Audi has launched its drop-top A5 with a choice of three sporty engines, quattro all wheel drive and S tronic transmission as standard.

Joining the successful A5 Coupe Downunder, the A5 features a classic fabric roof.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the new A5 Cabriolet will appeal to customers who appreciate the stylish design of the coupe model, yet who also want the added engagement of top-down driving.

“Cabriolets are typically emotional vehicles because they offer the experience of open-air driving. When combined with best-in-class dynamics, strong and efficient engine choices and a sporty transmission, we are certain that this new convertible model will find favour in Australia,” Hofmann says.

“The A5 Coupe has been very successful to-date and we expect this version to have a similar loyal following which will have a positive impact on our sales results.”

The engine range starts with a 4-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 155kW and 350Nm of torque, followed by the top-of-the-range V6 3.2 FSI petrol engine with a whopping 195kW and 330Nm.

Typically for Audi, a vigorous TDI engine is also available in the form of the brand’s 3.0 TDI V6 engine with 176kW and a massive 500Nm. This engine is not only luxury car tax-reduced thanks to low fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres/100km but is also extremely sporty, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

All engines are mated to the 7-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive.

Audi claims the light weight of a fabric roof offers clear efficiency benefits due to lower consumption. The fully automatic roof opens in just 15 seconds, faster than all competitors, and when opened, it folds down so effectively that very little boot space is sacrificed.

A total of 320 litres is available for luggage, even with the roof down, and the diagonal loading length of 392 mm means large equipment can also be stowed.

With the rear seats folded down, the A5 Cabriolet can swallow up to 750 litres of luggage. The roof can also be opened while the vehicle is travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Standard-fit electric seatbelt extenders provide assistance with fastening the belts. Integrated into the B-pillars, they move forward automatically when the ignition is activated.

Another special feature is the standard Milano leather upholstery with a heat-resistant coating that is especially useful when the A5 Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down.

Pricing for the A5 begins at $94,990 for the 2.0, with the oil-burning asking $112,500. The top of the line 3.2 is $116,500.

Source: Autofile