AUDI A5 CABRIOLET REVIEW

My car

I replaced my 2004 BMW 318 Ci cabrio (automatic) with an A5 3.0 TDI cabrio.

The only disappointment so far is the Audi's performance in snow - Quattro or not, with those huge 19" low-profile tyres(and the enormous torque from the 3.0 oil-burner) it is hopeless. At least with the BMW's auto box you could select and hold a high gear - with the Audi's you can't.

Apoart from that, I have no worries about the suspension and steering - maybe it's my laid-back driving style but I haven't noticed a great difference from my E46 BMW.

Economy is stunning - on a good run it (Edinburgh to London) at legal speed limits it returned over 40 mpg; even around town it returns 30+. The BMW was in the region of 36 mpg on a long run and 17 mpg around Jersey.

The A5 is big, roomy and comfortable. Cloth roof means that it is a practical touring convertible - I took one look at the boot of the new BMW 3-series with the roof down and left the showroom. I have the optional accoustic roof and roof up or down, it seems no noisier than the BMW.

I bought the BMW and the Audi for motoring holidays in Europe - I took the BMW as far as Istanbul and Athens and, in time, I expect the Audi to go further. I even ordered a towbar on the A5 just in case I decided to tow my holiday accommodation with me - with all that torque and power it must be a pretty good tow car.

5 stars is perfection - few cars reach that and the A5 isn't perfect, but I'm happy to give it 4+.

My car

Having owned 7 new Audis from 1995, I have to say this is the most disappointing. The build and quality is good and the ride is satisfactory but in my opinion, fuel consumption is derisory and nothing like the official figures.

The car looks good and feels nice to drive but the S-tronic option is not as good as it is on TTS's and the handling even with my Quattro option is not as sharp as you feel it should be.