- Fuel-efficient drivetrains
- Competent handling
- Well-insulated roof
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Lack of steering feel
- DSG can provide jerky acceleration on take-off
- More powerful engines expose lack of rigidity
Review: Audi 8F7.I A5 Cabriolet (2009-11)
Overview
Released in October 2009, the Audi 8F7 Series I (8F7.I) A5 was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi 8F7 A5 Cabriolet range initially consisted of the 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI variants, all fitted with a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’) and quattro all-wheel drive system (see table below). In 2010, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of a front-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI variant fitted with an eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TFSI | 2.0-litre CDNB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 132 kW at 4000-6000 rpm | 320 Nm at 1500-3900 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 7sp DCT | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 3.2 FSI quattro | 3.2-litre CALA petrol V6 | 7sp DCT | 195 kW at 6500 rpm | 330 Nm at 3000-5000 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CCWA turbo-diesel V6 | 7sp DCT | 176 kW at 4000-4400 rpm | 500 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Like its A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback counterparts, the 8F7 A5 Cabriolet was underpinned by Volkswagen’s B8 platform. Compared to the Audi A5 Coupe , the A5 Cabriolet was the same length (at 4625 mm) and width (1854 mm), but was 1 mm taller (1383 mm) and had a 7 mm shorter wheelbase (2751 mm).
The Audi A5 Cabriolet had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro and electronic differential locks
The Audi A5 Cabriolet’s ‘quattro’ system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear axle.
Models with the quattro system were also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the Audi A5 Cabriolet included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, automatically deploying pop-up rollover bars and front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.
Features: A5 Cabriolet
Standard features for the Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker 180 watt stereo (including subwoofer) with six-channel amplifier, CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB), air conditioning, Milano leather seats, power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, a trip computer and an immobiliser. The soft-top roof could be opened in 15 seconds, closed in 17 seconds and operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
The A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI quattro was further equipped with three-zone climate control air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED driving lights, proximity key and steering wheel gearshift paddles.
Beyond this, the A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI added 18-inch alloy wheels, a Multi Media Interface (Audi’ s ‘MMI’) with a seven-inch colour display, six-disc CD player, satellite navigation, CD/DVD player and hard drive, park assist display, heated front seats, front parking sensors, ‘walnut brown’ interior trim and additional soundproofing material for the soft-top roof.
December 2011: Audi A5 Cabriolet update
In December 2011, the A5 Cabriolet underwent a minor update as the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system was fitted across the range. Furthermore, all variants other than the 2.0 TFSI (FWD) received a satellite navigation system with seven-inch display, 10GB hard drive for music storage and DVD player.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8F7.I A5 Cabriolet (August 2009)
- Specifications: Audi 8F7.I A5 Cabriolet (August 2009)
Review: Audi 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet (2012-16)
Overview
Released in February 2012, the Audi 8F7 Series II (8F7.II) A5 Cabriolet introduced an expanded range with the addition of the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants. Furthermore, the A5 Cabriolet 3.2 FSI was effectively replaced by the more powerful 3.0 TFSI, while the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI benefited from power upgrades. To minimise fuel consumption, all 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet models were fitted with start-stop, brake energy recuperation and electro-mechanical power steering systems. Other changes included revised rear suspension bearings and damper tuning and a crown gear centre differential for the quattro system.
Visually, the Audi 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet could be identified by its redesigned head- and tail-lights, larger front air intakes, sharper bonnet edges and new headlights with LED running lights. Inside, there new materials, a new multi-function steering wheel, white instrument illumination and revised switchgear.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TFSI | 1.8-litre CJEB turbo petrol I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 125 kW at 3800-6200 rpm | 320 Nm at 1400-3700 rpm |
| 2.0 TDI | 2.0-litre CGLC turbo-diesel I4 | 8sp CVT | 2012-16 | 130 kW at 4200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4 | 7sp DCT | 2012-13 | 155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 2.0-litre CNDC turbo petrol I4 | 7sp DCT | 2013-16 | 165 kW at 4500-6250 rpm | 350 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm | |
| 3.0 TFSI quattro | 3.0-litre CMUA s/charged petrol V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 200 kW at 4780-6500 rpm | 400 Nm at 2150-4780 rpm |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 3.0-litre CDUC turbo-diesel V6 | 7sp DCT | 2012-16 | 180 kW at 4000-4500 rpm | 500 Nm at 1400-3250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 8F7.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet was unchanged.
Features
Standard features for the Audi 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI included 18-inch alloy wheels, ten speaker stereo with a CD player, MP3-compatiblity, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/memory card) and Bluetooth audio streaming, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer and immobiliser.
The A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI was further equipped with three-zone climate control air conditioning, a satellite navigation system, DVD player, 10GB hard disk drive for music storage, proximity key and voice recognition. Beyond this, the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI added heated front seats and front parking sensors.
A5 Cabriolet Sport Editions: 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants
In August 2013, limited-run A5 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were released. Compared to the standard 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI, the Sport Editions were further equipped with 19-inch five-segment-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, Audi’s ‘MMI Navigation plus’ system (with 20GB media storage, a DVD player and two SDHC memory card slots), contoured sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were also offered with premium metallic or pearl effect paint finishes as standard.
October 2013: Audi A5 Cabriolet update
In October 2013, standard features for the Audi A5 Cabriolet were extended to include three-zone climate control air conditioning, while quattro models were also fitted with a reversing camera (Audi’s ‘parking system plus’).
Furthermore, the A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI variants were fitted with Audi’s S-line exterior package which included different front and rear bumpers, side grilles, a diffuser insert, body-coloured side sills and ‘S-line’ logos on the front wings and door sill trims.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8T.II A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback (February 2012)
- Specifications: Audi 8F7.II A5 Cabriolet (February 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: AudiA5
