The facelifted Audi A5 Sportback has been officially launched in Malaysia, just a year and a half after the second-generation model made its debut here. Pricing, however, has yet to be revealed.
While the overall fastback shape has been retained, the A5 appears more powerful now thanks to its flatter and wider Singleframe grille and redesigned bumper, which features quattro-inspired ventilation slits and larger air inlets.
Round the back, trapezoidal tailpipes housed in a diffuser gives the car a more menacing stance. Equipped as standard for our market are Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights with dynamic turn indicators.
Inside, there’s a new MMI system comprising a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback, which replaces the previous rotary dial, as well as a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display featuring three customisable views. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
The facelifted A5 Sportback is powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine paired with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. There are two states of tune offered, 150 hp and 249 hp, both featuring Audi’s mild-hybrid system (MHEV). The latter comes in “advanced” trim level with quattro.
Check out the press release for more info:
PRESS RELEASE
The Audi A5 Sportback now feature a new, tauter look and the cutting-edge MMI touching operating concept. Mild hybrid technology offers greater comfort while also reducing fuel consumption. The modern icon is now in Malaysia.
Sporty look: the exterior design
Elements of the new design language from the full-size class characterize the sporty aesthetics of the updated Audi A5. Even the first generation from 2007 fascinated with its sporty and harmonious body line. The second generation from 2016 added new, sharper accents. Now Audi has significantly revised the exterior, with the front end, in particular, exuding an even more powerful resolve.
The Singleframe with the honeycomb grille is flatter and somewhat wider. Ventilation slits above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side; a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the back of the car look wider.
All body and engine variants in the A5 product line roll off the assembly line with the top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring dynamic turn indicators as standard equipment for Malaysia. Horizontal lines dominate the interior of the A5 models.
Groundbreaking: connectivity
With its new MMI touch system, the highly connected Audi A5 offers a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone. A 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. The graphics are clean and reduced; the menu structure reflects the expectations of the user. The MMI search is based on free text input and returns relevant hits very rapidly. Natural-language voice control understands many formulations from everyday speech. In Malaysia, the range comes standard with the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus infotainment control center. Integrated with Audi Smartphone Interface, the system offers seamless access to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
New functions also make navigation intelligent and intuitive by suggesting routes previously driven. The myAudi app connects the car with the customer’s smartphone. The standard personalization allows the creation of as many as seven different user profiles for storing personal settings and preferences.
The updated Audi A5 uses a new main unit with increased computing power – the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). This is the first Audi offered in the country to feature MIB 3.
The driver controls the full-HD, 12.3-inch display (1,920 x 720 pixels) of the Audi virtual cockpit via the multifunction steering wheel and can choose between three views. With functions on demand, the customer will be able to access their car functions at any time using the myAudi app.
Powerful, sophisticated, efficient: the drive system
The updated Audi A5 range comes to Malaysia with two 2.0 TFSI engine and drivetrain combination; a 150 hp and 249 hp. Both are paired to the efficient and sporty seven-speed S tronic transmission while the latter version, which comes in the “advanced” trim level, also feature quattro drive with ultra technology. The system distributes drive force as the situation dictates to deliver enhanced dynamism and efficiency while driving.
Both powertrains feature the mild hybrid system (MHEV) integrated into the 12-volt electrical system. Central to the mild hybrid system is the belt alternator starter (BAS), which is connected to the crankshaft.
The Audi A5 is able to coast with the engine switched off between 55 and 160 km/h. During this time, the lithium-ion battery powers the electrical consumers. The start-stop range operates from as low as 22 km/h. When the accelerator is depressed, the BAS restarts the engine quickly and smoothly. When stopped, this happens while the brake pedal is still depressed as soon as the vehicle in front begins to move. In real-world, everyday operation, the MHEV system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers according to Audi measurements.
The updated Audi A5 Sportback is available at all Audi showrooms, including the new Audi Online Showroom at www.audisale.my.
