Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet 2009 Review

Name: Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet 2009 Review
Brand: Audi

Audi's latest Cabriolet looks like a winner even before you factor in a dose of real world practicality and an engine range that offers real choice

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet

International Launch
Monaco, Monte Carlo

What we liked

>> Pure soft-top cabriolet looks
>> Quiet, refined and cosy cabin
>> Engine range delivers real choice

Not so much
>> Steering odd on 2.0 TFSI
>> Supercharged V6 isn't a favourite
>> Value decision will depend on final local spec

2.0 TFSI
Overall rating: 3.0/5.0

Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

3.0 TDI
Overall rating: 3.0/5.0

Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

S5
Overall rating: 3.0/5.0

Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
Audi is on the march. You'd need to have been living under the proverbial to not know as much. So long the third wheel in Germany's prestige trio, the Ingolstadt brand is in the midst of a model line-up expansion that is unprecedented – especially at the big dollar end of the new car market.

Key to the brand' strategy is to leverage new platforms as they emerge. The new generation B8 A4 arrived Down Under in April 2008. Since then an Avant version, the A5 Coupe and the Q5 softroader have all been spun off from it. Now, the A5 and its performance-oriented S5 stablemate have flipped their lids and spawned new mass market cabriolet versions.

Audi has a strong history of soft-tops that goes back almost to the company's roots. It will celebrate its centenary in 2009, and there have been soft top models wearing the badge (or at least the badges from which the modern company Audi were derived) for around 70 of them. The latest A5/S5 pairing therefore replaces the popular B7 A4 Cabriolet. And like the evolution from B7 to B8 in the sedan, the new soft top presents as a larger, more stylish and more upmarket model. It's also now a full four seater.

Set to arrive Down Under in the third quarter of 2009 in A5 form, followed by the S5 in time for Christmas, Audi has big plans for the new cabriolets. Indeed, the cars are a key component in the company's plans for continued growth in difficult financial times.

From our impressions at the car's international launch in Monaco, we reckon the Audi Australia gang has every right to be upbeat. With a range of engines that offer real choice, top-spec dual-clutch gearboxes and quattro running gear as standard, the A5/S5 line-up will take it right up to their BMW, Benz and soon-to-be-released Lexus competitors.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Audi will offer three A5 variants at launch plus a single S5 model. As noted above, all Aussie-delivery A5/S5 models feature quattro all-wheel drive (a 40:60 split in the current generation of A4-derived models) and Audi's S tronic dual-clutch automated sequential manual gearboxes.

The entry-level A5 Cabriolet model is the four-cylinder turbocharged petrol direct injection 155kW/350Nm A5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic. This model introduces the company's latest seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and, says Audi Australia, will account for around 50 per cent of all A5 cabrios sold.

Standard specification will be announced closer to the car's local launch. Insiders say to expect the 'soft-top' inventory to echo the equivalent A5 hardtop model (more here). That will mean gearshift paddles (standard on S tronic Audis), 17-inch alloys, leather interiors, a reasonable level of audio equipment and amenities like power windows, mirrors, trip computer and the like, however, you'll pay extra for satnav, electric seats and other goodies.

Just remember the A4/A5 option list runs deep and can trouble even well-lined pockets if you're careless with ticking too many boxes. We don't expect the cabrio will be any different.

Expect to pay extra on all models (except perhaps S5) for Audi Drive Select suspension and chassis adjustment, and other goodies such as Dynamic Steering, sports suspension and the like.

Audi has confirmed xenon headlamps and LED daytime running and tail lights will be standard across the A5 range. Cabriolet specific features also include an auto seatbelt feeder for front occupants and there's optional neck level heating offered -- a la Mercedes-Benz's Airscarf system. Audi will also offer climate comfort leather seating that features a coated leather that's claimed to stay up to 20 degrees (Celsius) cooler than conventional leather seats. Wearers of short shorts will thank their lucky stars!

All versions are fitted with a fully lined, electrically operated soft top which can be opened and closed at the touch of a button up to 50km/h. This function proved a boon at the launch -- in the tradition of cabrio launches, the international debut of the A5/S5 brought teeming rain to the French Riviera. Perhaps Melbourne's water authorities should lobby international manufacturers to launch their soft-tops at St Kilda Beach.

Back to the model walk, the top petrol-engined A5 to come Down Under will be the direct-injected 3.2 FSI V6 rated at 195kW and 330Nm. Its S tronic box is a six-speeder. This is the same engine offered in the A5 Coupe, though in the hardtop it's matched to a tiptronic (auto) transmission.

