The Audi A5 combines performance and quality build and this is the reputation that Audi holds in the car manufacturing world. There are three different body shapes; a three door Coupe, a three door Cabriolet and a five door Sportback.
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi A5 Cabriolet is classy with a stylish exterior and it certainly makes heads turn when seen on the road. So, if looks are what you want you can’t go wrong with this model.
However, the stylish looks come with a caveat and that is the driving experience which is somewhat lacklustre. With the roof up, it is relatively quiet but when the top is down it has wind and road noise and suffers from a disturbing vibration that can be felt through both the seats and the steering wheel. The cabin easily copes with four adults and has a decent size boot which is not compromised when the roof is down.
Drivability
The model is easy to drive but unless you are on the smoothest roads, the juddering is not only uncomfortable but a little worrying. It is a pity that the acoustic roof which reduces noise is not fitted as standard because it is almost a necessity due to the amount of sound that penetrates the cabin. Leg and headroom in the rear is limited.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the A5 Cabriolet is made well and it has roll hoops which spring out to protect the driver and passengers. Like all Audi models, reliability is not an issue and Audi lies 10th in the 2013 Driver Power customer satisfaction poll. This is an increase of five places from the previous year.
Practicality
Practicality is high on the agenda with the A5 Cabriolet. The cloth roof can be put down whilst driving at speeds of up to 30 mph and it takes up very little space when folded. The model boasts 380 litres of luggage space in the boot and this will easily fit in golf clubs or two large bags. If you fold down the seats you get an increase to 750 litres which is impressive in a Cabriolet model.
Running Costs
Running costs for the A5 vary according to which engine is chosen. The most economical is the 2.0 litre TDI diesel which returns 60.1 mpg. Emissions for this model are low so road tax is only £90 a year. If you want speed then the 3.0 litre TFSI V6 petrol engine will go from 0 – 62 mph in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Audi models hold their value well in the used car market and although it is not cheap, this model is lower priced than equivalent models from BMW and Mercedes.
Whether you have decided to choose the A5 Cabriolet or one of the other models, the A5 truly is a 5-star car with a badge to match. And for Cabriolet and five door Sportback accessories, visit my car mats. With the Coupe model starting from £29,000 new, the Cabriolet £32,000 and the Sportback just £26,000, it’s no wonder the A5 range is so popular.
Written by auto journalist Arthur Hamilton. You can follow him on Twitter here.