[Closed] Audi S5 - and the STW verdict is?

S4 Avant's a better car for biking - and won't look out of place at the trail centre car park. 😀

Obviously not a "bad" car and I am sure you will get all the Audi haters telling you are a cock etc, however, for me they're just not that special and rather un-involving. Each to their own though.

Not significantly quicker than the 3litre V6 TDi version... Which is significantly cheaper, and looks the same (if you spec it with the right options).

A5 is more of a pose car anyway (or it was when they first came out), my Dad had one a while, it was nice to drive but not a drivers car per se. The S5 makes some nice noises to go with the looks too, but for the money can think of a whole host of other cars I'd rather have that would be way more involving and fun to drive.

S4 Avant's a better car for biking - and won't look out of place at the trail centre car park

errr, no.

Our S-Max is a great biking car, ta.

However, know someone who has bought one, and that has caused a few differences of opinion at home..

I've driven one. Honestly didn't like it all that much. Perfectly OK, but I dislike the styling and prefer the diesel engine's shove and (relative lack of) thirst. The one I drove was about £55k; for the money it was a definite 'meh'.

Plus I can't see why you'd go for a coupe when the A6 drives at least as well and, to my eyes, looks better.

(Mind you, I drive a deeply unfashionable 4x4 so what would I know....)

There are four rings on the front of an Audi, one for each fully operational brain cell in the typical Audi driver's skull.

All you need to know about Audi is that awful advert where the post-modern stealth yuppies come out of the squash **** centre like they're still in the 80s and congratulate themselves on driving something understated and not like a BMW because, yep, they are stealth yuppies.

Unfortunately, they still drive their Audis in just the same brainless fashion as they used to drive BMWs. A3s, A4s, A5s, they're all the same - four brain cells, no consideration for other road users, minimum speed limiter set on 90mph. If you see an Audi on the motorway obeying the speed limit, either the driver is asleep or the ECU is faulty. Or both.

😉

I like Audi's, always wanted one, especially after I got passed by one of these at the weekend and spent a few minutes drooling:

[img] [/img]

Is this just one of those "Start a *insert make of hated car here* argument thread" Seems there's one of these every three days on here lately.

The jury is undecided in the rkk01 household...

Must be some right interesting conversations round your house

There are four rings on the front of an Audi, one for each fully operational brain cell in the typical Audi driver's skull.

Must have taken all three of your operating brain cells to come up with a clever quip like that!?

Forget about using the rear seats in the S5 if you are over about 4 ft tall

Dogbert, that car is gopping. And I quite like Audis, as long as they are the more understated (relatively) styles and not the GRRRR! styling.

Most Audis look fantastic especially the "S" versions, the interiors are beautifully executed, and they are well built. IMO the A5/S5 is the least good looking in the whole range - somehow the proportions are not quite right from the side view.

Biggest problem is that Audi do not seem to know how to make a good drivers car - the only decent one in the last 10 years was the last RS4. Speed + grip does not necessarily equal entertainment. Ignore this comment if you are not a bit of a petrolhead

...the A5/S5 is the least good looking in the whole range...

Yeah, I'd say this too. I've always liked them from a style point of view but the A5 hasn't worked for me since day one. It hasn't even grown a tiny bit on me.

For me, their nicest cars are the 6 series - I'd love the avant version of the 6 - but the 4 will have to do for now 🙂

i'm of a split opinion on this one. Think there good looking, the interior is one of the best out there, the one i sat in was comfy, good views etc. Performance of the S5 will be quick as expected but would i get one...... dont think so.

For the money out there, and there about 45k, you could have a just run in M3, a good second hand RS4, a Ferrari 360, a P0rsche GT3 MK1, but my money would go on a Nissan GTR. Quickest thing from A to B and would eat an RS4, never mind an S5

radoggair, I haven't checked the Audi website, but I'm guessing that to get an S5 to a reasonable spec with metallic paint, leather, etc, etc you'll be looking at £50k +.

Not really a fair comparison with 911's, 360's etc as the Audi is an everyday car with 4 seats, a boot and a lot of comfort. Probably direct comparisons would be M3 and Jag XK, both of which would be better than the Audi from a driver's perspective, but not many Audi drivers will have driving dynamics/enjoyment high on their priority list

The jury is undecided in the rkk01 household...

