2021 (21) Audi A5 40 TFSI 204 Edition 1 2dr S Tronic

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Audi didn't need to radically reinvent its second generation A5 Cabriolet. A few tweaks and updates on the existing theme would have been sufficient to prolong its stay near the top of the mid-sized premium drop-top sector. As it happens, rather more than that was delivered, this MK2 model being lighter, more efficient, easier to enjoy and better to drive, with classy looks, impressive build quality and cutting-edge technology. The styling may have been evolutionary but the objectives here were uncompromising: Here, we consider this model as a used proposition.

History

For a certain kind of customer, the combination of the Audi badge and a pretty convertible body shape seems to be difficult to resist. We saw it with Princess Diana and her Audi Cabriolet in the early Nineties. Then with the huge success of the handsome A4 Cabriolet which dominated the executive drop-top sector in the early years of this century. Here, we're looking at the second generation version of that car's successor, the A5 Cabriolet, beautifully built and lovely to look at, but perhaps an even more accomplished way to enjoy the best - and worst - that the British weather can offer. Like the first generation A5 Cabriolet which was launched back in 2009, this soft-top Audi shared most things with its A5 Coupe stablemate and, like that car, was thoroughly rejuvenated in F5-era MK2 model form with quite a lot of extra 'Vorsprung durch technik'. The result of all that development saw Ingolstadt promising significant improvements in quality, handling, ride and performance. Plus going 'al fresco' was even easier with this post-2017-era model thanks to neck-level seat heating and a new one-touch roof opening function. As before, this drop-top differed from its rear-driven BMW 4 Series Convertible and Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet rivals in its use of a front-driven platform, but Audi put a lot of work in to make that set-up more responsive, reducing weight, increasing power and providing some sophisticated suspension technology. Like the competition, Ingolstadt offered a 4WD option too, a re-developed quattro system that was standard on the potent S5 variant that Audi reckoned would take an increasing proportion of sales with this MK2 model. Across the range, buyers also got state-of-the-art cabin quality, class-leading media connectivity and the possibility of using over thirty separate driving assistance systems. There was a subtle facelift for the range in 2020; which then took this design through to the end of production in 2022, after which it wasn't replaced.

What You Get

This MK2 model A5 Cabriolet looks exactly what it is: a more sophisticated, gym-toned version of its predecessor. If you're tempted to conclude that not much changed here over that earlier car, you've only to reference the previous version. Then you'll appreciate just how far the looks of this model evolved in a second generation guise that was longer, lighter, stiffer and sleeker than the car it replaced. You'll want to know about the re-designed roof, which operates via a neat one-touch mechanism controlled via switches below the gear lever. One touch is all that's needed, either to close the hood in 18 seconds - or to open it again in 15 seconds, either operation also possible at speeds of up to 31mph. At the rear, slim three-dimensional LED rear lights stretch into a boot lid topped by a subtle spoiler, aiming to further emphasise the lower, wider theme. When it's time to open the long wide driver's door and take a seat inside, you'll find yourself in a cabin that we think will really sell you this car. One of the few things motoring experts agree upon is that from this period, Audi set the standard by which other automotive interiors had to be judged and this one is, as usual, very difficult to criticise. We like the seats too, which could feature optional neck-level vents to warm you when you're travelling 'al fresco' on cold mornings. They position you perfectly in front of a magnesium-framed leather-stitched three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Through it, in pre-2020 pre-facelift standard models, you'd view two conventional analogue dials separated by the usual information screen. Most early owners though, upgraded to Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit' screen that replaced the entire instrument binnacle with a 12.3-inch LCD colour monitor and offered a layout that was fully digital and customisable, with smart 3D graphics and highly detailed effects. This screen was standardised as part of the 2020 facelift. Anything this set-up can't tell you will almost certainly be covered by the slimline MMI infotainment display that dominates the top of the dashboard. From launch, it was 7-inches in size on standard models - or 8.3-inches for those original owners who opted for the top 'MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch' system, with its crisp 3D maps and responsive Nvidia graphics. As part of the 2020 facelift, the central screen was upgraded to 10.1-inches in size. The rear is the part of the car where you most appreciate this second generation design's 13mm of extra wheelbase. That freed up an extra 23mm of kneeroom, something further aided by the scalloped cut-outs in the front seatbacks. Let's finish by considering the boot. Given this MK2 model's slightly increased length, you might expect the cargo space to be a little larger than before, but it remains 380-litres in size when the roof's up. Luggage capacity with this car in its open configuration falls only to 320-litres.

