Best Car Reviews - 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Introduction

The 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet was a breath of fresh air (quite literally) in the world of subcompact luxury cars upon its release. Targeted at enthusiasts of open-top motoring who also appreciate a touch of class, the A5 Cabriolet brought together performance, design, and luxury in an attractive package. What truly makes this model stand out is its elegant design combined with Audi's commitment to a premium driving experience—perfect for those who love the thrill of driving an open-top vehicle without compromising on luxury.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is a harmonious blend of athleticism and sophistication. With graceful lines and a finely sculpted body, this convertible exudes confidence on the road. The front is dominated by Audi's characteristic grille, complemented by sleek, adaptive headlights.

Compact yet sleek dimensions perfect for city driving.
Power-operated fabric top that opens or closes in just a few seconds.
LED daytime running lights for a distinct look.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the A5 Cabriolet reveals an exquisite cabin that mirrors the car's exterior charm. High-quality materials wrap the interior, making every journey comfortable and luxurious.

Leather upholstery standard, offering a plush and inviting feel.
Driver-oriented dashboard with intuitive layout.
Heated front seats as standard, adding extra comfort on chilly days.

Performance and Handling

The heart of the 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet is its 2.0-liter SIDI engine with 4 cylinders, which offers a spirited driving experience. With an automatic transmission featuring variable gear ratios, the drive is smooth and seamless. This model boasts a respectable acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency is reasonable for its class, with a consumption rate of 11.9 l/100 km.

FWD system ensures balanced performance.
Agile handling that makes maneuvering city streets a delight.
Stable cruising on highways, perfect for long-distance travel.

Technology and Connectivity

Audi has equipped the A5 Cabriolet with a suite of advanced technologies to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features.

Premium audio system for an immersive sound experience.
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free communication.
7-inch infotainment display providing easy access to all functions.

Safety Features

The 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet comes with a robust suite of safety features designed to offer peace of mind to its passengers.

Airbags including side and knee options for added protection.
Stability control system to manage tricky driving conditions.
High safety ratings from reputable agencies.

Pricing and Variants

The base price for the 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet was approximately $43,350 USD. Compared to other vehicles in its category, the A5 Cabriolet offers competitive pricing, considering its luxury features.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Elegant design that stands out.
Comfortable and refined interior.
Good handling and performance for a subcompact car.
Advanced tech features as standard.
Efficient convertible operation mechanism.

Cons

Higher fuel consumption compared to some rivals.
Limited rear-seat space impacting passenger comfort.
Premium gasoline requirement can be costly.
Trunk space reduced with top down.
Front-wheel drive not ideal for sports-like driving experience.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Annual maintenance costs for the A5 Cabriolet can be on the higher side, typical of luxury German cars.

Issues with roof mechanism malfunctioning.
Occasional electrical system glitches.
Suspension problems as the car ages.
Oil consumption can be higher than expected.
Turbocharger issues reported by some owners.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Design: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 9/10
Safety: 8/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The design is timeless, even though it's from 2012. Feels like driving art."
"The interior comfort is top-notch, though the rear seats are better suited for short trips."
"Love the open-top experience—perfect for summer drives."
"Fuel efficiency isn't the best, but the performance makes up for it."
"I had some issues with the roof, but Audi's service center handled it well."

Best cars in this category

2012 BMW 328i Convertible
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible
2012 Lexus IS C 350
2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible
2012 Volvo C70

Summary

The 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet is best suited for individuals who value elegance, technology, and the thrill of driving an open-top vehicle. It offers a compelling mix of performance and luxury, making it a solid choice among subcompact cars. While it has a few drawbacks, its overall appeal, coupled with Audi's commitment to quality, results in a captivating driving experience.