Used Audi A5 review: 2009-2011

Convertibles, or cabriolets as they have become known, have had a resurgence in popularity in recent times and for good reason. Where they were basic and offered little refinement they now rival their closed cousins in comfort and convenience. Buy a cabriolet today and you lose almost nothing compared to a coupe.

NEW

The Audi A5 cabriolet launched in 2009 delivered open-air motoring with all the closed-car refinement you could wish for. Audi chose to employ a conventional soft-top instead of a folding steel roof that many carmakers now offer, even on cheaper models.

The A5's roof was a lightweight fabric one with a flat, clear glass rear window. With the roof up the cabin was quiet and comfortable, there was none of the buffeting or wind noise that was synonymous with convertibles of old. When wanted the roof could be lowered at the flick of a switch mounted on the centre console.

A matter of just 15 seconds later it was folded away out of sight in the rear compartment. It was full automatic, and if needed it could be done while on the move at 50 km/h should you need to avoid getting wet.

It only takes up a small amount of storage space, leaving plenty for luggage, and if the boot is full and there's insufficient space for the roof when you go to lower it an alarm sounds to warn you and the roof won't open.

The A5 is a full four-seater able to accommodate four adults in comfort, and if needed the rear seat can be folded flat to create a large luggage space through to the boot.

Audi offered the A5 cab with two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre turbo four and a 3.2-litre V6, and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. The entry model came with the 2.0-litre engine, CVT transmission and front-wheel drive; all others came with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.

All others came with a 7-speed dual clutch auto and the Quattro all-wheel drive system.

NOW

The disadvantage of a cloth roof like the Audi's is that it wears and can be affected by the sun, sleet and snow. When checking the roof, run it up and down several times, when stationary and when on the move at slow speed, and make sure it goes up and down smoothly.

Check for wear, particularly at the points where the roof folds, and check for rips and tears in the roof fabric. The A5 has a glass rear window, so there's none of the fogging associated with plastic windows of years gone by.

Look for evidence on the inside of exposure to the sun, looking for trim that has faded or become brittle. Also pay attention for squeaks and rattles when test-driving a cabriolet. With a less sturdy body structure than a closed car they are more prone to developing body squeaks and rattles.

The A5's transmissions also warrant thorough testing. Although they are quite different transmissions, one a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the other a dual-clutch DSG automatic, they can have issues that can be expensive to rectify.

When test-driving your potential purchase put it through its paces at low speed as well as high speed, fast and slow acceleration, and particularly check the take-off to make sure there is no hesitation, no shuddering or jerking, and progress is smooth and uninterrupted.

Also give the car a thorough inspection, externally looking for bumps and scrapes, and under the bonnet where you should look for oil or coolant leaks.

SMITHY SAYS

A great cruiser if you're looking for a cool summer ride.

Price new: $79,400 to $116,500
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 132 kW/320 Nm: 3.2 V6, 195 kW/300 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, 176 kW/500 Nm.
Transmission: CVT, 7-speed DSG; FWD, AWD.
Economy: 7.4 L/100 km (2.0T), 8.2 L/100 km (V6), 6.9 L/100 km (TD)
Body: 2-door cabriolet Variants: 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi Quattro, 3.2 FSi Quattro, 3.0 TDi Quattro.
Safety: Dual front, side head airbags, rollover protection, ABS, ESP.

COMING UP

Do you own a Holden Colorado? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.