The Bottom Line
What do the Guide Rating stars mean?
The all-new 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet replaces last year’s A4 as Audi’s four-seat convertible in residence. Even so, the convertible A5 shares many of its mechanical bits with the A4 sedan and wagon, including its 211 horsepower 2-liter turbocharged engine. Shared styling with the A5 Coupe makes the Cabrio a real looker whether the soft top is up or down -- but is it as good to live with as it is to look at? Read on.
Larger photos: Front top down/top up - rear top down/top up - interior - all photos
Pros
- Great to drive
- Nice blend of power and economy
- Well-appointed interior
- Top can be raised and lowered when the car is moving
Cons
- Pricey
- Not enough lockable storage
Description
- Convertible version of the A5 coupe; replaces last year's A4 Cabriolet
- Trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige
- Price range (including options): $42,825 - $60,575 ($52,275 as tested)
- Powertrain: 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinter, 211 hp/258 lb-ft, CVT auto/front-wheel-drive or 6-speed automatic/all-wheel-drive
- EPA MPG estimates: 20-23 MPG city, 26-30 MPG highway
- Observed fuel economy: 23.7 MPG
- Best rivals: BMW 328i, Lexus IS 250C, Volkswagen Eos
- The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Audi.
Guide Review - 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet
I know I should write a full-length review of the Audi A5 Cabriolet -- it is, after all, a new-for-2010 model -- but honestly, I don't think there's any need. The A5 Cabrio is a fantastic convertible, and it won't take me long to tell you why.
How do I love the Audi A5 Cabriolet? Let me count the ways. It's beautifully styled outside and nicely finished inside (link goes to photo). It's quiet enough to use the built-in Bluetooth speakerphone with the top down at highway speeds. It rides comfortably, handles sharply, and it's good fun to drive, especially with the optional Quattro all-wheel-drive system. There's barely a hint of chassis flex, a problem that afflicts more of the A5's rivals than I care to count (are you listening, Infiniti G37?). The four-cylinder turbo engine accelerates like a V6 and delivers decent fuel economy; I averaged 23.7 MPG. It's got a halfway-decent back seat and a quarter-decent trunk. Some might complain about the lack of a retractable hardtop, but the A5's soft top seals up nice and tight, and I love that you can raise and lower the roof when the car is moving up to 30 MPH -- no more searching for a place to pull over when those first dreaded raindrops start to fall.
If I was going to complain, I suppose I'd target the lack of lockable storage space (just the glovebox and the trunk), the absence of a manual transmission, and the fact that the windows don't automatically roll up when you raise the top. And at $43k for starters, the A5 ain't cheap; you can get a six-cylinder retractable-hardtop Lexus IS 250C for a few grand less, although you'll have a lot less fun driving it.
As alternatives, I'd consider the Volkswagen Eos and the BMW 328i, both of which are great to drive and available with a stick-shift. Wait, let me clarify that: I'd consider them, but I'd still buy the Audi A5 Cabriolet. -- Aaron Gold
