2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: 

                                                                                            Pretty and potent, this A5 convertible. The car looks great inside and out--I'm really liking Audi's rear-end treatment these days--and pulls stronger and smoother from its four-cylinder turbo than I expected. Everything's here, except the manual transmission that seems as if it should go with a convertible to take the fun quotient over the top. At the very least, toss in some paddle-shifters to push the sporty factor--or is Audi saving that for the S5 Cabrio?
This convertible is rock solid over rough roads, which is a real tribute to Audi's ability to whack the roof off a car and still keep its structural integrity intact. I drive some bumpy, sharp freeway exit ramps that can usually toss just about any car off course or induce chassis shake, but not this Audi. Steady as she goes. Given the inherent visibility problems with coupe-convertible roofs, the reverse camera and the lane-warning system are excellent, though the system is a little unsettling with its bright yellow warning flashes from the mirror housings. It's enough to make you think you drove into a construction zone.
I didn't get any top-down time, but with the roof in place, road and wind noise were negligible. It's nicely insulated. Everything's here to allow for cooler-weather top-down cruising too--mega-seat heaters, three-zone climate control and a killer audio system.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO:
I had a great weekend in the A5. And while it seems odd to point this out in a convertible, we were grateful for the good HVAC system, because both days were pretty chilly. Some other convertibles I've driven seem to do a better job of insulating the cabin from the noise. But the A5 was fun to drive nonetheless, the power coming on easy the harder you pressed the pedal and the brakes being spot-on solid to bring the fun to a stop.

The driver and passenger seats offered good legroom, and the seats had good bolster, even though it was a bit of a chore climbing in and out, the car being so low to the ground. The back seat didn't seem like it would be very comfy, with next to no legroom and being a tight fit even for a purse or bag. But the trunk was roomy and offered plenty of space for our purchases. Other plusses: the rearview camera, the blind-spot warning lights on the side mirror housings, the back glass that actually allows you to see out.
With each model I drive, I love Audis more and more. The lines, the user-friendly radio and navigation controls, the good materials and all the power on tap. Now if only I had a reason--and the resources--to buy one.

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This is a truly enjoyable cruiser to lap around town in. Nice, smooth steering with a little bit of feedback. The brakes are nice and responsive too, with satisfying pedal travel. For just a 2.0-liter I4, there is plenty of power in this motor, and it's perfect for a car this size and weight.
The chassis is solid and handles the pavement well; it's good for this convertible, which could easily be a total package for either a fun weekend car or a daily commuter. Or both.
Also worth noting is that the body looks elegant with nice lines and a presence set off by Audi's signature headlights. As Bob notes, the structural integrity is still there, which isn't always the case for droptops. The roof works well and easily. All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable car.

2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Base Price: $44,925

As-Tested Price: $56,525

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 211 hp @ 4,300-6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,200 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,682 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/23.3 mpg

Options: Prestige model including 18-inch wheels, advanced keyless startup, premium sound, Audi navigation, xenon headlights, LED tail lamps, Bluetooth, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, Homelink garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors with compass, Audi music interface, memory seat for driver, rain/light sensor ($8,300); comfort package including ventilated and heated front sport seats with lumbar, perforated genuine Milano leather, headroom heating system ($2,400); Audi side assist, backup camera, rear sensors ($900)