What to Look For

Most owners in our survey seemed happy. Obviously, check the hood mechanism; we'd run it through a car wash to make sure that when closed, there are no leaks. Otherwise, the issues are of course the same as with the F5-era MK2 A5 Coupe. We've heard of gearbox problems, seat backrest faults and suspension issues, so check all these on your test drive. The steering rack can experience electrical and mechanical failure and might be noisy too. The most reported faults related to interior trim and non-engine electricals. Look out for bodywork scrapes and kerb damage to the large alloys. We've had some reports of issues with wear to the side bolsters of the leather seats, as well as squeaking front brake pads, so it's worth looking out for both of those. There were a few issues with the car's infotainment system, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main problem. Rattling parcel shelves and buzzing interior trims were also reported. The DSG automatic gearbox should be checked to make sure it's had a regular oil and filter change, as should the quattro four-wheel-drive system. Many A5 Cabriolets will have been company or lease cars and, as a result, you should check the condition of the bodywork carefully. The high-quality fit and finish of an A5 also makes it an ideal candidate for clocking, so ensure the history is absolutely verified.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on an A5 Cabriolet 2020 35 TDI - Ex Vat - autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter costs in the £4-£15 bracket. An air filter's in the £13-£20 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £28 to £71 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's around £20-£43. Front brake discs sit in the £41-£78 bracket; for a rear pair, you're looking at around £40-£65. Starter motor prices vary widely - from £55-£413, depending on brand. As do costs for an alternator (anywhere in the £186-£687 bracket we found).

On the Road

Audi went to great lengths to make this second generation A5 Cabriolet model stiffer, lighter and more dynamically adept - with some success. Thanks to this F5-era model's new 'MLB Evo' platform and plenty of extra strengthening, It was 40% more torsionally rigid than before, yet also managed to be up to 55kgs lighter, which makes it feel more agile and immediately responsive through the turns. Also helping here is a sophisticated fully-independent five-link front and rear suspension arrangement that original owners could embellish with adaptive damping. Another added feature for this MK2 design was a 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox featuring efficient dual-clutch technology that couldn't be had on front-driven versions of the previous generation model. Included across the range is the usual 'drive select' vehicle dynamics system that in its standard form, allows you to tweak steering feel, throttle response and gearshift timings to suit the way you want to drive. Under the bonnet, there's an efficient 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit developing 190PS - or 252PS if you get it paired up with Audi's quattro 4WD system (made more responsive for this MK2 model). The alternative is a 190PS 2.0 TDI diesel unit which has a rapid turn of speed, yet can also manage 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and 118g/km of CO2 in S tronic automatic form. This four cylinder diesel could also be paired with quattro all-wheel traction, a mandatory feature on the 3.0 TDI variants. At the top of the range lies another 3.0-litre V6, this one petrol-powered and installed beneath the bonnet of a potent 354PS S5 quattro variant that storms to 62mph in just 5.1s.

Overall

It's easy to approach this second generation A5 Cabriolet thinking that little changed over the MK1 model. In terms of styling, engineering and design, the evolution behind this second generation model initially seems subtle and not especially far-reaching. Don't be deceived. All the things that really matter here were actually substantially better; torsional rigidity and roof-down handling; cabin quality; efficiency; hood mechanism ease-of-use. All of it was a big step forward from the previous generation version. In addition, for us, a major selling point would be the significant advantage this car holds over its rivals from the 2017-2022 period in terms of roof-down luggage space. That sort of thing will make all the difference when it comes to the weekend adventures you'll be wanting to take with this car. Of course, you'll need to know what you're buying into. Despite the considerable improvements made in handling dynamics for this F5-era model, mainstream versions of this Audi aren't especially exciting to drive. But then the brand can offer you its similarly-priced TT Roadster from this period if that's what you want. Otherwise, provided you can afford the premium asking prices and don't approach the car with unrealistic expectations when it comes to rear seat passenger space, there's very little not to like here.