and running economy, while its all-wheel drive and power make every journey enjoyable.
Engine and performance
As we already mentioned, the Audi A5 Coupe we tested hid under its bonnet the 3.0 V6 TDI engine of 240 CV, which was paired with a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox that worked flawlessly. This powerful three-litre V6 unit is a familiar one within the Volkswagen Group: you can find it in a Porsche Cayenne diesel, in a VW Touareg and in the Audi range.
The engine’s greatest quality is its smoothness. We are talking about a six-cylinder V-configuration block, which is already a guarantee of smoothness at the wheel, but as soon as we start the A5 and set off, we see that the thrust is forceful yet at the same time smooth.
From just over 1,500-1,800 rpm we already feel the engine’s push, which remains strong and forceful up to around 4,500 rpm, so this is an engine with a very good response from low revs. When I speak of strong thrust, the best figure that embodies it is its torque of 500 Nm (between 1,400-3,250 rpm), with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Nor can we forget the S-Tronic gearbox, which has seven ratios§h25; it stands out for its speed and smooth operation, bearing in mind that this is a dual-clutch gearbox. It has paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a Sport mode that keeps the engine revving higher (around 2,000-3,000 rpm) for a much more immediate response to throttle inputs.
Handling
One element ensures the outstanding handling of the Audi A5: the Quattro all-wheel drive, which comes as standard on this version and crowns the behaviour and thrust of this engine.
The A5’s traction capability is impressive, we only have to press the accelerator and steer, since the car takes care of transmitting all that power to the wheels without us noticing the slightest loss of grip.
If we extrapolate that to typical road driving on a mountain pass or through bends, we have a fun, powerful vehicle that outstandingly maintains its composure on these routes. Optionally, we can adjust the response of the steering, suspension and engine/gearbox from a control on the dashboard.
There are three modes: Dynamic (firmer steering, firm suspension and quicker throttle response), Comfort (which prioritises interior comfort, with softer steering and suspension) and Individual (where we can select the parameters ourselves).
As for the suspension, our test unit was adjustable and offered a firm feel that conveyed stability in any situation. That said, when crossing poor surfaces, potholes and the like, it did not seriously compromise interior comfort, although similar models have a more comfortable suspension setup.
Finally, we have the steering, which, as we already noted, offered variable firmness and was up to the standard of the whole car, as were the braking system, which performed their function properly and controlled the 240 CV of the engine without any problems.
Fuel consumption
During our usual 1,200 km route on the motorway we achieved an average consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 km, a very good figure considering the car’s power and the fact that we are talking about a six-cylinder engine.
On country roads the Audi A5 had a consumption that hovered around 7 litres per 100 km on our usual route. After several road tests we managed to bring it down to 6.8 litres, but normally consumption on country roads ranges between 7 and 8 litres per 100 km.
Finally, there is the urban cycle, again on our usual test route in Vigo, a city with few straight stretches, where we achieved an average consumption of between 12 and 14 litres per 100 km.
In the second part of the test we will focus on the exterior design, interior spaciousness, as well as the quality and materials of the Audi A5.
Photos | David Taboada
Kia offers an electric range of 10 models, 50 versions and 400 possible combinations 
The seven finalists for the 2027 European Car of the Year (COTY) are exclusively electric 
Peugeot E-208 GTi: a battery-powered toy that revives the spirit of the 1980s sports cars un comentario
Deja un comentario
¿Dónde hicisteis esas fotos?
El mar, qué lejos queda.