All posts tagged Cabriolet

I’ve fallen for the A5/S5 styling. Hard. Those who know me know I’m not too keen on many of the new vehicles out there, but Walter da Silva nailed it on this one. And the convertible is even sexier than the coupe, which is usually the other way around with most cars. Shortly after the A5 cabriolet’s introduction, Audi replaced the 3.2 liter FSI V6 with the 2.0 liter turbocharged FSI four-cylinder. While this might seem a bit of a downgrade, the difference in power isn’t as drastic as it may seem and it helps to put a little bit of space in the lineup between the A5 and the brawnier S5 cabriolet. This A5 Cabriolet for sale in New Jersey strikes a nice summertime pose in Brilliant Red.

Year: 2010
Model: A5 Cabriolet
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 33,688 mi
Price: $34,977

2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet on eBay

The A5 coupe and Cabriolet are aimed straight at their fellow two-door heartthrobs: the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Like its Deutschland competitors, the A5 seats four. Audi offers a performance version of the A5, the S5, that is covered separately in the Research section.

New for 2011

Aside from a few changes to option packages, there are no significant changes for 2011.

Exterior

The A5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi, with the brand’s customary wide-mouth grille flanked by lower air intakes. The Cabriolet has a power folding roof with thick acoustic fabric that keeps the interior as quiet as a hardtop, Audi says. Exterior features include:

Twin exhaust pipes
Standard 18-inch wheels
Dark lower rear bumper
Optional LED taillights
New optional 19-inch wheel design

Interior

Audi’s Multi Media Interface system governs various functions including the optional navigation system with a central knob behind the gearshift. Thanks to more than a dozen shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, it’s easier to use than BMW’s similar iDrive, but uninitiated drivers might find it confusing. The A5 has an extensive range of materials to choose from, including two-tone leather/Alcantara seats and several decorative interior trim options. Interior features include:

Standard automatic climate control
Standard MP3 jack
Standard leather seats
Optional three-zone automatic climate control
Optional sportier seats
Optional 14-speaker sound system

Under the Hood

The A5′s engine features variable valve lift control (similar to Honda’s VTEC) and direct fuel injection. In normal conditions, the all-wheel drive channels 60 percent of power to the rear wheels. With the manual transmission, Audi says the A5 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.

211-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 258 pounds-feet of torque
265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with 243 pounds-feet of torque
Available adaptive cruise control
Audi Drive Select Package available, including adaptive suspension dampers and dynamic steering system
Six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic or continuously variable automatic transmission with sport mode, depending on model

Safety

The navigation package includes a voice control system. Standard safety features include:

Side-impact airbags for front seats
Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
Traction control
Electronic stability system

A5s are starting to come down to the level of entry level luxury vehicles. While they haven’t been around long enough to develop major age-related problems, like other high end German marques, they aren’t the simplest of vehicles to repair. However, their engines have proven fairly reliable and Quattro has been around for some time, so hassles related to the drivetrain should be few. Expect to pay anywhere from the low $30,000 range to about $40,000 for a 2011 model such as this. Given the mileage, this one is priced in line with the current market for an A5 Cabriolet with under 45,000 miles. S5s are pricier still, commanding over $40,000 to start.

-Paul