Audi A5 Cabriolet Review in Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Audi’s A5 Cabriolet recently took a prized position in the 45th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, carrying Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Alex Greenwich MP. They sat proudly, and outly, on the rear deck, with Alex’s husband and mother taking the front pews.

The only downside of being in Mardi Gras is that you know you’ll be covered in glitter, which careful viewers will spot in the closeups in our video review. The other downside is driving a DCT car slowly, but it coped well and the passengers reported much satisfaction with the chosen carriage.

Last time we drove an A5 Cabriolet, we fell deeply and madly in love with it. It has clever touches like microphones secreted in the seat belt, and the little arms that deliver the seat belt to the front passengers. Reaching back, simply wouldn’t do.

The exterior is a subtle mix of flowing form intersecting in LED lighting arrays that are truly beautiful. Headlights can be optioned with Laser (fingers being held up, Austin Powers’ Style) Beams.

The cabin in all modes, is comfy and quiet, even with the roof down.

It is the older interior design style has been with us for a while. After all, this car has been around for more than 5 years. It is still as calm and as functional as ever, and is extremely comfortable no matter how much time you spend in the saddle.

Video Review: 2023 Audi A5 Cabriolet Review in Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – Review and Mardi Gras

Video Review: 2023 Audi A5 Cabriolet 1 MINUTE REVIEW #gaycarboys

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ABOVE: 2023 2023 Audi A5 45TFSI S-Line Cabriolet and the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – Alex Greenwich and Clover Moore

What we like:

And easy to use driver interface
Fast opening roof (up to 50kph)
Quiet engine
Smooth transmission
Stylish inside and out
Light feeling on the road
Comfortable handling
Adjustable suspension

No so much:

No spare even though there appears to be enough room for a space saver
Limited rear legroom
Dash and console look old compared to newer Audi models
Needs more power

The trend to smaller engines in ICE vehicles is in line with European emission regulations of the era. As the world marches toward electrification of its transport fleet, energy companies have seen the writing on the wall and fuel prices have seesawed over the last few years. Little investment is being made in new engines, so this is likely one of the last of the ICE Audi Convertibles we will see. While some might lament the death of ICE, I will not.

The A5 roof has multiple layers to make sure riders are cocooned and a serene Zen-like environment. The only time you’ll notice a bit of a hullabaloo is in tunnels. Loud trucks are simply too much for the roof lining to contend with.

Wireless Apple CarPlay works brilliantly, aided by those mics in the front seatbelts, making calls audible, roof up or down.

The LCD readouts have beautiful resolution and even the reversing camera looks and feels like a movie in the cinema.

There is all the safety gear and driver aids.

(see specifications sheet HERE:Audi_A5_CB_Specification_Guide_MY23 )

On the road:

Some cars have a heavy feel, and others feel as light as a feather. Audi is the latter, with steering that changes with the mood of the driver and his drive mode choice. Suspension is light and easy, and excellent at recovering from wayward road imperfections. Cornering, even in comfort mode, is controlled and calm. Sports mode brings a little more urgency and the A5 now includes a 12v mild hybrid system. It is claimed to improve performance and economy.

The seats have neck-level air vents, but in winter are hidden below the level at which a cosy jacket collar coddles its wearer.

It would be churlish not to mention Mardi Gras again.

This year, our A5 Cabriolet was supplied by Audi Australia for the City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, and state MP Alex Greenwich to use in the parade. We’ve included some of the official coverage in our video.

As the world moves toward electrifying its transport fleets, convertibles look to finish up in the history books and in car collections of the wealthy. Some gnashing teeth can be heard, but not in my household.

The MY17 was the first model year for the current generation A5, and has since had a facelift. Audi models tend to run for 6 or 7 years, so our favourite convertible is in its twilight years but not yet ready for god’s waiting room.

Although the S-Line 45TFSI is a sensational drive, the 6-sylcinder “S” would always be my choice. It is worth mentioning that the 12v MHEV is only for 4-cylinder engines, while the 260kw/500Nm, QUATTRO, 8-speed automatic, makes the S driver grin, stupidly.

The rear seats can be used at a pinch, but it is not the place for a long road trip. No, that is something just for you and your hunny.

2 men cruising down Oxford St screams, “GAY GAY GAY” in huge rainbow letters, but it is the open road that I long for. Big sweeping bends, and long straight stretches create vignettes one carries into one’s old age. “Remember that time when we….”

There is a lower power 40 TFSI listed on the sheet, but is not currently on the website.

Meanwhile, a weekend spent in a rag-top is something everyone should experience.

Conclusion:

Audi A5 Cabriolet is a peach. At 6.5 seconds for the 0-100 dash, it is not fast but nor is it a slug. It is elegant, and a worthy addition for a driveway.

2023 Audi A5 45TFSI S-Line Cabriolet $93,400