Description

Unmatched curb appeal make the Audi A5 family of cars stand out from the crowd; these are easily some of the best-looking cars of the decade. Sharing much with the A4 sedan family, the Audi A5, S5 and RS5 bring more sultry style and improved performance to the mix.

With the standard A5, Audi has its summer cruiser. Both the A5 coupe and cabriolet are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that now delivers 220 horsepower. The Cabriolet taps out of any performance intent in its most basic form, where it's fitted with front-drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that generates decent gas mileage numbers but the typical CVT sluggishness. Skip the CVT for any other edition: they all have all-wheel drive, with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, either of which makes the most of the four's ample powerband.

The A5's handling and ride are dialed to comfort, though the optional Drive Select system allows owners to change steering, throttle, suspension and transmission programming for a more responsive feel that can be paired with variable-ratio Dynamic Steering. We'd pass on both, and opt instead for the sport suspension offered on coupe models for its predictable, slightly firm road feel.

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