Search

Audi A5 Cabriolet road test report

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi’s A5 coupe was launched in 2007 to take on the likes of the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK. It received mixed reactions from the reviewers but these don’t seem to have influenced car buyers too unduly, as the A5 has sold steadily since it hit the showrooms. Two years on, Audi has added a Cabriolet variant to the A5 line-up, with the intention that it will replace the outgoing A4 Cabrio. In many ways, the A5 now makes more sense in this new guise as a boulevard cruiser, stripping away any expectations of it being a performance car.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Audi A5 Cabriolet

Print

Image number 2 of the Audi A5 Cabriolet Image number 3 of the Audi A5 Cabriolet Image number 4 of the Audi A5 Cabriolet
CRAIGT SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The A5 Cabriolet is launched with two petrol engines: the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder unit produces 208bhp and 190lb-ft of torque, while the 3.2-litre TFSI V6 produces 261bhp and 179lb-ft. The 2.0-litre is a perfectly decent engine for cruising and can perform the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 7.5 seconds (7.9 with the seven-speed multitronic auto ‘box). The V6 is just as smooth but is more muscular: 0-62mph comes up in 6.9 seconds (it only comes mated with the seven-speed S tronic transmission). There’s one diesel engine available at launch, with more variants expected later in 2009. A 3.0-litre V6 unit pumps out 236bhp and 271lb-ft of torque, pulling it to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds. In addition to this very impressive performance, it’s quiet and refined: even with the roof down there’s none of the agricultural clatter usually associated with oilburners.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

If you’re looking for an open-topped performance car to blast around in, the A5 Cabriolet shouldn’t be at the top of your list. The steering isn’t as sharp as keen drivers like, although the turn-in is accurate enough. If you opt for the Audi Drive Select system that changes the suspension and steering settings, some of the artificial feel is reduced, but it’s still no Porsche. No, this is a refined, four-seat cruiser for enjoying the sunshine on a pleasant afternoon drive in the country or a trip to the seaside. And it works perfectly in this automotive context: the ride is extremely comfortable, soaking up all the bumps, ridges and surface imperfections in the road. If you opt for the top-of-the-range S line trim level, which includes sports suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, things get a bit firmer, but not so much that the ride becomes a real issue.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Audi has established a reputation for building cars that are well screwed together and made from high-quality materials. This was reflected in the last JD Power customer satisfaction survey in the UK, which placed the German carmaker in seventh place out of 28. The A5 coupe wasn’t listed in the model league table, but the A4 on which it’s based came in 20th out of the top 100 cars. The A5 Cabriolet upholds these high standards, looking every bit the premium car that it is marketed as. The exterior looks suitably solid, with consistent panel gaps across the car: the interior, meanwhile, conforms to the benchmarks Audi has set for cabins in recent years, with excellent fit and finish, soft-touch plastics and materials such as leather. Overall, it’s safe to assume that the A5 Cabriolet will be as durable as it looks, even down to the double-layered acoustic soft-top.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Euro NCAP hasn’t yet tested the A5 for its ability to withstand collisions, but we expect it to receive five stars when it comes under scrutiny. Our confidence is based on the fact that the A4, with which it shares a platform, has been awarded five stars under the new crash test regime, with a 93% score for adult protection, 84% for child protection, 39% for pedestrian protection and 71% in the new safety assist category. The A5 Cabriolet has the full complement of safety equipment, including front and side airbags that protect the head and chest in a collision, Isofix, daytime running lights, and sensors that control the metal bars that pop up behind the rear seats in the event of a rollover. There are also all the usual electronic aids such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control (ESP). In terms of safety equipment, there’s a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

For a convertible, the A5 Cabriolet is a very spacious and practical car. The driving position is very good, with supportive, adjustable seats and a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake. Visibility for drivers is decent, but if you have the wind deflector up, it can obscure some of the rear view. The big news is that there’s plenty of room for four adults to drive around in comfort. The rear seats have lots of legroom, even if the front occupants are six-footers, so even long journeys should be relaxing when four-up. Audi have bucked the current trend for folding metal roofs by sticking with its soft-top. In addition to keeping the car’s weight down, this has the added advantage of maximising the bootspace: with the roof down there’s 320 litres available and, if you forego the rear seats and raise the soft-top, you can have up to 750 litres.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

With prices starting at £29,800 (and rising to £40,390), the A5 Cabriolet isn’t cheap. However, it does undercut the BMW 3-Series Convertible – its nearest rival – by about £1,500, so it’s not an unreasonable amount for a premium car. Running costs won’t be cheap either. The 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine officially consumes a decent-enough 41.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 156g/km, placing it in Band G for road tax (£150 per year). The 3.2-litre V6, however, drinks 32.8mpg and emits 199g/km (Band J, £215 per year) and the diesel-powered variant, the 3.0 TDI also burns up 41.5mpg and emits 179g/km, placing it in VED Band I, costing owners £175 per year. Residuals should hold up, though. Audis generally retain their value well, as do convertibles (thanks to the high demand for them in the UK), so the combination should work in your favour when you come to trade it in.

Submitted: 02/06/2009 14:55:06

Roadsters & Cabriolets comparison road tests

Audi road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top