The Audi S5 quattro Cabriolet

Audi calls its new S5 Cabriolet a real convertible, in defence of its sporting a soft top in an era of hard top equipped competition. Thanks to an extended chassis, with a repositioned front axle and an optional sports differential, the S5 Cabriolet feels wonderfully composed through the bends. It also features the ability to transfer power between the rear wheels, and directs it to the outer rear wheel to push the car out of corners.

The active suspension system firms the suspension and makes the steering more responsive and heavier – perhaps too heavy for slower bends on the move.

However, there is none of the nose-heavy feel displayed by older fast Audi’s, and there is plenty of fun to be had.

It is easy to fall in love with the torquey supercharged V6, particularly when it is paired with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
(S Tronic).

Like the standard Audi A5 Cabriolet, the S5 features a cloth roof that folds in 15 seconds, and offers plenty of luggage space, if not huge rear legroom.

Sadly, for fans of the S4, there will be no Cabriolet version, as Audi says the configuration suits the sweeping looks of the Five.

The driver and front passenger do without the neck-level heating system that blows from below the headrest in the A5 Cabriolet, but do benefit from some lovely S5-branded
sports seats. They feel as if they will be supremely comfortable over long distances, but lack the
lateral support required for fast broad driving.

Undeniably sporty and great to look at, the final string in the S5’s bow can be found in its surprisingly cushy ride. Equipped with Audi Drive Select and Adaptive Damping (both optional), when clicked into Comfort mode, the Cabriolet drives with a fluency that seems at complete odds with all the extra stiffening lurking beneath its bodywork.

Composed across most surfaces, this Audi offers its front occupants a high degree of comfort thanks to its superbly supportive sports seats and plenty of legroom. Still, this should be of little concern to the people who will buy this car in the first place.

No, as a purveyor of open-air kicks which successfully emulates all the appeal of its hard-topped brethren, the Audi S5 Cabriolet ticks all the right boxes. It is not cheap, but the way it drives and stays true to the S-Line lineage makes it worth every penny. ▲

Audi S5 Cabriolet fast facts

Engine: 2995cc supercharged V6 petrol

Power: 245kW from 5 500 – 7 000rpm

Torque: 440Nm from 2 900 – 5 300rpm

0-100km/h: 5.6-seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 250km/h (claimed)

Fuel: 9.7l/100km (claimed combined)

Price: from R706 500

Robbie Stammers