However, it's the 176kW/500Nm 3.0 TDI turbodiesel A5 Cabriolet that should prove the real world performance benchmark of the non-S range. Indeed, Audi insiders suggest the in-gear performance of the muscular dual-clutch diesel approaches the level of the new supercharged V6 of the S5 Cabriolet.

The added advantage in pricing terms is that the A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI will likely return a fuel consumption figure of less than 7.0L/100km (it's 6.8L/100km in the Euro combined cycle), thus delivering Luxury Car Tax discounts to boot.

The range-topper of the four-seater cabrio family is the S5. Featuring Audi's latest 245kW/440Nm 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6, the S5 gets model-specific bodywork and trademark single frame grille and quad exhaust tips of the 'real' go-fast Audis. Bigger wheels (18-inch are standard) and sports suspension are also fitted.

No prizes for guessing that Audi is being tight-lipped on pricing this far out from launch. Officially, the company says the entry level model, the A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro S tronic, "will be competitively priced"... Whether that means the other A5/S5 variants won't be we'll leave to you to decide.

By way of a thumbnail guide, the superseded B7 A4 Cabrio is still on the books starting at $77,000 for the 1.8TFSI multitronic (front-wheel drive and CVT transmission). Two other B7 soft-top variants are currently offered – the $91,800 2.0 TFSI multitronic and the sole all-wheel drive B7 cabrio, the 3.2 quattro tiptronic from $113,000.

Given the base model A5 is larger, adds S tronic, Quattro and more horsepower, any price under $85,000 should be considered pretty good value...

MECHANICAL
Our launch coverage of both the S5 (more here) and A5 (more here) coupes should fill in most of the blanks regarding the mechanicals that underpin the new cabrios.

The 30sec version defines the A5/S5 as leveraging the same architecture that underpins the B8 A4, though with some tweaks in terms of proportions. In hard and soft-top guise the 5s roll on a 57mm shorter wheelbase than the sedans, but have 26mm more track front and rear. Little wonder the two-doors look 'stouter' on the road.

In comparison to the last generation B7 cabrio, the new A5/S5 models are close to half a class larger. The wheelbase is 100mm longer and the extra track front and rear track is 70 and 59mm respectively. As we noted in our intro, these vehicles are now true four-seaters.

Audi says the A5/S5 coupe was designed with an open top version in mind, but there's still been significant work gone on under the skin to produce a structure that will cope with all the dynamic and safety related demands.

Structural changes include "an array of additional reinforcement sections (windshield frame and front band rear side skirt sections)", says Audi. Rollover protection is provided by the reinforced windshield frame (that also features a smart high gloss alloy finish) and spring-actuated aluminium rollover bars that deploy behind the rear headrest when required.

The downside of all this extra structural steel is the extra weight the A5/S5 soft-tops must lug around – around 200kg in comparison to their equivalent coupe versions.

Running gear is essentially pure Quattro A4, however, buyers of V6 A5/S5s will be able to specify Audi's new quattro sport rear differential. Debuted on the new S4, The quattro sport diff operates in a similar manner to BMW's Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) differential. Says Audi: "When steering into or accelerating in a corner, the majority of the torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, which literally pushes the car into the curve. The system thus anticipates and prevents any tendency toward oversteer or understeer, ensuring an even more dynamic driving experience."

Audi claims the diff can respond in less than 100 milliseconds (faster than a conventional brake-operated stability control system) and is effective under load or on the overrun.

As the sport diff communicates with the Audi Drive Select system, it is only available in concert with the system. In Australia it will be packaged with the top variant of Drive Select that includes adaptive dampers and dynamic steering. [Note too that in S tronic Audi's Drive Select also tweaks the gearbox settings.]

Audi claims 0-100km/h times of 7.3, 6.4, 6.9 and 5.6sec for the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI, 3.2 FSI and S5 respectively. All variants have top speeds that are irrelevant Down Under. The 3.0 TDI is the most frugal with a Euro combined figure of just 6.8L/100km followed by the 2.0 TFSI (7.7) and 3.2 FSI (9.5).

The S5 returns an impressive 9.7L/100km lending credence to Audi's claim that the engine delivers V8 performance without V8 thirst. By way of comparison the manual S5 coupe achieves 12.8L/100km in local ADR testing.