Must be some right interesting conversations round your house

Well, like I said, not a random conversation, but triggered because we know someone who has just got one...

I've always thought the A5 / S5 looks quite brutish and un-subtle. The (perceived) need for more aggressive styling has been taken too far with (also applies to the latest A4 IMO)

The TT is very nice, and the new RS3 looks like a bit of a belter, but the A5 / S5 leaves me cold.

but my money would go on a Nissan GTR. Quickest thing from A to B and would eat an RS4, never mind an S5

Fast by a factor of lots

Thirsty by a factor of lots more than that

Not really very nice inside

Really rather brash

Just try getting insurance. Hahhahahahahaha

Faster, yes, but Special Brew will get you pissed quicker than almost anything and it's still deeply unpleasant.

The GTR's good to drive for an afternoon, but I'd be embarrassed to own one. It's aimed at an entirely different market than the S5 though.

The A5 and the Jag XF and XK are the ONLY cars of that ilk that I see and think 'ooh that looks nice'. All the other big flashy fast expensive cars leave me utterly cold.

We have an A5 Coupe Pool car at work, 3.0 TDI Quattro. Comfy car for motorway driving but thirsty for a diesel and as originally posted, it might as well not have the rear seats and the boot won't even fit a 700C wheel in it (I've tried). Jag XF S has a better interior, more practical, imo better external styling and will give you change too. Like all German cars it's going to need 10k's worth of options to make it worthwhile too.

3.0 TDI Quattro. Comfy car for motorway driving but thirsty for a diesel

I'd have thought the 3.0 V6 diesel wuld be a good option in that car - good bit of go

rkk01 - Member
3.0 TDI Quattro. Comfy car for motorway driving but thirsty for a diesel
I'd have thought the 3.0 V6 diesel wuld be a good option in that car - good bit of go

one would think that yes, wasn't my choice unfortunately.

S5 with milltech exhaust sounds pretty special, I can definitely vouch for that!!

I have a mate with an S3, he drives it normally, not like a c**k at all and to be honest, I'd rather drive it than my 206 🙂

Not 100% of audi drivers are bad is what I'm saying.

I have read a few reviews of it and apparently it doesnt ride as well as an S4 for some reason, im sure its not "bad" as its all subjective. Nice car, but I'd rather have the S4 for practical reasons

I'm not sure I like myself for this, because there is an element of snobbery in it, but I find myself regarding Audis these days as the 21st century version of the Escort XR3i. They are the aspirational car of choice of wideys, and therefore however nice and capable they might be to own, are slightly embarrassing. I don't want people to automatically think I'm a cock (even if I am).

Should have got a 335d *flee*

Drove a top specced one for a day - knocked 3 minutes off my all time record for getting to work but left my neck in bits.

I nearly fell over when I was told how much it cost - £700 for the silver bits in the seatcovers and another £500 for match metal inserts etc etc.

Obviously saccades that's because you reached the legal limits of speed in a quicker manner than normal? You do have to be careful on here when posting such things or you'll require one big flame suit!! 😉

I just don't get coupes... They (e.g. 3 series and A5) cost much more than the hatch/saloon they're based on and you get small back seats, a smaller boot and half the number of doors. 🙂

I wouldn't buy an A5 for those reasons. I do like Audis as they are quite well screwed together, not too expensive and apart from Clarkson wannabes, generally owned/driven by reasonable people.

No doubt we'll continue to hear more recycled Top Gear guff with a liberal sprinkling of the word 'cock' but hey ho, original thought isn't mandatory 😉

Should have got a 335d

That's one car I'd really like to try...

Ah greig, a gtr. Thing of beauty and awe. Top of my list!

I do like Audis as they are quite well screwed together, not too expensive and apart from Clarkson wannabes, generally owned/driven by reasonable people.

Agreed apart from the 'not too expensive' bit. The cost of the S5 is pretty fearsome, and the options list (which you can of course ignore, but god help you come resale time) is even more eye-wateringly pricey.

