Audi A5 Cabriolet (Part 2): Exhilaration, Elegance, and Sporty Performance
Audi A5 Cabriolet (Part 2)
Exhilaration, Elegance, and Sporty Driving
A convertible version has been added to the A5 Coupe, which boasts stylish looks that catch the eye. Automotive journalist Fumio Ogawa delves into its charms.
Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Atsuki Kono
A Sporty Driving Feel Akin to the Coupe
My first pleasant surprise upon actually test-driving the Audi A5 Cabriolet was its unexpectedly strong sense of agility. Despite reinforcements to the body, including the struts, to accommodate the full convertible design, it doesn't settle for being a ponderous sports coupe; instead, it offers a sporty driving feel that rivals the coupe.
The A5 Cabriolet's steering is its first major appeal. It's incredibly precise, allowing the car to follow the intended line with minimal input. The sheer pleasure of this is among the best available today. Audi's current lineup has become so much sportier, one might call it a 'new generation,' making it a top brand for drivers who want to enjoy their cars.
The A5 Cabriolet is no exception, offering a convertible experience that feels like wearing a finely tailored suit, with an agility that makes it handle like a sports car. It's a rare character indeed.
Thanks to the Quattro system, straight-line stability is excellent, and the soft top's weather resistance is high, making long-distance drives effortless. It's easy to imagine a captivating lifestyle if one could own this car for vacations. While perfectly suitable for daily use, the allure of keeping this car in the garage for weekend getaways is also hard to resist.
Another aspect that impresses with the A5 Cabriolet is its styling. Audi has a long history of excelling with four-seater convertibles based on sedans, and the accumulated experience is beautifully realized here. It achieves a balance of elegance and robust power, creating a unique identity. The aluminum garnish around the front windshield is also an iconic Audi convertible design cue, its gleam under the sun creating a distinctive look that's instantly recognizable as an Audi.
Enjoying the Soft Top
While there are practical reasons for choosing a soft top, such as weight reduction, there's also the enjoyment offered to the owner of experiencing two distinct looks: one with the top up and one with it down. Especially since a variety of soft top colors are available (and custom colors can be chosen through a special program), coordinating them with the body or interior colors is a pleasure unique to this convertible. Opting for a black soft top with a light-colored interior could create a dramatic effect that surprises onlookers when the top is lowered.
Another styling detail worth noting is the meticulous craftsmanship. The LED headlights, a hallmark of recent Audis, are a prime example and are highly effective in identifying the car, even from a distance on the Autobahn. In Japan, too, the white LED clusters in the headlights make it instantly recognizable as an Audi, even at night. The headlights themselves are intricately designed, showcasing Audi's understanding that beauty resides in the details.
This is a four-seater convertible for the discerning adult. Audi's creation allows us to experience not only exhilaration and elegance but also sporty performance. The proliferation of such elegant cars is a welcome development for automotive enthusiasts.
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Audi A5 Cabriolet
Body: Length 4625 x Width 1855 x Height 1385mm
Engine: 3.2L V6 DOHC
Max Output: 195kW [265ps] / 6500rpm
Max Torque: 330Nm [33.7kgm] / 3000-5000rpm
Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
Transmission: 7-speed DTC (Audi S tronic)
Price: 7.84 million yen
Audi Communication Center
0120-598-106
BRAND HISTORY
The Audi emblem is the 'Four Rings.' As you may know, each ring represents one of the automotive manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were pioneers of the German automotive industry in the early 20th century. However, facing the fallout from the Great Depression after World War I, the four companies, in a bid for survival, formed Auto Union in 1932. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-sized cars, Audi in upscale mid-sized cars, and Horch in luxury cars.
However, following defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union dissolved. Anticipating this, a new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW or Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a challenging start without existing factories, but gradually gained strength through production such as the DKW delivery van.
Auto Union, acquired by Volkswagen at the end of 1964, soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU (known for developing the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union. From 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Technologies like Quattro, dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes are the driving forces behind Audi's popularity.