PACKAGING
As noted above, the new soft-topped Audi is based on the latest generation B8 A4 platform and shares its dimensions and styling (inside and out) with the A5 coupe already on sale in Australia. Detailed changes include the latest MMI system -- as first seen in the Q5 (more here).

The A5 eschews the folding hardtop trend to feature a "Classic" electrically operated folding 'soft' roof that Audi says is the quickest in its class. Able to be opened or closed at speeds of up to 50km/h, the company says it takes just 15sec to open the roof, with buttoning it up taking just 2sec longer.

A true four-seater, the A5/S5 have appreciably more cabin room than the last generation A4 cab in terms of front and rear shoulder and hip room and (especially) rear legroom. The new cabrio's wheelbase is a full 100mm longer than the B7 version.

Cabin room is generous and while some compromise will be required from tall drivers for rear passenger comfort, the story overall is pretty good. And unlike most other soft tops, the A5/S5 cabrios deliver real luggage space. Audi claims 320 litres of boot space when the roof is open and 380 litres in snow, sleet, rain and hail mode.

The luggage/roof storage divider is automatic and practicality is boosted by a proper 50:50 splitfold rear seat with load through function (and boot mounted remote releases) that can be used whether the roof is up or down. With the rear pews stowed the total load length is just shy of 1.8m long and volume increases to 750 litres.

A wind deflector is available for use when the roof is down and you're two-up (it works too, we can vouch). Dedicated stowage for this is provided under the boot floor. The Euro cabriolets we drove did not have spare tyres, however.

No less than 15 paint colours will be offered including new hues: Amethyst Grey, metallic, Aurum Beige, metallic and Teak Brown, metallic. The cloth top is available in a choice of four colours (blue, brown, red and black) and a full range of interior finish options will be offered.

Audi's attention to detail with the look and lines of the A5/S5 is evidenced by the fact it incorporated all aerials (radion, telephone, GPS, etc) into the roof compartment cover. There's nothing extraneous left to spoil the 5's tidy shoulder line and side and upper surfaces. It's simply a great looking car -- roof up or down.

SAFETY
The safety story of convertibles is often glossed over. Suffice to say, Audi says the A5/S5 delivers a comparable safety performance to its hardtop counterparts.

A full range of Audi's dynamic and safety systems will be available across the model range including features such as Audi Drive Select, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and the like.

Standard equipment includes full ABS and stability control systems plus front and side adaptive airbags. Unlike Volvo, however, Audi has not come up with true side curtain bags for the soft top.

COMPETITORS
BMW's 3 Series coupe convertible is the most direct competitor to the A5/S5 pairing and in markets like Australia dominates sales in the space. This year and next, however, both the 3 and the Audi will face renewed competition from Mercedes-Benz which moves from the C-Class based CLK to a larger, more refined and very much four-seat E-Class based coupe and cabriolet pairing. The latter arrives Down Under early in 2010 and like the Audi sticks with the classic cloth top rather than a folding hardtop.

Later this year Lexus will launch its folding hardtop-equipped IS 250CC. Like the 3 Series, this car is not expected to offer the rear passenger room of the Audi. It'll also be a singleton model with no choice of engine option.

The other cabrio to approach the Audi in the appropriate mix of size and status is Volvo's C70. Certainly in terms of refinement and sporting prowess the Audi is in another league.

ON THE ROAD
The first thing that is apparent when you drive the A5/S5 Cabriolets is the design's integrity. Audi has delivered a structure that is up there with the very best open cars – all the more impressive given the car's true four-seat proportions.

Around Monaco's well surfaced streets, with the roof in place, there's little hint that the car is a soft-top -- external noise is superbly attenuated and the car's own sounds well controlled. There's a contained, cosy feeling to the cabin that suggests drafts or air leaks are essentially absent. A rattle or two we noticed early proved to be coming from the foldaway wind deflector and were absent when the unit was refitted.

Roof down, the experience is civilised also. There's some buffeting when the side glass is down but when the optional wind deflector is fitted in place over the rear seats and the windows raised the cabin is remarkably calm. Conversations can be conducted at almost coupe-like levels, even at highway speeds.

Though it was hard to get a true feel for the car on the 'gazetted' test routes in and around Monaco itself, bread and butter impressions of steering, ride comfort and general amenity align with the Cabriolet's coupe stablemate and 'donor' A4 sedan.

This is an easy car to get to know. New owners will find themselves at home quickly thanks to a sensible, conventionally configured cabin and well-weighted main controls. Sight lines are good and even the traditional soft-top bugbear of poor over the shoulder vision has been addressed thanks to the oversize glass areas and generous, almost sedan shaped rear window.

