Audi introduced the A5 Coupe back in 2007 and now, nine years later, a second-generation model has finally been introduced.

To be honest, the exterior styling isn’t radically different to what has come before, although there is a subtly more aggressive vibe from its looks. Make no mistake though, this is an all-new A5 and a huge number of components have been changed.

The result is a car which is now up to 60kg lighter, more efficient and more practical than before. A 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is available from launch in two guises, including an extra-frugal ‘Ultra’ spec which is expected to grab the most sales.

So, is the new A5 the must-have premium coupe when it’s up against the likes of the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes C-Class coupe?

Performance

The Audi A5 Coupe’s engine line-up starts with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit which produces 187bhp. There are two versions of this engine, one of which is a little more frugal and called TDI Ultra. Whether it’s the Ultra version or not, the A5’s diesel records the same 0-62mph sprint time of 7.7 seconds and there’s 400Nm of torque.

The A5 with this diesel unit has front-wheel drive, but Audi’s seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox comes as standard for non-Quattro A5s for the first time.

Although there are considerably more powerful engines available in the A5 Coupe’s line-up, the 2.0-litre diesel doesn’t feel lacking in performance, and it works well with the S tronic gearbox. The engine delivers its power in a smooth and quiet manner, and there’s enough pulling power to get going quickly from a standstill or climb up slopes without making a fuss.

There’s nothing earth-shattering about the A5’s performance with this diesel, but there’s little to complain about either. If feels suited for those drivers who just want cruise through towns or motorways with minimum fuss.

Ride and Handling

It doesn’t feel quite as composed as Quattro versions, but the A5 Coupe with its 2.0-litre diesel is still a fine handling car which barely produces any body roll in the corners.

Driving the latest A5 Coupe feels like a very grown-up experience. When you drive it in a laid-back manner it’s very quiet and composed. The steering is light, precise and easy-going, although some premium coupe buyers may crave more steering feel which will turn their heads towards the likes of the BMW 4 Series. It doesn’t feel quite as composed as Quattro versions, but the A5 Coupe with its 2.0-litre diesel is still a fine handling car which barely produces any body roll in the corners. When the quality of the road goes downhill however, then the stiffness of the suspension sends shudders through your seat, especially at higher speeds. It's only on particularly wet roads however that you'll feel any sort of nerves.

Interior and Equipment

As well as the coupe, the Audi A5 is also available in five-door ‘Sportback’ and two-door Cabriolet body styles.

Audi has significantly updated the A5’s interior and the effort really shows as the cabin is surrounded in soft-touch materials which are of great quality. The Audi Virtual Cockpit is also now a standard feature, meaning drivers can get information such as sat-nav instructions behind the steering wheel. But while there’s plenty of room at the front, the rear seats don’t offer a great deal of head or legroom for adults. The boot is bigger though and now offers 465 litres as standard, which is more than any other premium coupe. It has a little more than the 4 Series and way more compared to the C-Class. Standard kit for the A5 Coupe includes electronic climate control, a power-operated tailgate, heated front seats and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. Range-topping S Line models like the one we tested add some sporty design details plus the likes of front sports seats, full LED headlights and taillights and illuminated door sill trims.

Cost

A metallic or pearl effect paint finish is £645 extra, while increasing the size of the alloy wheels from 18 to 19-inch costs nearly an extra grand.

The A5 Coupe starts at £30,700, but combine the 2.0-litre diesel engine (in either Ultra or non-Ultra form) with the S Line trim and its starts from £36,600. Pricing is in a very similar range to the top-trim versions of the 4 Series and C-Class coupes. Be mindful of which options you add though, otherwise the total price of the car will shoot up. A metallic or pearl effect paint finish is £645 extra, while increasing the size of the alloy wheels from 18 to 19-inch costs nearly an extra grand. The 2.0-litre diesel is the pick for A5 Coupe customers prioritising running costs as it emits between 111g/km and 113g/km of CO2, or between 105g/km and 111g/km in Ultra guise. The combined fuel economy is decent at 67.3mpg, or 70.6mpg if you opt for the Ultra diesel.

Our Verdict

The latest Audi A5 is a very competent premium coupe which builds upon the main characteristics of its predecessor. If you are someone who has felt like Audis such as this one lack a fun factor and find offerings from BMW and Mercedes more compelling, then this latest A5 is unlikely to change your mind. But then again, some motorists may prefer the more relaxed manner of this car. Those just looking for a premium coupe to get them from A to B in a smooth and reasonably brisk manner should be more than satisfied with what the latest A5 offers. The 2.0-litre diesel is a very attractive unit, especially in Ultra guise, offering decent power and very competitive running costs.