It's remarkable what the addition of a few small lights can do to the eye-catching abilities of a car.

Wrapped beneath the xenon headlights of the new Audi A5 is a strip of white LED daytime running lights. Like those fitted to Audi's stunning R8 supercar, they prove instantly attractive.

But this latest piece of automotive jewellery is a mere trinket adorning an imposingly elegant coupé.

The dramatically-styled, two-door, four-seater takes the German car maker back into a sector of the market which it last entered with the 80-based coupé of 1989.

The A5's competitors are serious contenders from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, so Audi has wheeled out its biggest guns, with a choice of hugely powerful engines slotted into a truly beautifully-handling body.

Much of the credit for the pinpoint precision is due to a radically different front suspension arrangement, that allows shorter overhangs and much improved axle load distribution for enhanced balance and handling neutrality.

The power-assisted steering has also been both completely re-engineered, and repositioned ahead of the front axle closer to the wheel centre line to provide more direct feel and improved response.

At the rear, completely re-engineered suspension plays its part in delivering slick sports coupé handling with an unruffled ride. Power on the test model came from a mid-range engine, the 2.7-litre V6 TDI, which can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 144mph, while at the same time returning up to 42.1mpg. Despite its prodigious power and precise handling, the A5 is a more-than- practical everyday car with ample space for four adults and a decent-sized, metre-wide load space, which can be expanded by releasing the split/folding rear seat backrest. It also comes with a new comfort key' which dispenses with the conventional key and instead communicates electronically with the car's electrical system as soon as it enters the cockpit. Optional features include a panoramic electric sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen audio system delivering 500 watts through 14 speakers, a parking system complete with rear-mounted camera and swivelling headlights for improved corner illumination.

At the top of the range, sits a 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol unit, which has been reserved for the S5 quattro, delivering 345 horsepower, to take the flagship to 62mph from rest in 5.1 seconds on the way to a governed top speed of 155mph.

Like all Audis, the A5 handles exquisitely, but this one also looks brilliant too.

Auto facts Audi A5 2.7

  • Price: £31,985
  • Ins group: 15
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 34.4mpg
  • Top speed: 144mph
  • Length: 462.5cm/182in
  • Width: 185.4cm/73in
  • Luggage capacity: 16 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 gallons/65 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 179g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles