Audi's new A5 Cabriolet is striking for several reasons
Buyers can choose from three engines. Audi's four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol TFSI unit develops 155 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. This is a remarkably fuel-efficient engine capable of delivering consumption of just 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. The charismatic 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol engine makes 195 kW of power and 330 Nm of torque. Both petrol engines combine direct fuel injection with the innovative Audi Valve-lift System AVS for better economy.
There is also the lusty 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 176 kW and an awesome 500 Nm of torque. With consumption of just 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres overall, it benefits from reduced Luxury Car Tax. Amazingly, this thrifty engine accelerates the A5 Cabriolet from luxurious rest to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, the stuff of supercars in the not too distant past.
Audi's innovative Quattro all-wheel drive system and seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch automated manual transmission are standard.
Joining the successful A5 Coupe Downunder, this brand new four-seater convertible combines its distinctly sporty character with the added benefit of open-top driving, high levels of comfort and everyday versatility.
Efficient turbo-diesel and petrol engines, agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options combine to make Audi's all-new Cabriolet the most attractive convertible in its class. Like most of Audi's range, the new A5 Cabriolet also leads the way in efficiency, and importantly for a convertible, offers best-in-class luggage capacity.
Audi's managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the new A5 Cabriolet will appeal to customers who appreciate the stylish design of the coupe model, yet who also want the added engagement of top-down driving.
"Cabriolets are typically emotional vehicles because they offer the experience of open-air driving. When combined with best-in-class dynamics, strong and efficient engine choices and a sporty transmission, we are certain that this new convertible model will find favour in Australia," Mr Hofmann said.
"The A5 Coupe has been very successful to-date and we expect this version to have a similar loyal following which will have a positive impact on our sales results."
The exterior silhouette of the new A5 Cabriolet is elegant, yet sporty, with sculpted body surfaces and a clear relationship to the stunning A5 Coupe-styling. Short front overhangs, expansive wheel-base and coupe-like height ensure this convertible offers dynamic looks as well as dynamic performance.
Ultra-high-strength steel and selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity and crash safety to keep occupants safe from harm.
Like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 has a classic lightweight fabric roof with a flat clear glass window that shouts dynamic elegance. The light weight of a fabric roof offers clear efficiency benefits due to lower consumption. The fully automatic roof opens in just 15 seconds, faster than all competitors, and when opened, it folds down so effectively that very little boot space is sacrificed. A total of 320 litres is available for luggage, even with the roof down, and the diagonal loading length of 392 mm means large equipment can also be stowed - clearly the best values in its field of competitors.
With the rear seats folded down, the A5 Cabriolet can swallow up to 750 litres of luggage. The roof can also be opened at speeds of up to 50km/h.
The A5 Cabriolet seats four adults comfortably. The electric front seats are sportily-low and sculpted for perfect ergonomics, offering excellent control and support. Standard-fit electric seatbelt extenders provide assistance with fastening the belts. Integrated into the B-pillars, they move forward automatically when the ignition is activated.
Another special feature is the standard Milano leather upholstery with a heat-resistant coating that is especially useful when the A5 Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This 'heat-up resistance' function reflects the warming infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius.
A new luxury option available is neck-level heating. A three-level adjustable fan blows warm air through ducts on the topside of the seatback to warm the back of the head and the neck.
Also optional for this new model is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, enabling the driver to chose among three different engine 'maps' which control damping, gearshift speed and the characteristics of the fuel feed. From automatic, to comfort and sport, A5 Cabriolet drivers can choose a setting to suit the mood of the day, or the road ahead. Audi side assist and lane assist are also available for this model.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet is expected to follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessors. The brand has offered a premium mid-sized convertible since 1991, with around 227,000 units sold to-date.
Prices range from $94,900 for the 2.0 TFSI variant, through $112,500 for the turbodiesel and $116,500 for the range-topping 3.2-litre FSI petrol model.
