2013 Audi A5 Convertible

The Audi A5 Convertible is the open-air version of the stylish A5 Coupe. It offers space for four sun worshipers (provided two are on the shorter side), a stylish interior and an efficient engine.

With sporty lines and elegant proportions, the A5 Convertible continues Audi's departure from the brand's outgoing design language, which was elegant yet decidedly understated. For the latest model year, Audi has updated the A5 with sleeker headlights, a new grille, a more aggressive lower front fascia and restyled taillights.

Inside, the A5 Convertible upholds Audi's reputation for high-quality cabins with a sleek dashboard, plenty of soft-touch materials and user-friendly controls. New features include the latest version of Audi's MMI infotainment system and Audi Connect, which brings in-car internet connectivity and industry-first Google Earth integration - complete with panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery.

Like the A4 line and A5 coupe, the A5 Convertible is offered exclusively with a single engine option: a 211 horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC engine with FSI direct-injection and a turbocharger. The previous generation's premium 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 with FSI direct-injection has been discontinued.

Unlike the A5 coupe, however, the A5 Convertible does not have a standard six-speed manual transmission. Instead, it offers the choice of either a "Multitronic" CVT transmission which returns an impressive 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon with a relatively leisurely 7.2-second zero-to-60 time, or a slightly more sport-minded Tiptronic eight-speed automated automatic which returns 20 city, 30 highway mpg and achieves a 6.7-second acceleration time. Of note, the CVT sends power to the front wheels while the Tiptronic is paired with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Unlike many competitors, the A5 Convertible features a light-weight, insulated cloth folding top rather than a heavier, but more coupe-like, folding metal hardtop. The top can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 31 mph, and an head-level heating system enables passengers to drive with the top down in less-than-ideal weather.

Standard and Optional Features
The A5 Convertible can be had in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

The Premium trim comes standard with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a ten-speaker AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM sound system, heated headlamp washers, LED turnsignals, fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Premium Plus model adds heated front seats, memory functionality for the front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration, a Homelink universal garage remote, LED taillights, a power liftgate, three-zome automatic climate control and power-folding exterior mirrors.

The top-spec Prestige trim brings a navigation system with the aforementioned Audi Connect, a 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio technology, a rearview parking assist camera, Audi side assist, keyless start and a color driver information system.

Highlights from the options list include sport seats, adaptive cruise control, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and Audi Drive Select, which offers a variety of different suspension, steering, transmission and engine calibrations.

S-line package
The Optional S-line package features 19-inch S line five-Y-spoke wheels with 255/35 summer performance tires. A sport-tuned suspension is included to help improve driving dynamics. Exterior trim elements include the iconic Singleframe grille, side valances, S line specific front and rear bumpers, and badging.

Inside, special features include Brushed Aluminum doorsills with S line badging and elegant Brushed Aluminum decorative inlays extending across the center console, doors and dashboard. The S line designation extends to the three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring special perforated leather and S line badge. Also included are S line sport seats with leather and perforated Alcantara seat inserts.

Occupant Safety
All A5 Convertible models come standard with dual front, front side and front knee airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. Also included is a pop-up rollbar systems that provides extra protection in rollover situations.

Key Competitors
Looking for a sporty drop-top like the Audi A5 Convertible? You also might want to check out the BMW 3-Series Convertible, the Infiniti G37 Convertible and the Lexus IS 250C.