By Mabuyane Mabuza

Audi South Africa has been in hibernation these past few years, but that’s about to change, if the brand’s head honchos are to be believed. Last week gave us a glimpse of what’s to come, with the launch of the new A5 Sedan. Judging by its looks and feel, I’m inclined to believe that Audi is back in the game. Of course, the road ahead won’t be easy; BMW and Mercedes-Benz remain formidable rivals. Still, first impressions suggest Audi is ready for a proper fight to reclaim its stake.

The Drive
I’ve yet to experience a poorly executed engine from the Volkswagen Group. In fact,
it’s never really a question of whether they’ll get it wrong — they’ve mastered the art of engineering excellence under the bonnet. My time behind the wheel of the A5 was brief, as first drives are meant to be, but it was enough to sense its refinement. The big-bodied sedan clings to the road with confidence, delivering a sporty yet sophisticated drive.

Interior
Enter the A5 and you’re immediately met with a sophisticated cabin that balances
technology with simplicity and clarity. The standout feature is the wide digital cluster
stretching across the front — sleek, polished, and accessible to both driver and
passenger.

Audi’s designers have embraced a “less is more” philosophy, keeping buttons to a
minimum and ensuring clarity in function. At the heart of it all is the new MMI
panoramic display, or Digital Stage, one of the car’s biggest drawcards.
Seamlessly integrated, it offers intuitive touch responses and customisable layouts,
delivering a refined and user-friendly experience.

The new A5 introduces a configurable head-up display that’s a clear step forward
from its predecessor. For the first time, drivers can control both vehicle and
infotainment functions directly through the display, adding real convenience. Audi
has also integrated a driver assistance view, shown in crisp 3D. It visualises what the
system detects around you — from cars and buses to cyclists and pedestrians — all
projected neatly in your line of sight.

Technology
My, my, my — the Four Rings have certainly upped the ante. Perhaps it’s the
realisation that the Chinese have arrived with a vengeance, but Audi isn’t about to be left behind. With the new A5, you can choose to unlock and start your car with a
traditional key, a sleek bank card–style key, or even your smartphone. Then there’s
the panoramic sunroof, a standout feature in its own right. And the lights? Pure
theatre. Let’s not forget, Audi were the pioneers of daytime running lights back in the mid-2000s, when spotting one in the distance was unmistakable.

One of the standout features of the new A5, available as an option, is the panoramic
glass sunroof with segmented switchable transparency. Using advanced polymer-
dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, it cleverly shifts between clear and
shaded sections, giving you control over light and heat while maintaining that
seamless connection with the world outside.

Is the Audi A5 replacing the A4?
The answer is a solid – no! The new A5, however, has been cleverly positioned to
appeal to customers who would previously have looked to the A4, A5 or even the A6. If sedans are still your thing, this one is definitely worth a look.

Model range and Pricing
A5 TFSI 146 kW S line: R1 123 000
Audi A5 TFSI 146 kW Black Edition: R1 166 000
A5 FSI 200 kW quattro S line: R1 238 000
A5 TFSI 200 kW quattro Black Edition: R1 281 800