Is the Audi A5's 265 hp still too little? Want a more exciting soundtrack that even a premium sound system can't replicate? Then the Audi S5 might be your cup of tea.

With a brawny 4.2-litre V8 under the hood, the S5 is basically your regular A5 which has worked out and buffed up. But there are no bulging fenders a la the RS4 here - the look is understated and most of the good stuff is hidden underneath the subtly enhanced sheetmetal.

The only visual clues are the quartet of exhaust tips poking out of the rear of the car, a more pronounced boot lip spoiler, small sill extensions and a different treatment for the front grille. Together with a 15mm reduction in ride height and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, the S5 has a more squat and purposeful stance without screaming boy racer.

Inside the largely unchanged cabin, there are grey faced dials and a discreet S badge on the steering wheel but that is essentially it. And to show how good the standard equipment on the A5 is, the supportive and extremely comfortable seats are carried over unchanged from the standard coupe though there's a red leather option with matching door trim that is absolutely a must-have.

With 354 hp and 440 Nm, the Quattro-equipped S5 can blast to 100 kmh in a scant 5.1 seconds but saddled with a 1,630kg kerb weight (the A5 3.2 is 1,495kg), its forte is high-speed cruising. Don't be mistaken, it is still potent in city driving with gobs of torque and a wonderful burble from the quad tailpipes but once unleashed on the highway, the S5 is in its element.

The overly stiff suspension starts to settle down and it is rock stable at high speed. The upgraded brakes are nothing short of amazing, brushing off speed with ease. The steering though, could be improved, being rather inert with not much feel. The S5 can also go around corners quickly as the amount of grip from the 245/40R18 tyres is amazing but there isn't much feedback and on the narrow roads of Verona, it wasn't too much fun.

So if you're looking for a car that can be a hooligan on track or something that can charge down winding mountain roads, the S5 is not for you. But if you like Gran Turismo-style driving and the A5 is not exciting enough, then the S5 will fit the bill nicely.

Engine: 4,163cc direct injection V8
Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
Max power: 354 hp @ 7,000rpm
Max torque: 440 Nm @ 3,500rpm
0-100 kmh: 5.1 secs
Top speed: 250 kmh (limited)
Distributor: Premium Automobiles, Tel 6566-1111