| Week at the Wheel | Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI |

Inside & Out:

The A5's form lends itself to a convertible derivative and it's quite likely that the Cabriolet was designed in tandem with the Coupé. As such the packaging and appearance of the drop-top derivative has been on the drawing board since the conception of the A5 model. This is borne out in the styling of the car, which retains much of the sleekness of the coupé and adds in a good dose of glamour to boot.

The interior is carried over with few modifications and represents the epitome of Audi's know how in class, quality and ergonomics. It wants for nothing in the areas that count with crisp and clear displays, well thought out controls and an air of quality that knows no match in this sector - and indeed some above. Rivals have tried to close the gap to Audi's interiors of late, but as yet no-one has managed to do so.

Engine & Transmission:

Audi's latest range of TFSI engines bring all of its competition-bred expertise to bear on more regular models. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine in our test car matched the strength of 208bhp with the flexibility of a peak torque figure of 258lb.ft from 1,500- to 4,200rpm. On the move this translates to impressive urge with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a maximum of 150mph, backed up with muscular in-gear performance. Perhaps of more importance is the ability to match this with impressive economy figures - claimed to peak at almost 50mpg at an out of town lope. In practice we averaged no more than 30mpg, but the trip computer did indicate readings of 45mpg at a cruise.

The petrol engine comes matched with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Historically, Audi's manual 'boxes aren't necessarily the best and the item fitted to our test car wasn't a good example, feeling notch-like and, at times, downright obstructive. Given the relative strengths and weaknesses of the rest of the car the automatic offering is probably the one to have - the same could be said of a diesel engine.

Ride & Handling:

It would be naïve to expect anything other than degradation in comparison to the coupé in this category. And so it proves. Audi have bolstered the A5's chassis with a couple of hundred kilos worth of reinforcement but that isn't enough to offset the removal of the roof. Sadly, this is evident almost immediately once on the move with the tell tale indicator that is the rear view mirror shimmying away under the merest provocation.

In comparison to old school convertibles the chassis flex isn't what we'd refer to as bad scuttle shake, but in comparison to a BMW 3 Series Convertible things are altogether more wobbly. Given the presence of the unwanted movement when cruising, it's no surprise that things get a little worse when pressing on and the A5's normally impressive composure is seriously undermined. The same can be said of the ride, which is compliant enough but the suspension is stiff so it transmits irregularities in the road surface into the structure and the cabin. As a boulevard cruiser, the A5 Cabriolet's manners are tolerable; as a sporting drive they call its credentials into question.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Taking all of the positives of the A5 Cabriolet into account it's not hard to justify the premium price. The quality, class, style and image that an Audi convertible traditionally offers could be argued to have reached new heights in the A5 and if those parameters are the judging criteria then it's a winner that makes the purchase price entirely reasonable. Standard equipment levels are more than adequate and there are enough options available to personalise, bling or add individuality. Shopping around will pay dividends - a saving of eight percent appears to be possible according to online brokers.

Overall:

Audi's A5 Cabriolet is the first car to offer serious competition to the BMW 3 Series Convertible; as a fashion statement or a classy convertible it has enough going for it to get the nod ahead of the BMW for the majority of buyers. It builds on Audi's tradition of making desirable mid-size drop-tops with a blend of quality and style that's hard to find anywhere. However, if it's the driving experience and wind in the hair thrills that are the top of your agenda, as a sporting drive it lacks the composure of the 3 Series.