Vehicle: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0T Premium with S-Line and 6-speed Tiptronic
Price as tested: CDN$62050

Performance: Other than the newly introduced A5 Cabriolet into the A5 family for 2010, Audi has added an entry-level 2.0T. On the other end of the spectum, Audi has replaced the 4.2 liter V8 with 3.0 liter supercharged engine in the S5. The highlight of our test drive is the base A5 Cabriolet. This 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder turbocharged engine has been served the A4 since 2009. It has to be considered as the world’s best forced induction 4-cylinder powerplant today. With 211 ponies and 258 lb/ft of torque, mating with, 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox with paddle shifters. This little mill is able to move the A5 Cabriolet with authority. With 258 lb/ft of torque arrives as low as 1500rpm, there are plenty of bottom end whether driver drops the anchor. This 2.0 liter turbocharged engine has been known for its high level of refinement, revving quality and fuel economy. Our test average of only 8.5 liters per 100km really shows how economical a convertible can be. The biggest contributor has to be the 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Its not only smooth and refined, it has matched A5 Cabriolet’s cruising character exceptionally well.

Handling: Given the A5 is based on Audi’s MLB chassis, which has moved the engine further toward the center point. It makes for a much more balanced and better weight distribution. That means for a more nimble driving characteristics. We already experienced how exceptional this chassis with the A4, S5 coupe and Q5. The A5 Cabriolet is no exception. Thanks to the wonderfully strong chassis, A5 Cabriolet doesn’t exhibit any kinds of cowl shakes through railroad tracks, patholes and rough pavement. Our tester comes with an optional S-Line package, which means stiffer suspension, shocks and springs. The sports suspension really does create a desired effect for A5′s overall dynamic characteristics. The cornering abilities are live up to its billings. Not to mention Audi’s legendary Torsen Quattro with 40/60 rear-bias setting. Which means you can have all-weather convertible fun without losing the rear-bias factor through AWD confidence. There are minimal amount of body rolls and understeer. ESP doesn’t step in abruptly. The steering provides refined feel and feedback, with decent weight and precision through the sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. If you just prefer a cruising convertible, A5 2.0T with the standard suspension is capable enough to handle most situations. But with the optional S-Line suspension, it really does eat the corners alive.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, A5 Cabriolet stops on a dime without any trouble. The stopping distance is short, while the pedal feel is crisp and easily modulated. ABS works exceptionally well, as it doesn’t step in unnecessarily.

Interior: What makes the A5 Cabriolet stands out apart from all of its retractable hardtop competitions is the amount of trunk space. With the roof down, there are more than enough space for 2 persons on a weekend getaway. Its even more than enough with all the shopping bringing back from the trip. Another area is the amount of rear legroom, which is more spacious than its rivals.

On the front, A5 Cabriolet continues Audi’s tradition of producing beautiful interior with class-leading materials. The S-Line sports seats have both quality leather and Alcantara for excellent side, thigh and back supports. The rest of the interior is typical A5 fanfare. The MMI is easy to figure out with buttons available for different functions. Both the auto climate control and stereo are user-friendly.

Conclusion: The A5 Cabriolet is an impressive piece of machinery. Not only does its a stunner inside and out, it also got the mechanicals to back up all the goods. With the addition of the 2.0T, it also priced more attractively than any of its competitions.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5