Super TestCar reviews - Audi - A5 - S5 CabrioletAudi modelsOverviewAudi’s four-seater S5 Cabriolet ditches the coupe’s V8 for a supercharged V615 Dec 2009 SUN seekers of the world with deep pockets and a need for speed rejoice, because Audi has finally introduced the soft-top version of its beautiful S5 Coupe. But all is not what it seems, since the Cabrio version ditches the closed car’s ageing V8 for a spanking new supercharged V6 that offers 25 per cent better economy as well as similar performance outputs. Coupled with gorgeous styling, a beautifully fashioned cabin and the security of quattro all-wheel drive and the sunniest, speediest four-seater Audi convertible seems to have all the right bases covered. Model release date: 1 December 2009 to 1 January 2012 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelARGUABLY the most elegant four-seater convertible that Audi has ever produced, the B6-based B7 S4 Cabriolet looked better than it drove, despite having a punchy and sweet 253kW/410Nm 4.2-litre V8 petrol powerplant mated to the company’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The problem stemmed from the ride quality which erred on the side of very firm, detracting from the comfort and appeal of the hot convertible. Add a nose-heavy handling feel, and the S4 Cabriolet was best sampled on a smooth and straight road, because it would never be able to keep up with the far-more focussed and enjoyable BMW E46 M3 Convertible that Audi pitched this car against. At least equipment levels, as well as the build quality, lived up to the corporate promise. |
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