Audi A5 Cabrio

It’s already one of the most desirable Audis ever produced. But by chopping the roof from the A5 Coupé, has the company really improved its BMW 3-Series rival still further?

The first cars are on sale this week, so we drove the 3.0-litre diesel quattro – at £40,385, one of the line-up’s flagship models.  

Sound insulation with the roof up is first rate, equipment is generous and the A5 remains practical thanks to its four seats and relatively spacious boot. Watching the roof fold away is a real treat, too, so elegant is the framework that supports it.

It’s not all good news, though. We’re not that keen on some of the plastics used for the switchgear, while dynamically, this Audi doesn’t feel light years ahead of the original A4 cabrio – the car it’s designed to replace.

Even though the diesel is a strong performer, the A5’s heavy steering, choppy ride and scuttle shake mean you should look elsewhere for the ultimate driving experience.