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Audi launches new A5 Cabriolet in Australia
Audi’s new drop-top A5 has arrived in Australia, offering authentic convertible styling with a choice of three sporty engines, quattro all wheel drive and S tronic transmission as standard. Joining the A5 Coupe, this brand new four-seater convertible with classic fabric roof combines its distinctly sporty character with the added benefit of open-top driving, high levels of comfort and everyday versatility. Efficient turbo-diesel and petrol engines, agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options combine to make Audi’s all-new Cabriolet the most attractive convertible in its class. Like most of Audi’s range, the new A5 Cabriolet also leads the way in efficiency, and importantly for a convertible, offers best-in-class luggage capacity. Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the new A5 Cabriolet will appeal to customers who appreciate the stylish design of the coupe model, yet who also want the added engagement of top-down driving. “Cabriolets are typically emotional vehicles because they offer the experience of open-air driving. When combined with best-in-class dynamics, strong and efficient engine choices and a sporty transmission, we are certain that this new convertible model will find favour in Australia,” Mr Hofmann said. “The A5 Coupe has been very successful to-date and we expect this version to have a similar loyal following which will have a positive impact on our sales results.” The engine range starts with the brand’s multi-award-winning 4-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque, followed by the top-of-the-range V6 3.2 FSI petrol engine with a whopping 195 kW and 330 Nm. Both petrol engines combine direct fuel injection with the innovative Audi Valve-lift System AVS for better economy. Typically for Audi, a vigorous TDI engine is also available in the form of the brand’s brilliant 3.0 TDI V6 engine with 176 kW and a massive 500 Nm. This extraordinary engine is not only Luxury Car Tax-reduced thanks to low fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres/100 km but is also extremely sporty, sprinting from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.
All engines are matched to the sporty 7-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission and class-leading quattro all-wheel-drive. The exterior silhouette of the new A5 Cabriolet is elegant, yet sporty, with sculpted body surfaces and a clear relationship to the A5 Coupe-styling. Short front overhangs, expansive wheel-base and coupe-like height ensure this convertible offers dynamic looks as well as dynamic performance. Ultra-high-strength steel and selective reinforcements of the body ensure high rigidity. Like all Audi convertibles, the open-top A5 has a classic lightweight fabric roof with a flat clear glass window that shouts dynamic elegance. The light weight of a fabric roof offers clear efficiency benefits due to lower consumption. The fully automatic roof opens in just 15 seconds, faster than all competitors, and when opened, it folds down so effectively that very little boot space is sacrificed. A total of 320 litres is available for luggage, even with the roof down, and the diagonal loading length of 392 mm means large equipment can also be stowed - clearly the best values in its field of competitors. With the rear seats folded down, the A5 Cabriolet can swallow up to 750 litres of luggage. The roof can also be opened at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The A5 Cabriolet seats four adults comfortably. The electric front seats are sportily-low and sculpted for perfect ergonomics, offering excellent control and support. Standard-fit electric seat belt extenders provide assistance with fastening the belts. Integrated into the B-pillars, they move forward automatically when the ignition is activated. Another special feature is the standard Milano leather upholstery with a heat-resistant coating that is especially useful when the A5 Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This ‘heat-up resistance’ function reflects the warming infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius. A new luxury option available is neck-level heating. A three-level adjustable fan blows warm air through ducts on the topside of the seatback to warm the back of the head and the neck. Also optional for this new model is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, enabling the driver to chose among three different engine ‘maps’ which control damping, gearshift speed and the characteristics of the fuel feed. From automatic, to comfort and sport, A5 Cabriolet drivers can choose a setting to suit the mood of the moment, or the road ahead. Audi side assist and lane assist are also available for this model. The new Audi A5 Cabriolet is expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors. The brand has offered a premium mid-sized convertible since 1991, with around 227,000 units sold to-date. Audi A5 Cabriolet pricing
NOTE: Price displayed is manufacturer’s recommended price including LCT and GST (excluding dealer delivery charges and statutory charges). | ||||||||||||||||||
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