Audi has unveiled almost everything there is to know about the new A5 Cabriolet, including engine choices and improvements over the old A5 Cabriolet, but not the UK price.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet follows close behind the A5 Coupé and Sportback announced last month, completing the line-up. It features a fabric roof that opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18 seconds when driving at up to 31mph.
Safety has been improved, with automatically extending bits of aluminium bits and side airbags deploying in event of a crash. The 2017 A5 Cabriolet is also 40kg lighter, 47mm longer and 40 per cent superior when it comes to torsional rigidity.
The electromechanical steering setup is the same as on the old A5 Cabriolet, but the suspension has been updated to the latest five-link independent system variety, with the option to have adaptive dampers available for adjusting the ride quality as you see fit.
Three engines will be available at launch, the least powerful of which is the 2.0-litre TDI with 190PS and in the petrol camp it is a 2.0-litre TFSI with 252PS. Audi claims power is up by as much as 17 per cent versus the old car, while fuel consumption is up to 22 per cent better.
As for the S5 Cabriolet, it offers 354PS – up 21PS on its predecessor – from its 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder petrol. 0-62mph arrives in 5.1 seconds and the top speed is 155mph. Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic automatic are both standard.
A 2.0-litre TFSI with 190PS and a 3.0-litre TDI with 286PS will be added to the range ‘soon’ after launch. Every engine has a choice of a six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch or eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Quattro drive and permanent all-wheel drive can be specified.
By making the new Audi A5 Cabriolet larger, rear passengers get an extra 18mm of space and front elbow room is 26mm better. Boot space is 380 litres with the hood closed and an automatic tailgate is now standard so you never have to manually close it yourself.
Inside, a 12-3-inch TFT display replaces analogue dials and can display useful stuff such as navigation directions. Speaking of which, the MMI navigation with MMI touch is the top infotainment package and has an 8.3-inch TFT display with 1,024×480 pixels, which should mean a nice and clear picture.
A fancy Bang & Olufsen system can be specified, complete with a 755-watt amplifier and 19 speakers, or you can spend your cash making the A5 Cabriolet safer with the likes of collision avoidance and Audi active lane assist.
The SE, Sport and S line trim levels have been carried over from the old A5 Cabriolet. LED lamps, leather upholstery and three-zone climate control are some of the luxuries.
The new A5 Cabriolet should reach the UK by December, according to Audi, with prices still unknown. Expect to hear more as we head towards its launch.
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