AUDI is aiming to offer the best of both worlds with its sleek A5 coupe, which now comes with the option of a 50mpg diesel engine and a sport package.
The new oil-burner uses the more powerful 170bhp version of the company's two-litre turbodiesel unit that is also to be found beneath the bonnet of the A4 saloon and Avant models.
In the case of the A5 it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and comes with a choice of front wheel drive from £24,485 or permanent four wheel drive from £30,010.
The order book is open now for first deliveries from March with the further option of Sport versions costing £29,435 and £30,960 plus S line models with prices of £30,735 for front wheel drive and from £32,260 for the quattro.
In standard form the newcomer has an official economy figure of 53mpg and a CO2 rating of 140g/km despite brisk acceleration to 60mph in just 8.3 seconds.
The optional Sport upgrade, which becomes available on all A5 models, costs £950 and includes 18-inch ten-spoke V-design alloy wheels and sports seats plus sports suspension lowered by 20mm. This suspension set-up is also included as part of the new S line specification, which is also available on all models.
It includes 18-inch five-spoke S line alloy wheels, a different S line front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions, S line treatments for the interior and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
Also included are a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, S line embossed sports seats upholstered in leather, a perforated leather gear knob, three-zone climate control, rear acoustic parking, driver's Information System in colour and an Audi Concert audio system with single CD and ten speakers.
It costs £2,250 and comes with the no-cost option of an even more driver-focused suspension set-up.
The addition of the 2.0 TDI model means there are now half a dozen different engines on offer, comprising 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre V6 diesels, a pair of 2.0-litre petrol units and a 3.2-litre V6 petrol.