Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Pause Icon A two-lined pause icon for stopping interactions. Quote Mark A opening quote mark. Quote Mark A closing quote mark. Arrow An icon of an arrow. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Menu An icon of 3 horizontal lines. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Twitter An icon of the Twitter logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Information An icon of an information logo. Plus A mathematical 'plus' symbol. Duration An icon indicating Time. Success Tick An icon of a green tick. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Facebook Messenger An icon of the facebook messenger app logo. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Facebook Messenger An icon of the Twitter app logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. WhatsApp Messenger An icon of the Whatsapp messenger app logo. Email An icon of an mail envelope. Copy link A decentered black square over a white square.

Audi takes wraps off new A5 and sporty S5 Cabriolet

Static photo, Colour: Misano red
Static photo, Colour: Misano red

Audi has unveiled the new A5 and S5 Cabriolets ahead of the drop-top models’ arrival in Britain next month.

Based on the same platform as the latest A5 Coupe, the convertible boasts a weight reduction of up to 40kg and a 40% improvement in torsional rigidity compared with its predecessor.

Because the new model is slightly larger than the old A5 Cabriolet, Audi says there is now more space for passengers, with an 18mm increase in rear knee room and 26mm improvement in front shoulder room.

The new A5 also gets improved technology, with Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system and the renowned Virtual Cockpit system on offer, while seat belt microphones are fitted as standard.

These microphones are part of the updated voice control system, which Audi says is now more intuitive than before, and they improve the system’s ability to recognise commands even when the canvas roof is down.

MOTORING News 090948

At launch, customers will be able to choose from a range of three engines – a 188bhp 2.0-litre diesel, a 3.0-litre diesel with 215bhp and a 248bhp 2.0-litre petrol. Another 3.0-litre diesel, with 282bhp, and a less powerful 188bhp petrol will become available at a later date.

A high-powered S5 model featuring a 349bhp V6 turbocharged petrol engine will also be offered.

Audi claims that the updated engine range will offer as much as 17% more power, while using up to 22% less fuel.

Six-speed manual gearboxes will be fitted as standard, with a seven-speed or eight-speed automatic offered as optional extras. Quattro four-wheel drive will be available, too.

As with the Coupe, the Cabriolet will use a three-tier range of trims comprising SE, Sport and S Line models. Top-of-the-range models will get 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control and satellite navigation.

The S5, meanwhile, will get its own special specification, with 19-inch alloys, model-specific styling and Super Sports seats.

jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk