The all-new Audi A5 Sedan: A pricey, but very classy drive

Melinda Ferguson joins CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King for Car Talk.

Audi has brought its all-new A5 Sedan to South Africa, much to the enjoyment of motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson, who gave the Black Edition Quattro a test drive.

While SUVs and crossovers dominate the local car market, Audi believes a smaller and more focused sedan portfolio is still viable, she says.

"SUV penetration has gone up to about 65%, so sedans and hatchbacks take only about 35% of our market... I think Audi believes there IS money to be made from this very expensive segment."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The Audi A5 will be competing against the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Lexus RC IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in this segment.

"Audi has its work cut out I think, trying to compete against these very impressive rivals... but Audi fans are loyal and the A5 is just so much better than the A4 was."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The A5 comes in four derivatives, all powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, but the output changes depending on the wheel configuration.

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) models generate 146kW and 340Nm, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive versions deliver 200kW and 400Nm.

The FWD goes from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds, while the Quattro sprints to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

"The fancy turbo tech in these engines apparently benefits fuel economy and carbon emissions, so you're looking at about 8.1 litres to 100km on the more powerful Quattro and 7.5 litres on the more sedate 146kW version."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

"It's a very classy drive. You feel the comfort; there's such a beautiful engine refinement in this A5."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

Ferguson also loved the interior of the A5 which she says is another step up from the A4 - 'it's gorgeous, with a lot of refinement in that cabin'

Of course, all this won't come for less than R1 million.

Prices for the A5 range from R1 123 000 to R1 281 800.

"But if you add all the options, I think you're looking at about R1.5 million."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Ferguson's review