2011 Audi A5 Coupé 2.0L TDI clean diesel 6MT FWD (190 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Audi introduced a facelifted version of the A5’s first generation in 2011, showing a sportier look and fixing most of the issues noticed by its customers.

Four years after the model’s introduction in 2007, Audi launched a refreshed version of it. The new version provided not just more power for those looking for that but also better fuel efficiency. In addition, the wide choice of turbo-diesel engines made this sporty-looking coupe an excellent companion for long journeys, although it was mostly suitable for two occupants onboard, even though it was a four-seat vehicle.

The most significant upgrade was noticed at the front fascia. There, the automaker installed a new set of headlights that featured LED daytime running lights inside them, similar to those introduced on the Audi A4 B9 generation. They flanked the single-frame grille surrounded by a chromed trim, extended downward into the apron, and flanked by wide horizontal air intakes. From its profile, the wave-shaped waistline was similar to the one on the non-facelifted version, although it looked sharper. Finally, at the back, the redesigned taillights were available with continuous LED strips that emphasized the car’s sporty character.

Inside, the automaker couldn’t make more room for the rear passengers, but it could improve the ambiance for those seated at the front, and that’s what it did. Firstly, it added higher-quality materials to the center stack and the door cards. Then, it improved the infotainment system, and all grades got an eight-speaker CD radio with an option for an MMI (Man-Machine Interface) unit with an integrated hard drive, a seven-inch display, and a DVD player. In addition, Audi offered Bluetooth connectivity and integrated Google POI search, Google Earth images, and a WLAN hot-spot. For the safety package, the refreshed A5 has adaptive cruise control with an emergency stop feature, which, below 30 kph (19 MPH), could apply maximum brakes that could bring the vehicle to a halt to avoid collision. The comfort for the front occupants didn’t change, though. Audi installed bolstered seats, with an option for sports seats depending on the engine version, cloth or leather upholstery, and heating functions. In the back, on the other hand, there was hardly room for two passengers due to the limited legroom and headroom.

Under the hood, Audi installed a wide choice of engines, either gasoline or diesel, ranging between 170 PS (168 HP) and 272 PS (268 HP) paired with either manual or automatic transmissions. For selected versions, the four-rings brand added the quattro all-wheel drive system, while others were fitted as standard with it. One of the biggest complaints about the car was the weight distribution, so the automaker tried to solve the problem by improving the suspension and especially re-calibrating the rear dampers. Last but not least, the automaker replaced the formerly used servo-assisted power steering and introduced an electromechanical system for the facelifted version of the A5’s first generation.