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Publication Date: November 27, 2009 The Scoop
The Audi A5 and S5, in my opinion, are two of the best looking cars on the road. They are big coupes with flowing lines and macho stance that are sure to turn heads. Audi was caught off guard by the success of these cars, when they were introduced, because buyers had to wait for months and in some cases over a year to get one. Now for 2010 Audi has introduced a convertible version of the A5 or the more powerful S5, tested here. The convertible is just as dramatic as the coupe but for buyers who love roof down driving, this is a car to get. The S version not only gets a new roof but also a very potent supercharged V6 engine, replacing the V8 offered in the older model S4 convertible.
The Skin
This is a traditional ragtop, not one of those trendy retractable hardtops. As much I can see the attractiveness of a retractable hardtop, this conventional setup works well for a couple of reasons. First, it is simple and quick to put up and down. The trunk line is not compromised, or raised, in order to accommodate the roof. The flowing roofline of the coupe isn't entirely carried over but when the roof is up it doesn't detract from the beautiful stance of the car. In addition the trunk remains usable when the roof is down. This really is the biggest advantage. Unlike retractable hardtops that use the trunk for roof storage, this Audi places the soft roof just behind the back seats, leaving a large useful tunk. Compare this to very small retractable trunks and it makes this Audi an easier car to live with.
The Cockpit
The inside is everything we have come to love from Audi, especially the easy to use computer interface; the bolstered leather seats and high quality feel of every panel in the car. The back seat isn't as big as the BMW 3 Series coupe or convertible but the legroom is adequate for short trips. Even though this is a premium model and fetches a premium price, navigation, voice activation, back up camera and more are all optional.
The Ride
Times are a changing. Gone is the meaty sounding V8 engine found in the S5 coupe in favour of a supercharged V6. The reality is that car companies are going to have to improve fuel consumption and the race for more power will come from technology and not bigger engines. The 3.0L-supercharged V6 produces 333hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. That is down 21hp from the V8 but the torque is the same and is available over a more usable range. The advantage is this V6 gets up to 20% better fuel consumption. The only transmission available is the 7-speed double clutch S-Tronic transmission that is lightning quick on up and downshifts. There is no manual transmission offered so anyone wanting to do the shifting will probably look to the BMW 335 or M3. Another big change for Audi is the optional "Drive Select" feature that adjusts the steering, engine and transmission settings along with the suspension. The driver can choose, auto, comfort, dynamic or the personalized individual settings. Gone is the numb steering feel that has plagued Audi cars for years. The option is expensive at $4000 but trust me it is worth every penny, it changes the car so much.
The Good, The Bad
Good: Traditional soft tops have served us well for decades and the Audi features a triple layered roof for a better fit and added insulation.
Bad: The supercharged V6 might get better fuel mileage in a testing lab but when pushed hard in the real world can drink plenty of fuel. Also, the lack of V8 growl is missed.
Zack's verdict
So is the introduction of a supercharged V6 better or worse than a V8 and is a convertible a compromise compared to a retractable hardtop? Well, the V6 doesn't have the beautiful sound of the V8; miss the V8 sound the most. There isn't much they can do about that. The V6 does have wonderful usable power, plus the car feels lighter on its feet and it can achieve good fuel ratings if driven lightly. The soft top isn't a compromise in my opinion. This type of design has served us well for decades and a retractable hardtop might have some advantages but storage isn't one of them. One thing to keep in mind, the price of my test car with navigation, larger wheels and Drive Select brings the price from $68,300 all the way up to over $80,000. Getting a beautiful, powerful yet traditional convertible is an expensive prospect.
The Lowdown
Power: 3.0L supercharged V6 with 333hp
Fill-up: 12.9/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway)
Backup: 4-year/80,000km
Sticker price: $68,300
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