There are many ways to head up to Ipoh and back. You could fly. You could take a coach. Or, if you’re like us, handed the keys to a brand-new Audi A5.
Audi Singapore’s recent fuel efficiency challenge had us doing just that, with an A3 for the economy run and, more interestingly, an A5 Sportback as our visual wingman for a photo challenge themed “Jekyll and Hyde”.
The theme was cleverly chosen to represent the A5’s split personality, and over 700 kilometres of Malaysian highways, spirited B-roads and early-morning photo shoots, we found that the A5 wears both personas, calm cruiser and confident coupe, with surprising grace.
But before we dive into the Jekyll-and-Hyde theatrics, let’s unpack exactly what this “new” A5 is.
Wait, Isn’t This the New A4?
Yes and no. Audi’s new naming strategy is that odd-numbered models will be combustion-engined, and even-numbered models will be electric. Which means the A4 you knew is now the A5, and the next A4 will be electric. Got it?
The result is a Sportback that straddles traditional lines; it’s a saloon with coupe styling and a hatchback boot. Audi calls it “a completely new sedan concept”. We call it quite clever. Coupe flair without sacrificing practicality? That’s the kind of mischief we like.
Jekyll – The Calm, Composed Companion
On our journey north to Ipoh, “Jekyll” mode reigned. With our teammates, the A5 glided up the North-South highway with the serenity of a far more expensive car. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol is a smooth operator, with a decent swell of power (201bhp and 340Nm) that makes overtaking relaxed and fuss-free. You’re not pinned to your seat, but you’re never left wanting, either.
What impressed most was the refinement. Audi has clearly prioritised comfort; the suspension ironed out patchy tarmac with barely a murmur, and road noise was impressively low, even on Malaysia’s coarse surfaces.
In this context, the Audi A5 felt every bit the premium cruiser it claims to be. Easygoing, planted, and blessed with that sense of Audi calm that makes long distances disappear with a shrug.
The premium theme continues in our humble abode over the course of the road trip, feeling exactly as an Audi should — restrained, refined, and quietly tech-forward. Materials are well-chosen, with plush touchpoints and just enough gloss black to make it feel special.
We appreciated the dedicated strip for climate control, sparing us from diving through submenus just to adjust fan speed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the wireless charger even comes with a cooling fan, a thoughtful touch that prevents our phones from turning into a molten slab mid-drive.
Rear space is adequate, though not class-leading. Legroom’s fine unless you’re tall and relegated to the back, and the sloping roofline means headroom is a touch tight. Thankfully, the rear seats only had to accommodate luggage for most of the trip.
That said, with 445 litres of boot space and folding rear seats, the A5 is more practical than its silhouette suggests.
Hyde – When the Audi A5 Cuts Loose
Our return leg from Ipoh to KL gave us the chance to let “Hyde” out. The Audi A5 may not be a scalpel like a BMW 3 Series or a tail-happy Alfa Romeo Giulia, but show it a curving road and it responds with admirable composure.
The steering is light and precise, if not dripping with feel, and the chassis while not overtly playful is well-balanced and confident. The A5 doesn’t egg you on like some rivals do, but it doesn’t punish enthusiasm either. It’s the kind of car that makes you look good behind the wheel, even if you’re just out for a spirited Sunday blast.
On this leg, the A5 was quick enough to make light work of overtakes and highway merges. Although the engine does give way a little at the top end, importantly, it never feels too strained.
The A5 was best enjoyed at night, when a late photography shoot turned into a friendly dogfight on Kuala Lumpur’s streets. Power delivery was so smooth, you sometimes forget this is a front-wheel drive variant, and not one of the Quattro models Audi is famous for.
And when the heat was too much, we could dart back into traffic and blend in. Out of sight, out of mind.
Two Sides of a Very Polished Coin
Audi’s new A5 might be a nameplate shuffle, but the substance beneath is as solid as ever. In Jekyll mode, it’s a serene highway cruiser that eats up the miles without breaking a sweat. In Hyde mode, it shows enough spirit to keep a keen driver engaged, even if it stops short of being truly thrilling.
But as a complete package? It nails the brief.
It’s handsome, composed, filled with tech, and interesting enough to stand out from the crowd, especially when painted in a dramatic hue and shot under moody skies somewhere in Malaysia.
Photo Credits: Al Han (@sgcarshooter)
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