Better than: Toyota Solara.
But not as good as: Porsche Boxster.
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 55.77
Sometimes we feel a bit sad for Audi, as they have operated in BMW’s shadow for eons. Yes, BMW builds some great cars, but poor Audi seems to always be relegated to second fiddle.
The A5 perfectly demonstrates why Audi should get a bit more street cred. Power is seamless, the interior feels rich, and the car just looks good.
The A5 comes in several different flavors--coupe or convertible for the U.S. market--with a pair of engine choices: turbo 2.0-liter four or 3.2-liter V6. Our test car had the smaller engine. So, a parting question: Why aren't we seeing more of these out there?
Other staff views
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director
You know, until a few minutes ago I admit that it's been a while since I priced a new BMW 3 series convertible. I see that they start at $45,000. Okay, if that's the playing field, then the Audi is in the ballpark.
For one, it's just different. Yes, we know that BMW builds the all-mighty 3 series, but it's okay to stick out.
As a reward, the Audi does a lot well. Audi's interior controls and switches have been perfect lately. Yes, they have their own version of "iDrive" (note that I put that in quotes as to not cause too many problems) but it's easy to use. Look at me, I'm an idiot, but I can quickly navigate Audi's controls. Yes, an old-fashioned touch screen works well, but if you must have a system that relies upon one knob, let Audi design it.
The car is also just nice to drive. I like the engine. It goes, stops and turns as it should. Yes, it's heavy, but it's also solid. If viewed as a cruiser car that the whole family can enjoy, the Audi shines.
Joe Gearin
PowerDork
First impressions are hard to shake.
I mention this because my first experience with this Audi A5 Cab was shockingly unpleasant. It sure wasn't the car's looks that turned me off, as this A5 Cab is one of the prettiest cars on the road. Occasionally a car's looks are ruined when the manufacturer decides to lop the top off. (I'm looking at you, Lexus IS--even if I don't want to!) To Audi's credit the A5 Cab is every bit as sexy as its gorgeous coupe sibling. For years now, Audi has produced the most appealing automotive cabins in the world, so I didn't have a problem with the interior either.
The A5 operates nicely, with decent power that comes on smoothly. I can even get past the steering, which is overboosted at some speeds, and underboosted and alien-feeling at others. The driving experience is one my mom would love: comfortable, soft and isolated. This is no BMW, but to its credit, it doesn't try to be too sporting either.
The reason this Audi left me cold was that it left me wet--really wet. As it turns out, the GRM offices are in Florida. As anyone who has travelled to the Sunshine State can tell you, it rains here--very heavily at times. The day I received the keys to this Audi, we had just experienced a typical Florida afternoon storm. Not a hurricane, just a fairly good soaking. I opened the A5's door and plopped into the seat, only to find I was sitting in a puddle of water. Yes, this $56,000 car leaked--like a sieve!
Worse yet, the leaking didn't stop once I was underway, as a mini waterfall cascaded upon my thigh continuously until my clothing had absorbed all of the leftover moisture the Audi had been so nice to accumulate. I checked the window, the moulding and the door. Everything seemed to be in order, but for the life of me I couldn't stop the waterfall.
Now, I'm sure this was an isolated problem, and it will be fixed under warranty, and blah, blah, blah. Too bad. I'm heading back to my 40-year-old TR6. At least when it leaks I can fix it with duct tape!
Comments
Sometimes we feel a bit sad for Audi, as they have operated in BMW’s shadow for eons. Yes, BMW builds some great cars, but poor Audi seems to always be relegated to second fiddle.
The A5 perfectly demonstrates why Audi should get a bit more street cred. Power is seamless, the interior feels rich, and the car just looks good.
The A5 comes in several different flavors--coupe or convertible for the U.S. market--with a pair of engine choices: turbo 2.0-liter four or 3.2-liter V6. Our test car had the smaller engine. So, a parting question: Why aren't we seeing more of these out there?
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