• Diesels are the most economical engines
• Wheel size can impact fuel economy
• S tronic improves mpg, Quattro cuts it

As of late 2019, the engines available in the A5 Cabriolet are limited ahead of the car being updated for 2020.

A 40 TFSI model returns up to 46.3mpg and 140g/km of CO2 when fitted with a manual transmission, while the S Tronic version of this engine musters the same. The more powerful 45 TFSI with 245hp offers up to 40.9mpg and 158g/km. These are not tested under WLTP conditions, but the new models will be.

As for the diesels, the 40 TDI S Tronic (front-wheel drive) offers up 45.6-47.1mpg and 157-162g/km of CO2, while the Quattro-equipped version of this is slightly less at 43.5-44.1mpg and 169-171g/km. Somewhat confusingly, the diesels have been tested under WLTP emissions standards.

For full fuel economy and emissions data for engines previously available, see our A5 Cabriolet specs pages.

Is it reliable?

• Beware of electrical gremlins
• Overall it feels solid though
• Uses tried-and-tested mechanicals

We don’t expect huge issues here. The A5 Cabriolet feels well-constructed and solid.

However, there are a lot of electrical systems on board so there’s a fair amount to go wrong: Audi’s optional Virtual Cockpit has been problematic in some of the earlier cars it was fitted to, such as the TT, and we’ve seen issues with the optional Matrix LED headlights on occasion too.

A visit to the dealer should be all that’s involved in getting these fixed, though, especially if the car is still within its three-year warranty period.

So far in the A5’s life, though, there have been no recalls issued for the car, so there’s nothing to be concerned about for now.