When you look up the word “sleek” in the dictionary you’ll find three words: 2012 Audi A5. It starts at an MSRP of $37,100, but don’t be concerned with the price. Kelley Blue Book rated it the “Best total cost of ownership in its class.” This year’s A5 comes with sleek, aerodynamic lines that will turn heads as you pass other drivers on the road. It also has a fully galvanized body, made from steel with multistep anti-corrosion protection. The innovative power steering technology will adjust the assistance given, based on the speed of the car. Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program works by adjusting power and brakes to individual wheels, whenever the vehicle strays from its intended course. Halogen headlights line either side of Audi’s signature grille, on the base model, making for a safe and stylish ride. On the middle model Audi has included xenon headlights, which consume half the power of halogen headlights, while providing much more lighting. The high-end model, the Prestige, has adaptive xenon lights, which turn as the steering wheel turns. This technology allows the driver to see what lies around the corner before standard lights would allow. The mirrors are heated and have turn signals on them; on the middle and high-end models, the outside mirrors have auto-dimming technology, which shields your eyes from the high-beams of cars behind you. This makes it easier for other driver to see what you’re going to do, before you do it. Even the windshield washer are heated, for snowy or icy conditions. If you have an Audi you’ll probably want to keep it pretty clean; which is why Audi included available splash guards on the base model.

Inside the 2012 Audi A5 consumers will find an extravagantly designed interior. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for both Bluetooth connectivity as well as audio settings. The steering column is also tilting and telescoping, allowing the driver to customize the position of the wheel to their exact preferences. Leather seats are standard on all three models, while Cinnamon Brown Milano leather seating is available as an upgrade on all models. The adjustable center armrest allows the driver to comfortably drive with both hands on the wheel. With the left arm rested on the door panel and the right rested on the armrest, consumers can comfortably drive for hours. The rear seats are 60/40 folding, allowing for maximum cargo capacity. The rearview mirror also has auto-dimming technology (like the outside mirrors), as well as a compass, showing direction of travel. The triple-zone automatic climate control allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to all ride in comfort. A 3-month free trial of Sirius XM satellite radio has also been generously included by Audi. This can be enjoyed through a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system on the Prestige model.

Unlike most cars with more than one model, the 2012 Audi A5 only comes with one engine option, which is one of the complaints from test drivers; the lack of engine options/power. This year’s A5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged Dual Overhead Camshaft engine with Variable Valve Timing and Audi’s FSI direct injection system. It can achieve 211 horsepower, can go from 0 – 60 MPH in 6.4 seconds and has a terminal velocity of 130 MPH. It’s not going to win you any races, but it sure will impress other drivers on the road. Plus, it will give consumers 31 MPG on the highway and 21 around town. Not too bad at all, by most standards.

The five-link front suspension include upper and lower control arms with a stabilizer bar helps with maneuvering and cornering, as does the independent trapezoidal-link rear suspension, with coil springs and shock absorbers, as well as a stabilizer bar. The A5 is arguably one of the elite Audi automobiles; in terms of handling at least.