Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI SE multitronic 2dr Car Review - January 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £37,370
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 33
MPG: 54.3
CO2: 138
0-62 Mph: 7.6 secs
BHP: 201 BHP
Range: 752 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The A5 Cabriolet is world class in its looks and style. The engine of this model is refined and strong. However a 2.0 litre diesel would have been more economical. Nevertheless, this model is a credible rival for the BMW and Mazda but it would have been better if the ride is not as jittery

PROS:  The Audi A5 has an excellent design fittingly matched by a powerful engine. The cabin exudes class and style that are typical of an Audi. The inclusive standard equipment is extensive and this model is cheaper than a BMW 3 Series convertible. email: lenaleng_san@yahoo.com

CONS:  A glitch of the A5 Cabriolet is its edgy ride. The steering wheel could do with a little more weight. The offset pedals are quite unsettling. The rear seats could do with a bit more headroom. Options are expensive.

Behind the Wheel

The Audi A5 3.0 TDI SE multitronic is an 8-speed multitronic automatic transmission open car powered by a V6-cylinder, 24-valve engine. With an acceleration rate of 7.6 seconds from 0- 62 mph, this car is fast. Its combined mpg of 54.3 and a top speed of 143 mph rate this car as good for both town and out of town drives.

The 2967cc engine has the power of 206 bhp at 3500 to 4500 rpm and a torque of 295 ft-lb at 1250 to 3500 rpm. Grip is alright though the A5 is nose-heavy. The steering is not consistent that vibrations can be felt through the car’s wheel. The suspension is a bit rigid making for an unsettling ride. The powerful yet quiet engine seems wasted because of the jittery ride and shifty steering. The acoustic fabric roof has extra insulation but road noise is only slightly muted.

Looks & Equipment

A5’s platform may be new but its architecture is traditional. The front axle’s position has been moved forward making the A5’s mass and weight evenly distributed across the two axles. The A5 is definitely a looker with its interior immaculate and fresh, with seats that are comfortable. However, the driving position has some niggles such as off-centre pedals. The fully-electric fabric roof is neater to fold than a metal version.

As with all Audis, this 2-seater has a well-appointed interior and the front seats have ample space. Electronic climate control is available across the range. Standards are electric parking brake, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, leather trim, wind deflector, automatic headlights, rain sensitive wipers, 3-zone climate control and parking sensors to name a few. Available as options are cruise control, sat nav, reversing camera, lane departure warning, hands-free phone kit and heated seats. SE models have more kits.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The A5 has more room than most of its rivals. Since the fabric roofing neatly folds into a small space, the boot is not fully filled when it is lowered. Boot space is 380 litres for luggage and about 750 litres when the roof is up and the back seats are folded. Though this 2-door sports car can sit 4 grown-ups, tall people would not want to be stuck at the back longer than necessary due to restricted headroom.

The A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI has not been tested and rated by Euro NCAP. Based on past performances of Audis, the A5 will most probably rate high too as the A4, which shares similarities with the A5 has a 5/5 NCAP rating. All versions of the A5 have been fitted with ESP or electronic stability control, air bags and standard safety kits. The cloth roof is not as safe as the metal version. CO2 emission rating is 138g/km. Warranty is 3 years/60,000.

Value for Money

An Audi A5 is expensive than a Mazda MX-5 Open but is cheaper than a BMW 3 Series. Overall, both rival brands are better than an Audi A5 in more aspects. Though standards on this car are acceptable, the resale value would be better if options such as sat nav are installed.

Diesel-fed and with a 54.3 mpg, this model should be frugal. Depreciation of the A5 should be modest with the running cost of diesel-engines lower than petrol models. Repairs and maintenance services offered by Audi dealers are not cheap. It falls under insurance group 33 with an estimated typical insurance of £865. Road Tax group is E.

Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI SE multitronic 2dr Car Review - by 
All Audi A5 Reviews
Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI SE 5dr - March 2012
The cheapest petrol engine in the A5 Sportback range, the 1.8 TFSI SE is a great company car option, but the diesel 2.0 litre version will provide better value for money over the long term as it is...
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 5dr - March 2012
The 2.0 TFSI Quattro is a great four-wheel-drive car with a powerful engine and fairly low fuel economy. However, the diesel engine is much better value for money particularly for company car drive...
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro S line 5dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The 2.0 TFSI Quattro S line is a great four-wheel-drive hatchback, which is practical, with loads of space, and economical, with low running costs and low CO2 emissions. The car also drives well wi...
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S line 5dr - March 2012
The 2.0 TDI S line has a fantastically efficient engine and a good strong performance to make it a great car, particularly for businesses due to the low CO2 emissions. It is the most efficient ...
Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic 5dr - March 2012
The 3.0 litre Sportback is a hugely powerful and fast car, which makes the expensive S5 seem pointless as an investment. The four-wheel-drive means that handling is good and controlled but the spor...
Comments
Sports Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Sports cars that you can then compare to the Audi A5. Here are some popular Audi A5 alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update