Refreshed Audi A5 to hit showrooms in December

                                                                        The Audi A5 is undergoing a mid-life refresh for 2012.

 The new derivatives ofcoupe, convertible and aportback will be available to order from September and feature a raft of changes over the current models including cosmetic and mechanical tweaks.

The exterior has moved closer in line with the rest of the Audi range. The new Audi A5 features bigger front air dams, a new Audi LED ‘wave’ design (like the Audi A1, A6 and A8) now graces the headlamps, the grille is wider and flatter and the newly LED-lit rear features a new bumper. Those 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels you see on the coupe above are also standard.

Inside, buyers can now spec a range of new trim options and there’s a five seat option for the A5 Sportback. There’s also an updated MMI media interface, fresh instrument panel trim and a new automatic gear selector.

Under the bonnet it’s all change – every A5 variant now has the same entry level 1.8 TFSI, 168bhp engine. Though there are a multitude of petrol and diesel options. As for petrol engines, the 211bhp 2.0 TFSI engine is unchanged but a 268bhp supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 is joining the line-up.

If diesel frugality is your thing, the entry level 2.0 TDI will be right up your street. Boasting 175bhp, it pushes out a mere 122g/km and manages 60.1mpg. However, if you’d prefer something a little more powerful there are two 3.0-litre TDI V6 units on offer, with 201bhp and 242bhp respectively. A third, ultra economic engine will join the line up later in the year.

Performance fans will be pleased to hear that the S5 Coupé will be losing its 4.2-litre V8 engine and gaining the 333bhp, 3.0-litre V6 TFSI lump from the S5 Sportback and convertible.

The new engine line up offers up to an 11 per cent improvement in MPG and 22 per cent fewer emissions on average. The A5’s gearbox options remain the same – a 6-speed manual, 7-speed multitronic automatic or an 8-speed CVT.

Audi has also refined the A5’s handling by changing the rear suspension bearings and tuning the dampers for better handling and comfort.

Order books open in September and the first cars will be delivered in December.