Recently in A5 Category

Credit: Volkswagen Group Italy

It's really true, just speak of the devil horns sprout. A few days away from the official unveiling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, in fact we are here to offer the first two videos that depict the new German gem - which, remember, will be presented next week at the Paris Motor Show - in action.

As previously announced, to animate the A5 will find a TSI engine from 1.8 liters and 160 horses, a 2.0-liter TFSI and 180/211 hp and a V6 FSI from 3.2 liters and 265 horses, a 3.0-liter TDI and 240Cv and TDI propelled by a 2.7-liter and 190 horsepower.

By Bill Thomas

How to specify your A5? Nice problem to have. If you want a smooth,
economical, cruisey auto, choose this smaller 2.7 V6 diesel with the
Multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel
drive. Other than the 3.2 FSI petrol, it's the only automatic A5.

Where the 3.0 TDI manual is rapid (369lb ft, 5.9sec 0-60mph), the 2.7
TDI auto is merely very fast (295lb ft, 7.6sec 0-60mph). Unlike some
CVT boxes, the revs don't stay constant as you build speed, but drop
in occasional steps, a bit like a conventional auto. That makes things
feel a little less strange.

It works well with this diesel, putting the revs where the torque is.
We'll get the box later in the year in the 3.0 TDI and 1.8 TFSI
petrol.

For the moment, this is the cheapest automatic A5. 'Cheapest' is a
relative term with Audis, though: try $72,000 before extras.

My editor has just walked past my screen and said "Bill, you're
obsessing about that car." He's right. I am. I like it too much. And I
hope other people out there share the obsession. For me, the A5 is the
best Audi of all. And with a chunky diesel/auto combination like this,
it remains true to its indomitable, low-slung stance.

More information available at topgear.com.