Expert opinion
Whether as a 4.2-litre, V8 original, or 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6 replacement, a few things are guaranteed with an Audi RS5: exactly 450hp, chiselled good looks, enormous quattro traction and the ease of use that comes with a great dual-clutch gearbox. Oh yes, and an Audi interior - it isn’t hard to see why the two-door coupe (and, latterly, the five-door Sportback) have been so popular.
First launched in 2010 as a rival for the E92 BMW M3 and W204 Mercedes C63 AMG, the RS5 impressed with its scalpel sharp V8 and all-weather ability. A standard sport differential in the UK ensured the handling wasn’t as leaden as some might have expected, and a cabriolet followed in 2012, opening up four passengers to a sublime soundtrack. Those early coupes are now available, albeit with six-figure mileages, from £15k - one trip to 8,250rpm might be all the convincing you’ll need.
Having only been on sale for a few years, the current RS5 will still set you back £40k as a used purchase. Though losing two cylinders over its predecessor, the addition of a pair of turbos meant torque leapt from 317lb ft 442lb ft - markedly improving real world performance. Once more, a dual-clutch transmission and quattro four-wheel drive ensured none of the performance went to waste.