Buying an A5 cabrio now?

[TheWineLake]

I know that the A4/A5 series is due a complete reworking soonish, although (perhaps in recognition of this) the discounts on A5s are pretty good at the moment.

If one was after a cabriolet, the new A3 seems nearly as big as the A5 and certainly has later technology. Which would you go for?

[markp306]

I know that the A4/A5 series is due a complete reworking soonish, although (perhaps in recognition of this) the discounts on A5s are pretty good at the moment.

If one was after a cabriolet, the new A3 seems nearly as big as the A5 and certainly has later technology. Which would you go for?

Id be tempted by the A3 but actually I doubt it is anywhere near as big and would not meet my current family needs. You'll need to do a "side by side" comparison.

s3 looks good too.

[TheWineLake]

It's not quite as big. Coming from a Volvo C70, pretty much any modern cabrio is going to seem small to me. Are you happy with the A5? Any particular comments?

How do you think it stacks up against the Merc E-class (which is obviously rather more expensive)?

[markp306]

It's not quite as big. Coming from a Volvo C70, pretty much any modern cabrio is going to seem small to me. Are you happy with the A5? Any particular comments?

How do you think it stacks up against the Merc E-class (which is obviously rather more expensive)?

I really like it. The facelifted a5 is great and has been faultless so far. (The first service is booked for about a weeks time so should sail through). So much better than the disastrous early B8 I had before it.

The 177 is a great engine but in a heavy fwd it can struggle to get the power down cleanly

The e class is not really my first choice of cabriolet. Probably a great car though ?

[TheWineLake]

What's the difference between the A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI in 150 and 177 engine variants? Any reason to pick one over the other - the more powerful one is more expensive and has higher emissions as one would expect. Slightly baffled as to why they'd have both options.

[markp306]

What's the difference between the A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI in 150 and 177 engine variants? Any reason to pick one over the other - the more powerful one is more expensive and has higher emissions as one would expect. Slightly baffled as to why they'd have both options.

Personally, I haven't driven the 150ps but you might want to ask over in the A4 B8 forum. People there may have carried out comparisons.

I did have an A4 avant 2.0 143ps before and the 177ps is noticeably quicker and far more free revving - even in this heavy car. It's just got the edge on economy too. The downside is that it spins the wheels far too easily due to all the torque. It also means the 3.0 TDI must go like 'stuff off a shovel'. I haven't driven one of those....yet.

[TheWineLake]

Went to have another look the other day at both A3 and A5 and was struck by how steep the rear seat backs were. Is it viable to have adults sit in the back? The old Volvo C70 is OK on that, and seems longer on the inside.


Also noticed that discounts (Audi deposit contributions) have been slashed too....

[TheWineLake]

...apparently a standard ploy by Audi in the winter

[markp306]

Went to have another look the other day at both A3 and A5 and was struck by how steep the rear seat backs were. Is it viable to have adults sit in the back? The old Volvo C70 is OK on that, and seems longer on the inside.


Also noticed that discounts (Audi deposit contributions) have been slashed too....

Haven't really sat in the back as it's permanent home to 2 child seats.
The noticeable difference for me (having switched from an A4 SE before) is how much worse the ride is on the s-line....IMHO.

[TheWineLake]

Complaints about S-Line ride seem pretty universal!