2012 Audi S5 Coupe



2012 Audi S5 Coupe

Introduction

Out on the road, the Audi S5 is a joy to drive. Whether it's slicing through twisting canyon roads or logging serious touring miles, it manages to deliver just the right mix of athleticism and luxury. Drivers may also choose between coupe or soft-top convertible models. Both body styles are similarly equipped, though the coupe receives the sonorous V8, while the cabriolet is powered by the V6. Many enthusiasts will likely find the coupe more to their liking, not just for the extra cylinders, but also because it's the only one offered with a six-speed manual transmission.

Add an "S" to any Audi model name and you generally increase the entertainment factor. The 2012 Audi S5 is a prime example. Based on the four-cylinder A5 coupe and convertible, the S5 benefits from either a supercharged V6 or burly V8 engine and more athletic handling. Yet the S5 is still balanced, with an easy-to-drive nature and styling that deftly combines sensuous curves, an aggressive stance and understated luxury.

2012 Audi TT Coupe



2012 Audi TT Coupe

 Introduction

The 2012 Audi TT Coupe has the ability to please a wide swath of drivers. It manages to be fun but not frenetic; versatile, but not boring. If style and refinement are near the top of your list, the TT is definitely worth a look.

There are sports cars and there are sporty cars. The 2012 Audi TT falls into the latter category, but that's really not a bad thing. While most sports cars compromise some aspect of their nature in order to deliver high performance, the TT benefits from a philosophy that emphasizes the big picture.

While the small Audi won't be vying for all-out supremacy at the racetrack, it delivers more than enough thrills for the majority of drivers. Acceleration from the 211-horsepower four-cylinder engine will be enough to raise your pulse rate, while the all-wheel-drive handling instills confidence in the curves. In addition, the TT is an easy car to live with, combining good fuel economy and a ride quality that's comfortable enough for daily driving.

2012 Audi R8 Convertible



2012 Audi R8 Convertible

 Introduction

First and foremost, the 2012 Audi R8 is pretty easy to drive. Aided by precise steering, a decent ride quality, good outward visibility and comfortable seats, the R8 is a supercar you could drive every day if you wanted. It also comes with all-wheel drive, giving it an advantage in terms of traction. While its effortless nature can make it seem a bit less involving than rear-wheel-drive competitors, there's something to be said for the reassurance of having AWD when the roads are wet.

Supercars are a rare breed. They have the ability to turn the heads of the most jaded of automotive enthusiasts and seemingly defy the laws of physics. The 2012 Audi R8 Convertible certainly accomplishes both, but it distinguishes itself from some past and present supercars by providing excellent performance without the sacrifices that other ultrahigh-performance cars require.

2012 Audi A5 Convertible



2012 Audi A5 Convertible

 Introduction

Sun-loving shoppers would do well to consider the 2012 Audi A5 convertible. Similar to the engine offering, the A5 takes a road less traveled, since it comes with a conventional soft top in a segment of cars where retractable hardtops are pretty much the norm. This means the A5 convertible's roof can't provide the same security and top-up styling as those cars, but in contrast it's lighter, less complicated and takes up less trunk space when lowered.

Objects of desire can sometimes be tricky. It's all too easy to be lured in by a sleek and sexy body, only to be disappointed as its true nature reveals itself. Thankfully, there's a lot more to the 2012 Audi A5 than just attractive bodywork.

2012 Audi Q5 SUV



2012 Audi Q5 SUV

 Introduction


Based on Audi's A4 sedan, the 2012 Audi Q5 inherits much of its smaller stablemate's entertaining driving dynamics. With confident handling and a choice of two responsive engines, the Q5 represents one of the most engaging SUVs on the market. But performance does not come at the expense of fuel economy, as the turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, while the V6 offers up a still commendable 20 mpg. Given that the four-cylinder is just as quick as the V6, we see little need to pay extra money for extra cylinders, though.

In most cases, compromise means settling on a middle-of-the-road choice that neither side considers attractive. In the automotive world, this usually means performance is traded away to gain economy and practicality, and vice versa. But there are exceptions to the rule, and one of them is the 2012 Audi Q5.

2012 Audi A3 Wagon



2012 Audi A3 Wagon

 Introduction

 The Audi A3 Wagon comes with one of two engines: Audi's (and parent company Volkswagen's) familiar and sprightly 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 or a 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel. The TDI isn't nearly as quick, but it compensates with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in combined driving. One downside, however, is that Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system is not available with the TDI -- something to consider if you live in an area prone to inclement weather or if road-holding prowess is a priority.

As the old adage goes, "You can't please all the people all the time." But that doesn't mean you can't try. In this vein, the 2012 Audi A3 has the potential to appeal to a fairly wide and diverse set of car buyers. As Audi's entry-level model, it offers hatchback sensibilities, a dash of athleticism and even a promise of eco-friendliness.

2012 Audi A4 Sedan Review

 

2012 Audi A4 Sedan

  Introduction

Atypically for the entry-level luxury class, the Audi A4 comes with only one engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This might seem like an odd choice given every other competing model has a six-cylinder, but the reality is that the A4 gains a lot more than it loses by this choice. In fact, the A4 manages to meet and even beat its base-model competitors when it comes to acceleration and fuel economy. Agile handling also contributes to the A4's balanced nature, with a favorable blend of sport and comfort.

While we'll rarely (if ever) turn down an abundance of horsepower and torque, we also appreciate a car that hits that elusive sweet spot of power and efficiency. Among entry-level luxury sedans, the 2012 Audi A4 is one such car.