Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2011 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Tiptronic Cabriolet (Convertible). Audi is the first car maker to combine Turbo charging with a Fuel Injection system – thus the TFSI designation.
Well, the A5 made my week an enjoyable one. Nothing ostentatious, but simply quiet elegance. You slip into it with ease and it becomes an immediate friend. Perhaps it fit my liking more because I don’t need a soccer mom’s car any longer.
I can see this car fitting a single professional guy or gal beyond their surfing days with a responsible job with all the stress of today’s business world. Leave the office a little early on a hot summer day, put the top down and let the wind blow away the cares of a busy day. Its size is perfect for the small garage in Malibu or squeezes in those tight spots on narrow streets in Newport Beach. There’s always time later for suburbia and the kids when peace and quiet is boring somehow.
Opinion:
CHP Watch – Be alert and you won’t be a victim.
Tell us about your experiences on the highway. joe@atthewheel.com. Others want to know. Give us your tips on how to avoid pitfalls of all kinds on the highway. Report potholes and other dangers and I will print them and notify the authorities and Cal Trans of the problems. Let’s all be a part of the solution and not remain silent.
Bob, a reader in the Antelope Valley, CA, made his feelings known recently about a couple of highway weaknesses in his opinion.
“… some designs leave me scratching my head. The I-5 through East Los Angeles is down to 1 lane southbound while the northbound in the same area is 2 lanes. What moron thought that was good? Another of my favorites is CA 14 northbound at the top of the (summit) grade where it goes from 3 lanes, 4 if you count the car pool lane, where you lose the far right lane at the crest on a blind curve. I have seen more crashed vehicles in that area than any other spot I drive on my daily commute.”
Those of us who drive that area of the 14 freeway every day can relate to that. Hello Cal Trans, is anyone awake up there?
Handling & Performance:
Performance is fast from the smooth power delivered by the turbocharger. Love it. Handling is enhanced from a perfect subcompact size to go with the solid all wheel drive grip rain or shine. I appreciate the confidence you get from the Quattro.
All Wheel Drive isn’t new or unique to Audi. The concept dates back to 1966 when supercar-builder Jensen introduced it to British buyers with its FF model. The Audi Quattro was shown to the public for the first time on March 3, 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Audi was the first mass market car to feature all-wheel drive technology with the tag: quattro.
Styling:
Clean and simple but comfortably and quietly elegant. That’s Class.
Electronics is not as user friendly as I like but is common in most German cars. I suspect over time I would get used to the European ways, but simplicity is better. I’m old fashioned and prefer knobs.
Sun visors that don’t extend were a surprise. If you don’t drive west in North America in the afternoon then it really doesn’t matter, but if you do, it is annoying.
Convertible top – you’d never notice with the top up – a really a nice design, unless you need a lot of space in the trunk. On the plus the rear seat is decent for a convertible.
Fit and Finish:
Good fit and finish, but I wish they had made it a little quieter and eliminate road noise that is more noticeable than I would have expected.
Cost:
In this company of competition pricing is fair.
Conveniences and comfort:
Rain sensing wipers are really cool. It gives me more time to write notes while driving… ok, it’s not recommended but I don’t look at what I’m writing but just capturing a thought. But – it is still not the same thing as putting make up on while looking in the mirror. OK, so I only do that when I cross dress.
Bluetooth –
I have a portable since I change cars every week but you should opt for this inexpensive safety device, not to mention it is unlawful to use a cell phone without it.
Oh, the cross dressing – just kidding.
Consumer Recommendation:
When you sit in a new car and get the immediate feeling “I could own this car” it’s a good thing. And giving it back came way too soon.
Recognized Competition (MSRP):
Audi A5 Cabriolet $44,190, BMW 6 Series Convertible $85,550, Cadillac CTS $44,505, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible $56,790, Infiniti EX $35,950, Infiniti G Convertible $49,450, Infiniti G Coupe $39,750, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $56,850, Volvo C70 $39,950.
Good News:
Great AWD handling control, great looking, comfy, classy convertible top, decent fuel economy and cool rain sensing wipers.
Bad News:
Noticeable road noise, non-user-friendly electronics controls, sun visors don’t extend.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 211 horsepower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Quattro all wheel drive system, 18” alloy wheels, 5-link front suspension, speed sensitive steering, electronic stabilization, antilock brake system, halogen headlights, tire pressure monitor, fog lights, automatic soft top, leather 8-way power seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, climate control, Concert radio with CD with SD card slot and auxiliary audio input, SIRIUS satellite radio with 10 speakers, cruise control, remote locking system, split folding rear seat with full pass through to trunk, front and side airbags with front knee airbags, anti theft vehicle alarm, lower anchors for child restraint.
Gas Stats:
$3.46/ Gal avg. Feb. 19, 2011
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $44,190.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2011 – An Automotive Love Affair