Sorry, that probably should have read [i]'not too expensive in the context of quite expensive cars'[/i] 🙂

I agree, the A5 does seem more costly than it should be (as does the Beemer equivalent). Which is one of the reasons I wouldn't buy.

A5/S5 remind me of the late great Granada Coupe. Just can't see the point.
[img] [/img]

I just don't get coupes...

They look nicer.

However I seem to recall that the A5 isn't just a coupe edition of something else but an all new car.. that right?

For me, coupes have a size limit - just in terms of proportionality - how they look to the viewer and the A5 has gone beyond that limit.

Obviously saccades that's because you reached the legal limits of speed in a quicker manner than normal? You do have to be careful on here when posting such things or you'll require one big flame suit!!

Err, yeah - something like that. 😉

...won't look out of place at the trail centre car park...

Especially not next to the X5 with the Specialized on the back. 😀

When they first came out I thought they were nice and different, the sort of car if you have the cash then why not just get some thing a bit different.

Now though every senior sales manager has one.

Cant say I have ever driven one, but from what I have read Audi have even managed to make a rwd car dull to drive.

+ Is it just me or are all Audi's going down the tacky route at the min? I drive passed their showroom on the way home and the wheels are getting proper bling garish things and wings are appearing on boots and stuff. I thought Audis were a conservative brand ?!?! or are they now aiming for the new money c@ck market ?

molgrips - Member

I just don't get coupes...

They look nicer.

However I seem to recall that the A5 isn't just a coupe edition of something else but an all new car.. that right?

They may look nicer but the lower sales numbers and therefore relatively high per unit R&D cost means you can't have one Moly. You've got to go for the mass engineered, smallest impact per unit models. Bad boy, look away now 🙂

I think you're right, new model. But, they look a bit like a bastardised A4 to my eye, even though they are 'all new'.

I can't get over the 'can't carry as much (people/stuff), can't get into them and for a 'similar' car, pay lots more' conundrum whihc probably means I'm not a typical coupe consumer.

Step-dad has one, he's 72 and had powerful Audis since day one.....he's changing his S5 as he says its boring and cant get to like it.

I thought the A5 / S5 was the 3 and 5 door versions of the A4 - not based on the current A4 platform, but the introductory models for the new forthcoming A4 platform??

rkk01 - Member
Should have got a 335d
That's one car I'd really like to try...

May as well include a 330d then, Prefer the BM's to the Audi's personally

It is the coupé and cabriolet versions of the fourth generation (B8) Audi A4 saloon and estate models.

Oh I was wrong. Wiki:

It is the coupé and cabriolet versions of the fourth generation (B8) Audi A4 saloon and estate models.

I think maybe I was reading about the 'design language' being new.

'design language'

marketing speak for ugly factor?

No it means it looks a bit different.

Captain - i posed 360's and GT3's as options. The OP never really said what he needed the car for or what it had to have.

Since it was a coupe then it really rules out having children under 8 in the family ( access), and as already said S5 seating in the rear are crammed at best.

but my money would go on a Nissan GTR. Quickest thing from A to B and would eat an RS4, never mind an S5

Fast by a factor of lots

Thirsty by a factor of lots more than that

Not really very nice inside

Really rather brash

Just try getting insurance. Hahhahahahahaha

Faster, yes, but Special Brew will get you pissed quicker than almost anything and it's still deeply unpleasant.

The GTR's good to drive for an afternoon, but I'd be embarrassed to own one. It's aimed at an entirely different market than the S5 though.

I think if he's looking at an S5 then fuel doesn't really worry him, but wouldn't say its in a different market to S5. Both coupe's, both large engined, both same price, both 4 wheel drive, Audi's better inside, GTR quicker and lots more fun. But if we take away the Jap alternative then

M3 coupe
Merc C63 AMG
2nd Hand M5 or pre reg
Aston Martin Vantage

All similiar cars, my money would be on the M3 though out of those

This is all far to appropriate for STW's standards.

Might I redress the balance?

Prius
Mini Moke
VW Transporter
Model T
G Wizz

I think you'll find the above will be perfect for your needs and preferences.

