2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet review, test drive

You don’t always need perfect weather to enjoy a convertible, says Hormazd Sorabjee who drives the new A5 Cabriolet in a not-so-sunny Spain.

Published on May 19, 2017 07:00:00 AM

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2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet review, test drive

The 2.0 TDI doesn’t feel short on power either and the engine’s meaty mid-range whisks you to some pretty serious speeds without you even trying. The seven-speed S tronic gearbox does hesitate a bit when you give a sudden throttle input but once it responds, there’s a seamless, uninterrupted tug forward. I did briefly drive the 3.0 V6 TDI, which had a lustier power delivery, and felt even quieter but with a more appealing exhaust note. You can’t deny the positive effects of two extra cylinders and cubic capacity, which also translate to significantly better performance. The 3.0 TDI is also a second quicker to 100kph (6.8sec) than the 2.0 TDI (7.8sec). But keeping the relaxed character and the cruising ability of the A5 in mind, the 2.0 TDI has all the power you’ll need.

Chopping off the roof of any car can have a dramatic effect on its torsional rigidity, and to combat this, the A5’s chassis has been stiffened considerably with thicker sills, beefed-up suspension strut domes and extra cross bracing throughout the car. All these reinforcements have pushed the weight up to a not-so-light 1,690kg for the base 2.0 TDI but the result is a car that feels suitably taut and responsive.

The A5 Cabriolet’s handling can best be described as predictable and fail-safe with the quattro all-wheel-drive on the S-line version being an added safety net. Bumpy Spanish roads do little to unsettle the A5 which tracks obediently without stepping out of line. The ride quality is brilliant and playing around with the adaptive dampers lets you find the right setup for any condition.

The steering is precise but feels numb with little feel and there’s a natural tendency to understeer which isn’t great for tackling the switchbacks up in the rolling hills of Andalucia.

The A5 Cabriolet is clearly no sportscar but a classy and supremely comfortable tourer that would find sufficient takers in India. In fact, spurred by the success of the A3 Cabriolet, Audi will most likely launch the A5 Cabriolet in India later this year. Its seductive looks, top-notch quality and practical character make it a very tempting proposition for the small tribe of convertible lovers in India.