It's easy to criticize cars that are "all show and no go." But looking at this Audi A5, which offers four-cylinder power in a segment dominated by 300-hp six-cylinders, I feel compelled to ask, is there anything really wrong with prioritizing looks over performance?
Before I go any further, let me be clear - the A5 is no slug. Every car I've ever driven with Volkswagen's excellent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has felt exceptionally peppy, and this one is no exception. Combine that with a smooth six-speed gearbox that feels as if it was pulled directly out of the S4, as well as steering that firms up nicely at speed, and you have the potential for plenty of fun behind the wheel.
But the main argument for buying this car would have be style, and I'd say it makes a good case for itself. To these eyes at least, no other sport-coupe, from the BMW 335i to the Infiniti G37, looks as cutting edge and as plain beautiful as this Audi. The Cadillac CTS coupe might provide some competition, but then the A5 also offers a stunning interior.
In other words, the A5 has slightly less "go" than its competitors, but totally blows them away when it comes to "show."
David Zenlea, Assistant Editor
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