That's more like it. Nasty gas guzzling behemoths those coupes 🙂

This would still be my choice of coupe. Couldn't afford one when they came out, not many good ones around now.

Tried the Fiat 2.0l 20v engine in a Bravo and it was a real gem. Something really distinctive about a 5 cyl.

[img] [/img]

I really like the styling of the A5. Whilst the 5 door 'Sportback' may be more practical, it looks shit! Sure you can get a bike in the 3 door, I'll have a bloody good try 🙂

The S5 strikes me as a bit pointless though, I'd just get the 3.0 tdi Quattro. Or the new RS5 if you had too much money to spend.

So, A7 then?

So you say you want a good looking saloon...
[img] [/img]

Sadly a touch expensive especially if you go on their website and start adding the extras that you would actually want.

Iain

That car would be great to do some left foot braking with to get somebody off your tail..........................dejavu

I thought the A5 / S5 was the 3 and 5 door versions of the A4 - not based on the current A4 platform, but the introductory models for the new forthcoming A4 platform??

Errrr, you're nearly 4 years behind the times... The A5 came out late summer 2007, the A4 on which it shares its platform came out in 2008. So whilst you're correct, you are very late!

I really like the styling of the A5. Whilst the 5 door 'Sportback' may be more practical, it looks shit! Sure you can get a bike in the 3 door, I'll have a bloody good try

The S5 strikes me as a bit pointless though, I'd just get the 3.0 tdi Quattro. Or the new RS5 if you had too much money to spend.

Incredibly, they're not as impractical as you might suspect. The rear seats fold flat, and though it's only a 2 door, the boot opens pretty wide. You've got to take the wheels off yes, but you can get a bike inside easily enough. I know, cos I've done it in the one my Dad had...

The 3litre TDi really is pretty rapid, it may be 120bhp shy, but its got more torque. And besides, if you want more power, it will easily remap to add another 50bhp and yet more torque. It is reasonably economical on a run too, considering the size of the engine, the 4wd system, and mahoosively wide 19" tyres. I did a 500 mile round trip, from mine to the lakes, round the lakes, and back in my Dad's car, and it averaged 39mpg the whole time. And that was 85-90 mostly on the motorway, and some spirited back road driving! Round town the MPG is poor, like most heavy cars with a big engine, but my Dad topped 50mpg on a round trip once! OK, it was about 60 miles of dual carriageway, at a constant 65mph, but it can be done... The petrol S5 would be lucky to do half that!

+ Is it just me or are all Audi's going down the tacky route at the min? I drive passed their showroom on the way home and the wheels are getting proper bling garish things and wings are appearing on boots and stuff. I thought Audis were a conservative brand ?!?! or are they now aiming for the new money c@ck market ?

Audi went down the "bling it up" route years ago, look at how many non S-Line normal Audi's there are on the roads these days... Not many! All the guys who used to buy M-Sport Beemers back around 2000-2005 have all moved into S-Line Audi's. You used not to be able to move for M-Sport 3 series, these days though, most new 3 series BMW's seem to be the much more modest SE spec, whereas all new Audi's come blinged up to the nines! Hey ho...

I'm counting on the trend bucking any time soon though, cos just agreed to buy an old A4 Avant after my Passat died the other day! Y2K model though, pre drug dealer wheels and all that though 😉

2 conversations taking place

Probably rather have the Volvo S60 T6 AWD (304 PS) to some of the stuff posted on 'ere

But if you are talking about something brutal, any budget and ragability factored in, really what would be better is a TVR Chimaera or TVR Sagaris 🙂

Quirrel - Member
That car would be great to do some left foot braking with to get somebody off your tail..........................dejavu

Awesome.... 😉

[img] [/img]
8)

Just for BWD
[img] [/img]

I would rather have this:

[img] [/img]

Wow, a properly ugly Corrado with nasty big wheels. I'd rather have one like this:

[img] [/img]

As for the new Scirocco, hmmm...

TBH I was looking for a tasteful picture of a VR6 but non came up?

With you on the new Scirocco, had a MKII Scirocco GTI without the skirts which was my all time fave car & the wife's.

Best thing about the Scirrocco is that it's available in diesel 😉