The headline news from Audi for their mid-life updates and changes regarding their A5/S5 trio of models - the Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet - are extensive re-engineering the skin and subtle exterior restyling.
Around 15,000 A5s are sold annually in the UK with the Coupe marginally being the most popular followed by the Sportback and then the Cabriolet.
Like me you might be confused on what the A5 range is. Well simply they are alternative body styles to the A4 range of Saloon and Avant estate and S5 applies to higher performance A5 Sportback/Cabriolet derivatives with 3.0-litre V6 petrol 333PS versions with quattro all wheel drive.
Naturally the changes above and below the A5's skin will apply to the A4 models early next year.
Updated cabin features include new colour schemes and trims, revised switchgear and new online services option bringing Google Earth mapping and in-car internet access.
Audi's Multi Media Interface system, where drivers can scroll through on-screen menus using a rotary dial and buttons, has thankfully been refined with less buttons and so it is simpler and more logical to use.
The revised A5 range offers models that produce 60mpg plus and 122g/km potential and are priced from £25,540 on the road for the Sportback.
The new styling changes are cascaded down from the very fine Audi A6/A8's with refined grille, new bumpers, bonnet and lights. Nothing is too stand-out so the changes are not going to outdate the 2011 versions overnight.
More extensive changes under the skin, include engine replacements or upgrades, new fuel-saving electromechanical power steering and suspension revisions.
New powertrain line-up
Amongst the most significant engine changes there is a new 272PS version of supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine which replaces the 3.2-litre FSI in the Coupe and Cabriolet. The existing 333PS version used by S5 Sportback and S5 Cabriolet now also replaces the V8 in S5 Coupe.
A new 204PS, 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbodiesel engine replaces the previous 2.7-litre TDI and brings CO2 output down to 129g/km in front-wheel-drive A5 Coupe form.
The updated 177PS 2.0-litre TDI unit now delivers 60.1mpg and 122g/km in the front-wheel-drive A5 2.0 TDI Coupe.
The Audi A5/S5 models biggest problem, apart from rear seat legroom, is the competition. The competition in the form, of the BMW 3 Series, the benchmark range in this sector and the new and reportedly even better 3 Series is due to come to market early next year. Just for the record the Mercedes C-Class is also a strong contender in this premium brand sector.
At Audi UK's end of year 'product-fest' I nipped behind the wheel of the revised A5 Coupe 2.0-litre TFSI 211PS quattro S line with S tronic auto transmission. Although the Coupe body style is the most popular A5 in the UK, because it's a big fleet and business user chooser model, the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel will still be the best selling unit.
Performance and running costs
However for private retail customers and business people who pay for their own car of choice and drive less miles each year, the 211PS four cylinder turbocharged petrol unit makes most sense and with the S tronic auto gearbox and quattro drive it is a well rounded package.
It of course is not going to be cheap - £36,515 on the road but it offers utter driving refinement and a good turn of speed and very capable handling with acceptable ride comfort.
The new generation direct injection turbocharged petrol engine delivers 350Nm (258lb ft) of torque from only 1,500rpm so it is very responsive at low or high speeds.
Top speed is 152mph and the zero to 62mph acceleration time is an impressive 6.5 seconds, all from a 2.0-litre engine. The quattro all wheel drive system of course provides maximum cornering grip and a very predictable deliver service so the car remains well balanced either on the straight and narrow or through fast bends.
With poor roads and Winter conditions of rain, ice and snow the quattro system delivers in all weathers.
Officially the Combined Cycle fuel economy is 40.4mpg but during my short test drive on A and B roads I couldn't get close to that driving at only reasonable and legal speeds and the car returned a disappointing 25.4mpg.
The CO2 emissions are relatively low given the power and the quattro drive at 159g/km so the VED road tax is £165 a year. Company car drivers will be stung for 21 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax.
Audi A5 Coupe MILESTONES
2012 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI 211PS quattro S line S tronic
Price: £36,515
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four cylinder, direct injection petrol with turbocharger, 211PS (209bhp), 350Nm (258lb ft) of torque from only 1,500rpm, 7-speed S tronic auto, quattro all wheel drive
Performance: 152mph, 0-62mph 6.5 seconds, 40.4mpg (25.4mpg on test), CO2 159g/km, VED road tax £165, BIK company car tax 21%
Insurance group: 33E
For: A classy two door, four seater Coupe based on the A4, refinement, very responsive petrol engine, smooth auto transmission, relaxing to drive, styling and equipment updates are subtle
Against: Pricey, real-life fuel economy does not come close to the official figures