Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009 – 2017) Review

Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009 – 2017) At A Glance

3/5

+Good looking convertible that effectively replaced the popular A4 Cabriolet. High quality and stylish cabin.

-Number of faults and problems with early production. 2.0 TSI can have high oil consumption. Significant problem of leaking roofs swamping electrics, including ECUs.

Insurance Groups are between 26–43
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The A5 – in its Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback forms - has been a smash hit for Audi. It’s stylish, good to drive, well equipped and has some of Audi’s best technology on the options list. Which has meant a lot of head-scratching for its mid-life refresh. On the face of it, there's not much work needed.

Not only is the A5 range a best-seller in its own right, but these cars are essentially the sexier versions of the more conventional A4. So you can expect the changes here to give a not-so-subtle hint of what we'll see when the A4 and Avant facelifts roll round next year. But that’s for another time.

All three models in the A5 line-up benefit from the same nip-and-tucks, so the tweaks apply as much to the Coupe and Cabriolet as to the Sportback. Give the exterior a quick once over and you’ll be hard-pressed to notice that it has changed at all. You may spot that there’s a new LED running light that follows the outline of the main headlight casing to form a wedge shape, but the high gloss single-frame grille, new bumper and extra millimetre in length on all three models are more than likely to pass you by.

Changes inside are similarly low-key. The cabin features the same highly-adjustable driving position and a fascia that’s angled towards the driver. As before, it’s easy to use on the move and all the key functions are at your fingertips, but now there are new aluminium finishes, upgraded leather upholstery and – for the first time – three seats in the back of the Sportback. You can, however, still tell that this was a rear made for two. The third middle seat is very tight and only suitable for a small child.

Although welcome, these changes essentially just nibble around the edges of what was already a very good car. But there are more significant changes under the bonnet - and in essence, that's what this facelift is all about.

Company car drivers in particular will be pleased to hear that there have been significant CO2 savings in the 2.0 TDI and the addition of a new more fuel efficient 3.0 TDI which replaces the old 2.7-litre TDI. The popular 177PS four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel now comes in at 122g/km CO2 in front-wheel drive form and is capable – on paper at least – of 60.1mpg. Since launch four years ago, emissions of this engine (in Coupe form) have fallen by 12g/km and fuel economy has improved by almost 5mpg.

New to A5 is the availability of a refined 204PS 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine, which replaces the discontinued 2.7 TDI. This modern engine is already offered in the A6 and A8 and is not only clean (significantly more so than the old 2.7-litre), but delivers a level or torque that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. CO2 is now at 129g/km (that's right, just 7g/km higher than the 2.0-litre TDI) and fuel economy is a claimed  57.5mpg. There’s 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque available between 1250 and 3500 rpm, making it a relaxed cruiser and punchy when it comes to overtaking. If you’re wondering about the A5’s existing 245PS 3.0-litre TDI powerplant, this continues to be offered and is paired with quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

Both of these engines now make much more sense to company car drivers. The 2.0-litre TDI Coupe will cost a higher rate tax payer from £2853, while the new 1.8 TFSI engine comes in at £1798. Both of which are lower than comparable BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

The petrol line-up is bolstered with the addition of a new entry-level engine, the 1.8 TFSI. Like the diesels, it’s designed for low emissions and showcases many of Audi’s latest innovations including control of the valves and their lift, thermal management, advanced fuel injection, turbocharging and the integration of the exhaust manifold. It effectively replaces the 180bhp version of the 2.0-litre TFSI, bringing CO2 down to 134g/km (a 21 per cent reduction) and economy up to 49.6mpg. It’s a pleasant free-revving engine to drive and is actually well suited to the A5, with better performance than you may expect from an entry-level engine.

At the other end of the scale, there have been significant changes to the 3.0 TFSI and S5 models. Out goes the naturally aspirated 3.2 V6, which has been replaced by a new 272bhp 3.0-litre V6, which uses a supercharger to compensate for the lower cubic capacity. The 333bhp version of this engine – which currently powers the S5 Sportback and Cabriolet models – will now also feature in the S5 Coupe. So it’s cheerio to the long-serving (and great sounding) 4.2-litre V8, which has been the powerplant behind many of Audi’s high performance S models, and hello to a 20 per cent emissions and fuel consumption saving.

Many of the CO2 improvements on these engines have been achieved through changes to the stop-start system and more efficient on-board systems. For example, the electromechanical power steering now conserves power when it’s in a straight-line, as it’s essentially not needed, a move that Audi reckons will save 0.3 litres of fuel per 100km.

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009 – 2017)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

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Real MPG average for a Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

18–54 mpg

MPGs submitted

138

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What should I look for when buying an Audi A5 with a CVT gearbox?

"I have found an 2012 Audi A5 that's covered 100,000 miles, but it does have a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Not everyones cup of tea, but are they reliable enough to consider buying? I have read that Audi have stopped using them, but only because their fuel efficiency has been superseded. During a test drive is there anything I could do to highlight any weakness in this particular car's transmission? "
Someone on an Audi forum will be able to give you specific advice, but it makes sense to ensure the car accelerates smoothly, picks up from part throttle without jerking, makes no peculiar noises and shifts gear without hesitating. Check there are no leaks from the transmission housing and it would be good to have proof of a fluid change.
Answered by Russell Campbell

Is the old Audi A5 problematic?

"I'm interested in a 2011 Audi A5 convertible. It's diesel with 67,000 miles. Is there anything that I should be aware of, or that should put me off buying this? Someone has mentioned problems with the diesel engine. Is there anything I should look into further? Any help would be greatly received."
Lots of expensive problems with the old Audi A5 convertible. You can see them all here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/a5-cabriolet-2009/good/ Important to note that the costs to service and maintain this car will always be relative to the A5's price when new (£40k) and not one that's now worth between £8000 and £10,000. Personally, this is not a car I'd recommend. But if you buy one, make sure you have lots of money in reserve for the issues that will inevitably arise.
Answered by Dan Powell

Is there a problem with water leaks in the Audi A5 Cabriolet?

"I have a 2012 Audi A5 Convertible and recently the Bluetooth connection for the hands free telephone has stopped working. I have taken it to my local Audi dealer and they have indicated that the problem is water ingress under the drivers footwell causing the Bluetooth ECU to fail. In order to sort out the fault they will have to strip out the carpet and take out the drivers seat to see where the water is coming from. They have quoted £1326.53 to carry out this work but I am not sure if this cost includes a replacement ECU. From my experience water ingress problems usually stem from blocked drain holes and I am fairly certain that I am not the first Audi owner to have this problem. The question is do you think an Audi dealer is justified in charging such an exorbitant amount to cure a problem that is probably a design fault. "
There is a known fault with the A5 Convertible of the capillary tubes that drain condensation moisture from the soft top get blocked and the moisture simply drains into the car. This is a fundamental design fault with the car, but it's a 2012, so not a lot you can do apart from take it to an independent specialist who will work on it for a lot lower labour charge.
Answered by Honest John

Audi A5 Cabrio – buy now or wait for the new version?

"As part of my mid-life crisis, I've been looking at Audi A5 Cabrio deals. However, with the new model imminent, would it be better to wait for the new car? And when will you get the chance to road test it? "
We're testing the new A5 on the 28th November, so expect a full road test shortly after that date. Don't know when the new cabrio will arrive, but guess at 6 - 9 months time. We also don't know how the current VED bands will be affected in the chancellor's autumn statement, so worth waiting for that.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009 – 2017) cost?