By Mabuyane Mabuza
Matric dance is one of the best milestones in a teenager’s life. It marks the end of school, the beginning of exams and the hopeful anticipation of a future waiting to unfold. For parents, however, it often comes with pressure. Beyond the dress or suit, there is the small matter of arriving in style. If you are middle class or struggling financially, that part can be daunting. There may not be a fancy car parked in the garage. That is when the phone calls begin.
Every now and then, I get one of those calls. And whenever I am asked to drive a matriculant to their dance, I do my best to show up. I consider it part of my social responsibility.
Late last year, my booking with the Audi A5 coincided with such a request. It was an easy one, a simple 15-minute drive from home to school. Still, the moment mattered.
The Audi A5 2.0 TFSI S Line Quattro was a perfect fit for the occasion. It is a saloon that thinks like a coupé and a coupé that behaves like a grown-up sports car. Familiar Audi family DNA runs through it, yet it carries a distinct personality. The A5 S Line knows how to show off without trying too hard. It says, I am beautiful, without being overdressed. The word is sophisticated.
Design and character appeal
Living in a small town has its perks. Within 20 minutes I was parked behind the maize silos near the young man’s home, where a small gathering of proud aunties and relatives had formed. The A5 immediately made the right first impression.
From first glance, the low sweeping roofline and well-balanced proportions suggest motion even while stationary. Audi’s latest design language is evident in its cleaner surfaces, sharper edges and broader stance. The flattened Singleframe grille sits confidently between slender LED headlights, giving the car a determined yet premium expression.
The youngsters gathered around, pointing out what caught their eye. Sculpted shoulders, muscular wheel arches and crisp light signatures give the A5 a contemporary look without shouting for attention. The matriculant, clearly knowledgeable, spoke enthusiastically about the design. His dream, he told me, is to become a car designer. Suddenly, his observations made perfect sense.
Technology and features
Inside, the A5 embraces Audi’s high-tech minimalism. The driver-focused cockpit features crisp digital displays and intuitive integration. The Virtual Cockpit, MMI touch response system, seamless smartphone connectivity and advanced driver assistance systems make daily driving easier and safer.
Cars today are packed with technology, and for some of us it can feel overwhelming. Still, you quickly adapt. Features such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane change assist, 360-degree cameras and automated emergency braking elevate both convenience and safety.
I have always paid attention to lighting and sound, and the A5 does not disappoint. The interior lighting adds ambience, while the sound system delivers crisp, rich audio that makes every drive more enjoyable.
Driving dynamics
Behind the wheel is where the A5 truly shines. It strikes a balance between composed comfort and lively response. The chassis communicates the road without feeling nervous, and the steering is precise and reassuring. The turbocharged engine delivers smooth acceleration with confident traction from the Quattro all- wheel drive system.
The suspension remains compliant for everyday urban use, yet firm enough to maintain poise when the road becomes more engaging.
Market position and pricing
While the mid-sized sedan segment has lost ground to SUVs and crossovers, the A5 occupies a niche that still appeals to purists. There remains something undeniably elegant about a well-proportioned sedan.
As I watched the matriculant step out of the A5 to cheers and camera flashes, I was reminded that sometimes a car is more than transport. Sometimes, it becomes part of a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Our test model, the 200kW Quattro S Line, is priced at R1,238,000.
