2010 Audi A5 Convertible Auto Car Overview

Audi has now shown the drop-top A4. As the new four-seater is based on the large coupe, and not the limousine, it has been christened an ‘A5’. With its 160 hp, 1.8-liter engine, and price tag of 37,300 euros ($48,000), the A5 convertible is expected to go on the market in spring 2009. In addition, Audi is planning three further gas cars and two V6 diesel ones, ranging from 180 to 265 hp. And for anyone for whom this is not enough, there will also be the new S5 Cabrio with its 333 horses.

In contrast to other carmakers, Audi is holding on tight to the soft tops. The standard electronic hydraulics lowers the top at the push of a button in 15 seconds; it can be opened in 17. There is also more room. The open top sacrifices just 60 of the 380 liters of cargo space. In case one needs yet more room, there’s a 70 centimeter wide hatch behind the backrest, which increases the storage space to 750 liters.

The seats bear witness to Audi’s love for detail: In summer, the specially-treated leather ensures that the upholstery does not get too hot in the sun, while in fall and spring, the headrest heaters help prolong the open air season. To top it all off, you can add extras like an acoustically insulated top. Safety features such as special air bags to protect the head and roll bars that shoot out behind the back seat come standard.

The A5 convertible is the first, but not the only new open-air model to be released next year for high earners. BMW is set to release the revised 3 Series convertible. And the successor of Mercedes’ CLK is already making the rounds on the test track: It will be presented in March at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva as a coupe, and will apparently be available as a convertible before next winter.

For the first time, a few Japanese carmakers will also be putting mid-class convertibles on the market. The posh Nissan offshoot Infiniti will offer the G37 as a coupe with foldaway roof when the brand is launched in Germany in September. Lexus plans to introduce a convertible version of the SC 430 four-seater foldaway top roadster.

Common to all the new mid-class convertibles is the test of patience that potential buyers will have to endure. Though it’s possible to sign a lease in the winter, the joy of cruising the open roads under sunshine and warm breezes will have to wait through many more grey weeks.

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