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Road Test: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSi
| Date: 15 Feb 2010 |
Author Type: Registered Journalist |
| Author: Carmen Shooter |
| Source: Carmen Shooter |
There is something unmistakably cruel about a cabriolet. Being rather weighty on the pricing side they are invariably out of grasp for those whose hair remains present enough to ruffle in the breeze, which to my mind presents somewhat of a dilemma – does one adopt a devil may care attitude and buy one anyway, despite the conspicuous lack of locks and ever-present risk of ridicule or does one simply pine impotently after the topless temptress?
Well we all know that the decision to purchase a cabriolet is not one made with the mind, rather other fleshier organs are involved, not to mention a healthy dose of ‘ooh ahh look at me’. Despite playing to the obvious clichés, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is undeniably gorgeous and for those who don’t agree – well chaps, take heart we can’t be right all the time.
As I slipped behind the steering column I had to ask myself whether it would go as good as it looks. Well, despite a little delay on take off, the answer was a resounding ‘yes’. Powered by the multi award-winning two-litre turbo engine as found beneath the hood of the new Golf GTI, the 2.0 TFSI delivered an impressive 155 kW and 350 Nm over a broad range of 1,500 and 4,200 rpm.
An obvious place to start is with the retractable roof. Employing fabric of the highest quality, the soft top lets through very little outside noise, cocooning its occupants from the envy that lies beyond its boundary. Taking a mere 15 seconds to open and a couple more to close, with a little luck and a vigilant eye you may just beat those bag-snatching bystanders. All this with a barely noticeable sacrifice on boot space - clever.
Despite the more frivolous aspects of its design, the A5 cabriolet doesn’t compromise on space. A more than adequate four-seater, the Audi offers perfect ergonomics ensuring a comfortable ride from key in to lights off.
Solid and striking, the Audi A5 cabriolet is the stuff of fantasies.
Autoworld.co.za's overall Rating 90%
Engine & Gearbox
| Accel 0-100 |
7.9 Seconds |
| Bore x Stroke |
82.5x92.8 mm |
| C02 |
174 g/Km |
| Camshaft |
DOHC |
| Compression Ratio |
9.6:1 |
| Cylinders |
4 |
| Engine CC |
1984 cm3 |
| Engine Location |
Front |
| Fuel per 100km |
7.4 Litres |
| Fuel Type |
Petrol |
| Gearbox |
Automatic |
| Gears |
7 |
| Max Speed |
233 Kph |
| Power KW |
155 KW |
| Power Revs |
4300 rpm |
| Supercharger |
No |
| Torque NM |
350 Nm |
| Torque Revs |
1500 rpm |
| Turbo |
Yes |
| Valves per Cyl |
4 |
Features
| Air Con |
Yes |
| Alloy Wheels |
Yes |
| Audio |
Yes |
| Central Locking |
Yes |
| Climate Control |
Yes |
| Power Steering |
Yes |
| Seats |
4 |
Safety & Security
| ABS |
Yes |
| ASC |
Yes |
| EBD |
Yes |
| Immobilizer &/ Alarm |
Yes |
| SRS Airbags |
Yes |
Dimensions
| Boot Max |
320 litres |
| Dimensions |
4625x1854x1383 |
| Doors |
2 |
| Front Track |
1590 mm |
| Rear Track |
1577 mm |
| Tank Capacity |
65 Litres |
| Tyre Size |
225/50 R17 |
| Wheelbase |
2751 mm |
Suspension & Drivetrain
| Brakes Front |
Disc |
| Brakes Rear |
Disc |
| Drive Wheels |
4 |
| Front Suspension |
Five-Link Front Suspension,Upper And Lower Wishbones,Tubular Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension |
Independent-Wheel,Trapezoidal-Link Rear Suspension With Resiliently Mounted |
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