Audi launching two new soft-top models which will arrive in Ireland in 2017

By Gerry Murphy

It may be the wrong time of the year to be thinking about dropping the roof and taking in the sunshine, but Audi are looking forward to the summer with the launch of two new soft-top models.

The Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet, which will arrive on Irish shores early in 2017, will complete the new generation of the A5 family. With room for four people and a fully automatic soft top, the redesigned model is kitted out with the latest technology, including driver assistance systems and seat belt microphones.

The soft-top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: the top fully opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18 seconds, even while driving up to 50 km/h.

LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals at the front and rear make high-end technology visible, even after dark.

The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the strongest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and lightweight design, compared to its predecessor model, engineers have increased the car’s torsional rigidity by another 40% and reduced its weight by up to 40 kilograms, making the Cabriolet even more agile.

The Cabriolet’s additional body struts and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head and torso airbags and automatically-extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

An initial choice of two engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet has been announced: a 2.0 TDI with 190hp and a 3.0 TDI with 218hp. It is thought that a 2.0 TFSI with 190hp and a 3.0 TDI with 286hp may also join the line-up after market introduction.

Compared with the previous model, the engines offer up to 17% more power while consuming as much as 22% less fuel.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet gets newly developed 3.0 TFSI. The boosted six-cylinder engine produces 354hp of power – 21hp more than its predecessor. The top model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic as standard.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet will arrive in Irish dealerships in March 2017. Pricing will be announced before the end of this year, with the S5 Cabriolet to follow.