What is it?
The A4 Cabriolet was a roaring success for Audi UK, proving that, for a certain type of buyer, the combination of an Audi badge and a handsome-looking convertible is difficult to resist.
Now the pressure is very much on for Audi to create a credible replacement, which is this, the A5 Cabriolet. While the A5 and A4 are based on the same platform, the A4 name covers the saloon and estate, the A5 the coupe and cabriolet.
What's it like?
Predictably enough the A5 Cabriolet looks the part roof up or down and the interior is an inviting place to sit. Like the A4, RHD A5s suffer from an offset pedal position, but in the case off the seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox this is less of an issue.
The mechanics of the electrically folding fabric roof squeeze the rear accommodation, but there is room enough for two adults as long as the front passengers aren’t especially tall.
Roof down, windows up, there is an acceptable level of wind buffeting, which can be reduced with a wind deflector (not available on standard trim). Roof up the A5 Cabriolet is impressively refined, especially so with the acoustic roof fitted (standard on S Line, optional elsewhere).
The 3.0TDI is a known quantity, and its relaxed but brisk delivery suits the A5 cab, as does the dual-clutch gearbox.
So far, so good, but then along comes a bump and the picture gets a lot less rosy. Our particular A5 cab came with sport suspension and 19-inch wheels, which did it no favours, resulting in a firm ride and revealing a fair degree of body flex.
Should I buy one?
That ride and body flex is a worry. We're keen to try an A5 in standard specification - and you should be too. No doubt the A5 Cab will sell well even on big wheels, but don’t say you haven’t been warned.
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Re: Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line Cabriolet
Exactly the same drivetrain is available in SE trim with smaller wheels & standard suspension. I can't help thinking that combination would suit the convertible much better but I saw no caveat explaining that in the article. Either Audi are shooting themselves in the foot by only making S line versions available to the press or Autocar aren't giving the full story..
I saw an A5 3.0 TDI convertible in white with a red hood, sounds like something huggy bear might have driven it looked great!
Re: Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line Cabriolet
I like it still but, the saloon A5 looks like business.
Re: Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line Cabriolet
Audi are very cynical to offer convertibles with 19" wheels , but then BMW are cynical too . They reveal themselves as being marketing-lead rather than engineering-lead , as they would like us to think they are. I remember walking past an M3 convertible and thinking how criminal it is to cut the roof off an M3.