Audi RS5 2014 review

Late in 2013 yet another variant was added to the very successful Audi '5' sporty range, this time with all the best gear -- and the  RS badging that means it sits at the pinnacle of the high-performance range -- in the form of the high-performance RS5.

STYLING

There's no doubting this is an Audi thanks to the bold single-frame grille, a fashion Audi began many years ago, and which has since been copied by many others. But none, to our eyes, work as well as the original Audi theme.

Our love of soft-top roofs on convertibles is well known. Unlike retractable hardtops which merely look like any other coupe when the top is up, the RS 5 Cabriolet uses a soft-top leaving no doubt in the minds of bystanders that this is a topless machine. With the roof down, it looks stunning and during a spell of decent weather on the Gold Coast we loved every minute of it.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Power comes from a further modified version of Audi's non-turbo 4.2-litre V8. It's a high-revving unit with peak power of 331 kW not reached until the engine is spinning at an astronomical 8250 rpm. There's 430 Nm of torque and, like the power, it doesn't peak until well up in the rev range, the torque plateau running between 4000 and 6000 rpm.

Power is transferred to all four wheels through Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. It has Drive and Sport settings, with steering wheel mounted paddles giving a third option of which gear you're in.

The quattro drive system now features a self-locking crown-gear centre differential that can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles almost instantly. As much as 70 per cent of torque can be directed to the front axle, or as much as 85 per cent to the rear with a default ratio of 60/40 in favour of the rear.

Zero to 100 km/h can be reached in 4.9 seconds, around half a second slower than the coupe. That's partly due to the extra weight of the open-top car, but a slight loss of aerodynamics probably comes into the picture as well.

Audi's drive select system allows the driver to select between three modes: comfort, auto and dynamic. An optional fourth mode is available which allows the driver to adjust steering characteristics, the transmission, accelerator and exhaust system.

INFOTAINMENT

The RS 5 Cabriolet is the first Australian model to get the new Audi Connect system. It provides internet connection from a smartphone using its own WiFi hot spot. Google Map overlays, including Street View, provide additional useful information in the satellite navigation system.

DRIVING

The large doors make rear-seat access reasonably easy, but the sheer width of the doors creates problems in tight parking spaces, with access to the rear being awkward. Although the RS 5 Cabriolet has four seats, rear space is limited, especially if there are tall occupants in the front seat. The rear seat is a bench, but the two individual seats are nicely sculpted, with good thigh and side support.

The interior of the lightweight textile soft top contains a 15 mm layer of foam to reduce exterior noise. According to Audi to this makes the interior sound level about the same as the coupe. Without driving them back to back we couldn't confirm this, but suspect that rough and ready Aussie roads do get more noise into the Cabriolet's cabin than that of the coupe.

It takes 15 seconds to open the roof and 17 seconds to close it. When down, the soft top reduces boot space by 60 litres with an acceptable 320 litres available. With the roof down and the rear seatbacks folded there's up to 750 litres of space, which is more than enough for a couple's long holiday trip.

We all know that V8 engines are not just about power, for the driving enthusiast it's a V8s distinctive throaty burble that appeals to the senses. Drop the top, select Sport on the gear lever and life is just wonderful. There's a powerful punch in the back as the engine really gets motoring, and has almost instantaneous response.

The dual-clutch auto works well when left in auto with changes generally coming in at just the right time. It's happy to hold onto lower gears for extended periods when 'S' mode is selected. The ride is on the harsh side on some road surfaces that have seen better days. Scuttle shake is also part of the package when you lose the solid roof on a car and the Audi is relatively poor in this respect.

VERDICT

Audi's latest RS 5 Cabriolet looks stunning, especially with the top down. It sounds the part, too, with a fabulous V8 bellow when you really get stuck into it. Even at moderate speeds in real-world driving there's that feeling the big open-top German machine just want to enjoy itself. Loved it.

2014 Audi RS5 convertible
Price: from $175,900
Engine: 4.2-litre V8, 331kW/430Nm
Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch, AWD
Thirst: 10.7L/100km
0 to 100 km/h: 4.9 seconds