Audi on top with the top down

The A5 cabriolet offers excellent traction with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system

The Audi A5 cabriolet beat out the other two contenders in this category, the Lexus IS convertible and the Nissan 370Z roadster, and is now in the running for the coveted 2010 Canadian Car of the Year award, which will be announced in February at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

The A5 seats four people; the trunk space is bigger than expected, too. With the roof down, you can squeeze a few small bags inside. The two rear seats also fold down easily – just pull a lever in the cargo area and there's extra space for more goodies. The rear seats are tight, though.

When the roof is closed, adults might find it tricky to enter and exit. Rear visibility is also hampered. But the solution is simple – drop the top or use the handy back-up camera. It displays objects behind the vehicle on a seven-inch, high-mounted, crystal-clear colour monitor.

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that generates 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic so you can manually shift gears for a sportier ride.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system is fantastic – it offered excellent traction on the rain-slicked roads around Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Over all, the A5 is agile and nimble, yet smooth and sure-footed.

Audi is known for its interiors and the A5 doesn't disappoint. The inside is top-notch with solid, high-quality materials. The fabric top is also easy to use. It opens and closes quickly in about 20 seconds. There's no need to fiddle with clasps or hooks to release the top – one button does the trick. You can even lower the roof while driving at up to 50 km/h.

Source:News from Canada and the world - The Globe and Mail