Using the on-the-move facility to open and close the roof as the passing showers allowed proved its worth. In the tight confines of Monaco and nearby communities it would have been impractical to have to have pulled over each time. As it is, the quick cycle times and non-stop functionality will probably mean more people drive the A5/S5 with the roof open more often. Remember too, that the auto luggage area divide makes it a one-button operation.

It was on the local Monaco loops that we drove the 3.0 TDI and volume-selling 2.0 TFSI variants. Audi's V6 turbodiesel gets better with every incarnation. As noted in our recent A4 3.0 TDI seven day test, this is currently our pick of the engines in the sedan line-up and it's a story that's repeated in the soft top.

With barely a hint of diesel to its soundtrack, this powerplant performs in all conditions and is even better matched to the S tronic dual-clutch transmission than the tiptronic combo offered in the A4. Turbo lag is almost absent and torque instantly delivered. On the highway it's an effortless cruiser, while only a slightly nose-heavy feel to the car detracts from it in the tighter stuff.

Meantime, that's where the 2.0 TFSI will likely come into its own. This car is better balanced than the TDI, though still has its own bouquets and brickbats.

The car we drove was loaded with S Line performance goodies including S Line sports seats which offered better support than the standard offer and featured neck-level heating. Alas the car rode harder than we'd like, even on the Comfort setting on the optional Drive Select system.

The steering too was a touch off-putting. We'll put this down to the new on-demand steering pump fitted to the 2.0-litre model as part of Audi's 'Modular Efficiency Concept' (more here). This saves up to 1L/100km, says Audi, by only powering the steering pump when steering assistance is required. The result manifests itself as a slight notchiness when you move the wheel off centre. We'd get used to it, we think... But at first...

The 350Nm the TFSI four delivers is active from low in the rev range and means the engine punches well above its weight. Still, with the 2.0-litre A5 weighing in at 1735kg (the range's lightest variant) physics eventually takes its toll... Performance on some of the steep climbs around the principality proved sprightly rather than rapid.

Away from Monaco and on to more challenging roads, we paired up with the S5 and came away impressed. Though a touch light on for front-end grip in the greasy conditions, the performance variant of the soft-top proved predictable if not entirely precise.

It was only at pace on badly frost damaged roads that we were able to provoke any frippery. And even then it was just a hint of looseness, felt through the steering and the seat of the pants, rather than obvious scuttle shake or similar.

It was on the same challenging roads too that you could notice the subtle difference between roof up and down. Even the cloth roof lends some additional torsional strength to a car it seems. Despite its impressive structure, the A5/S5 is no exception.

Behind the wheel of the S5 we sampled some of the best roads in the region, thanks to an 'off piste' detour 'sponsored' by Modena-based Aussie and former MOTOR magazine editor, Michael Taylor. With the road to the Col de Torini blocked with early spring road works, we detoured via the Col de St Jean and Col de Braus.

The S5's supercharged 3.0TFSI direct-injected V6 is muscular and delivers plenty of torque but it's not the most soulful of engines. The V8 that lives under the bonnet of the S5 Coupe delivers much better tunes and is also more powerful -- 260kW/440Nm versus 245kW/440Nm.

Once on the steep hairpins climbing out of Sospel toward the Col de St Jean, with the roof down thanks to a break in the rain, the supercharger's shrill wine could be heard and the drive was all the better for it. Most of the time, the supercharged V6 simply seems too cultured and quiet for its own good.

A stunning mountain road, of the type made famous by the Monte Carlo Rally, the Col de Braus would be a test of any vehicle. As the road dried, we were able to trust the front end of the S5 and push a little harder. After a long fast downhill run the brake pedal was a touch long but pure stopping power was never a concern.

It's the writer's reckoning that on the same road the S5 would have readily accounted for its open-top equivalents from Benz and BMW and perhaps worried a few pure sporties. Suffice to say, it's very capable though not scalpel sharp.

But isn't that absolutely in line with the A5/S5 family's raison d'être?

If you're expecting the A5 or S5 to deliver the ultimate in sporting prowess then you're barking up the wrong family tree. Audi will soon have a convertible TT RS for that sort of thing.

If on the other hand you're on the look out for a stylish, capable and classy four-seater that can serve the dual roles of work and play, in the A5 range and S5 Audi offers four very convincing arguments.

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet 2009 Review

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