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Playing out in the open

Indulge in open-air fun with the elegant and sophisticated convertible, the A5 Cabriolet, writes Adrian Ion

October 2009 - From the Print Edition

The gloomy economic situation might turn off many potential buyers of cabriolets these days, as these are type of cars one buys when money is no object. On the other hand, others may feel they need a toy to help them through the financial crisis with ease – what is better than to reward a painful period with a bit of joy?
The recipe Audi has prepared this summer to fight the crisis is the A5 Cabriolet and it seems that there are enough people who think this might work for them, as the sales are just as high as they were in the good times.
The A5 Cabriolet was launched just before June and is a classic A5 with a folding roof. The interior is the same and the body is similar to the coupe version. The roof is made of fabric instead of the fashionable metal roof used more often in Cabriolets, as Audi thinks that a true cabriolet should have a fabric roof. The advantage of the fabric is that the roof structure is lighter and saves fuel, uses a less complicated mechanism and takes up less boot space when folded down. To give an idea about the practicality of the system, with the roof folded the A5 Cabriolet offers 320 litres of boot space against 90 litres for the BMW 3-Series Convertible, which has a metal folding roof. Looking at practicality, the A5 will accommodate four adults with no problem and more than decent rear leg-room.
The A5 coupe is considered to be one of the most elegant cars in its segment and the convertible adds a bit more flavor and desirability to an already smart-looking car. Inside the car it is classic Audi A5, no changes are noticeable and the expected premium feeling is present with faultless built quality.

Driving style
The test drive car was fitted with the 3.0 diesel engine, which suits the car well. The common rail diesel is refined, quiet and offers an impressive torque and fuel economy. Cars fitted with this engine version have as standard the four-wheel quattro transmission that offers a safe ride even in winter conditions.
The car is really comfortable on long journeys and easy to drive in city traffic. With the roof up the rear visibility might be a problem, but the overall feeling is that a driver can feel the car’s extremities. The tested car was fitted with a rear view camera which activates as the driver shifts into reverse, offering guidelines on how to turn the car in the optimum position for parking or backing up.

Options extra
Unfortunately, all the options that come as extras have a significant price tag and even some of the basic options add a couple of thousand Euros to the standard price of the car.
Initially the A5 Cabriolet comes with three petrol direct injection engine options, a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 211HP, the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre, V6, 265 HP FSI petrol and the 3.0-litre, TFSI V6, 333 HP engine fitted in the S5 version.
The turbodiesel range also has three engine choices, a 2.0-litre TDI 170HP, a 2.7 litre and 170 Hp and the top 3.0 with 240 HP of power output. This engine has quattro all-wheel drive as standard and the other two engines have quattro as an option.
The handling of the A5 is predictable, there is no torsion feeling from the body even going through the tough romanian roads and the safety electronic systems are all standard.
The A5 Cabriolet is a classy and elegant car that will turn heads no matter if the roof is up or down. The engine combined with four wheel drive traction and faultless built quality will ensure a pleasant summer driving experience. The only downside is of course the price, as for any premium brand. But if the money is in the pocket, why waste it on anything else?
The test drive car was provided by local importer Porsche Romania.■

Vital statistics

Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI with automatic gearbox
Standard price: 46,163 Euro plus VAT
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, diesel and 240 HP, all wheel drive
Acceleration: nought to 100 km/h – 6.1 seconds
Mixed fuel consumption: 6.9 litres/100km.
CO2 emissions: 182 g/km
Body type: two-door, four-seat, electrically-operated fabric roof, boot space 320 litres, length 4,625 mm, width 1,854 mm, height 1,383 mm



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