Audi is helping British car buyers prepare for spring by opening ordering for its new A5 Cabriolet range. Prices start from £35,235 for the soft-top four-seater, with first deliveries expected in late April. That will be for the 190-horsepower 2.0-litre TFSI SE model; other engines include a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre TFSI, a 190-hoorsepower 2.0-litre TDI and a 218-horsepower 3.0-litre TDI.
Sport and S line trims will join base SE in the range, and Audi will also sell the range-topping S5 Cabriolet from launch. With a 354-horsepower 3.0-litre TFSI petrol and standard eight-speed Tiptronic, this will cost £51,835. The majority of A5 Cabriolets will use a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, with a six-speed manual on base models; front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive transmissions are offered.
If you’re after green soft-top motoring, pick the 2.0-litre TDI. It can average 62.8mpg and emits 118g/km CO2. The S5 is a little thirstier, returning 36.2mpg and 179g/km, but it can also do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, so we can forgive it.
The acoustic roof is full automatic, opening in 15 seconds, and closing in 18 seconds. You can do it at up to 31mph, for when the lights change from red to green. You can option it in red, black, dark grey or brown. Speaking of colours, it’s largely as for the A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback, save for the A5 Cabriolet-specific Tofana white crystal-effect hue.
Other A5 Cabriolet-unique features include a wind deflector and optional head-level heating in the front seats. Sensibly, Audi UK has chosen to fit standard heated front seats on all models, taking the chill off the standard leather upholstery. All-round parking sensors and Audi pre sense city autonomous emergency braking are also standard on all models.
Sport trim adds MMI Navigation, front sports seats and enhanced LED interior lighting, while S line has 18-inch wheels (they’re 17-inch on regular models), LED front and rear lights, S line sports seats and special S line leather and Alcantara trim. Lowered and stiffened suspension is a default option on this trim, but you can pick a more compliant comfort dynamic setup if you so wish.
Naturally, Audi offers a range of optional extras on the A5 Cabriolet, from Matric LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display and the brilliant Audi Virtual Cockpit electronic instrument display first seen in the TT.
Gallery: Audi A5 Cabriolet pricing confirmed in UK
