Used Audi A5 Coupe 2007 - 2016 review

It's not often you find a car that's nearly as successful at the end of its lifespan as it was at the beginning, but the Audi A5 Coupé was a sales hit from the beginning and it just kept on going.

What makes that even more interesting is that the A5's styling isn't radically different from that of the Audi A4 saloon, but this two-door has a far sportier profile. People seemed to like it, and this car, originally launched in 2007 and updated with a mild facelift in 2012, is now in high demand as a used buy, too, with some highly competitive forecourt prices.

Looks-wise, that success isn't surprising. For those who seek the quality of an Audi in a coupe body but need the occasional four-seater, the A5 Coupé has always been in a class of one.

It's not all a clear-cut road to victory, though. Inside, although there's decent space up front for the driver and passenger, the offset pedal position can cause the driver some discomfort. On top of that the rear seats are short of head and leg room. At least the long front doors provide good access. The boot is a decent size and shape, and the rear seats fold down to increase the load space.

On the road, the A5 Coupé has a range of punchy and efficient engines and it always feels quite refined, although it can feel a little ponderous through bends and it has rather dull steering. The ride is firm, especially with the optional sports suspension.

In 2012, the A5 family was given an overdue facelift, which gave the whole Coupé range a sharper, more intense presence on the road. Key to this change in prominence was the new head and rear lights, the new LED day-running lights, new bumpers and a revamped front grille.

Prices start at around £5000 to £7000, at the time of writing, for a 2007 car with an average mileage for the year, bought from a trader or independent dealer. High-mileage cars can be had for less, but we wouldn't recommend them. Best to up the dosh to between £8000 and £10,000 and settle on a good 2009 or 2010 car with an average mileage and a full service history, which is vital, from a dealer. If you spend between £11,000 and £13,000 you should find a 2011 car in good condition, with a choice of engine or trims.

Keeping an A5 on the road shouldn't cost much more than for its Audi A4 sibling of the same age.

The smaller petrol models have reasonable CO2 emissions, with the 2.0-litre much more efficient, at 154g/km, compared with the 1.8-litre, at 169g/km. The 3.2-litre manages 207g/km and the 4.2 V8 298g/km. The 2.0-litre diesel emits just 140g/km, the 2.7-litre produces 169g/km and the 3.0-litre has emissions of 179g/km.

The 2.0-litre diesel manages an average claimed consumption of 55.4mpg, the 2.7-litre 44.1mpg and the 3.0-litre 42.8mpg. That compares with the 1.8-litre petrol's average claimed figure of 39.8mpg, the 2.0-litre 44.1mpg, the 3.2 V6 33.6mpg and the 4.2 V8's 23.3mpg.

Insurance premiums are high, with the range starting at group 28 and rising to group 38.

There are plenty of independent specialists who will service an A5, at prices considerably less than an Audi main dealer would charge. However, main dealer service plans will be available for the later models, at varying prices and with different ways of paying, i.e. upfront payments or direct debit.

The first Audi A5s were available with either 187bhp 2.7 and 237bhp 3.0 TDI diesel engines, or 261bhp 3.2 V6 and 349bhp 4.2 V8 petrols. However, in late 2007 the more desirable 168bhp 1.8-litre TFSI petrol model was introduced. This was superseded in mid-2008 by a 208bhp 2.0 TFSI. The 168bhp 2.0 TDI arrived early 2009.

There are also the four-wheel-drive versions of the 2.0 and 3.0 TDI diesels and 2.0 TFSI petrol. In mid 2009, all models received engine stop-start systems to save fuel and cut emissions.

Even the entry-level model comes well equipped, with 17in alloys, climate control, automatic wipers, leather upholstery and a decent stereo system. The Sport adds bigger alloys, firmer sports suspension and a range of trim options, while the S line comes with sports leather seats and cabin trim, plus chrome detailing.

In 2012 the updated range featured the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, S5 3.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI versions. Rather than all-new engines these were merely updated versions of the old ones, with slightly increased efficiency for greater on-paper economy. It's the 2.0 TDI diesels that are the biggest sellers. If you don't fancy an elderly diesel then our favourite petrol is the 2.0 TFSI, although the rapid but thirsty 3.0 TFSI engine in the Audi S5 variant is a real hoot.

Alternatives to the A5 Coupé include the BMW 3 Series Coupé (2006-2013), which in time became the BMW 4 Series. This is the most logical rival to the A5 Coupé, although underneath the skin it’s rear-wheel drive, where the Audi is front or four-wheel drive. The BMW rides and handles well, though, and the diesel engines are both punchy and economical. However, those same diesels can be a little gruff at times, and there’s not as much room in the back of the 3 Series or the 4 Series as there is in the A5.

The Mercedes C-Class Coupé of this period rides and handles well, if not actually in a sporty fashion, and its running costs seem reasonable. Countered against that, the infotainment system, where fitted, could be slicker and rear seat space is tight. There's a question mark over the reliability of Mercedes cars of this period, too, and although it's good to drive it doesn't have the sporting appeal of the BMW or the Audi.

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