Audi A5 Cabriolet Review | is a stunningly beautiful coupe with excellent power and performance. Unfortunately, the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet is not that car. In an effort to please drop-top lovers, Audi cut the roof off of the A5 Coupe, an element that accounted for the majority of this model's looks. The cloth top taking its place has a humdrum style, merely filling the purpose of covering the occupants' heads.
The vehicle we shot was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which was borrowed from the Golf GTI. The powerplant produces 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, dealing with the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 7.5 seconds and returning a combined cycle fuel efficiency of 25 mpg.
The power is delivered to all four wheels using the company’s famous quattro system. This won’t be to happy to help you drift the vehicle if you're in a racy mood, but it will allow you to negotiate corners with a high level of safety, making sure that the vehicle follows your lead.
Audi is pleased with the interior roof lining, which it claims provides further noise insulation. Lots of little holes are cut into the fabric, though, which looks cheap and has the disorientating effect of making the surface appear farther away than it is. More pleasing is the fact that you can open or close the roof at speeds of up to 30mph, which is worth doing, if only to see the look of horror on the driver’s face behind you, as he watches half the car apparently lifting off in front of him.
TECH SPEC
Price/availability: A5 from £29,795, S5 from £42,000. A5 in May, S5 in September.
Engine/transmission: we tested 2.0 TFSI with S-tronic (seven-speed automatic) gearbox. Max power: 209bhp. Max torque: 258lb ft.
Performance: top speed 148mph, 0-62mph in 7.3 sec, EU Urban fuel consumption 29.7mpg, CO2 emissions 177g/km. VED band E.
We like: Great engines and transmissions, neat interior touches.
We don't like: Disappointing styling, plastic door pulls on a car costing £30,000.
Alternatives: Audi A4 Cabriolet, from £26,545. BMW 3-series Convertible, from £30,660. Mercedes CLK Cabriolet, from £33,405. Volvo C70, from £25,448.
