Audi A5 is a classy cruiser

Audi's A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic has a turbocharger, direct fuel injection and solid acceleration.

The elegant convertible uses Audi's advanced engine technology to combine excellent fuel economy with the effortless high-speed cruising owners expect from German luxury cars. Features ranging from blind-spot alert to vents that blow warm air on your neck for top-down cruising in cool weather add to the A5's appeal.

The car's hands-free phone, iPod interface and navigation system could use some refinement, though.

Fuel economy, fast cars can mix

Oil is not popular on the gulf coast this spring. Thanks to the massive BP spill, stinking slicks and tarry balls of crude threaten ecosystems and livelihoods as the gunk slouches toward fisheries, bayous, homes and resorts.

All of which made driving the A5 through the magnolia-scented air in southern Mississippi and Louisiana that much sweeter.

The convertible's name is a jawbreaker, but the sleek four-seater is Audi's "What, me worry?" riposte to merchants of gloom who say high fuel economy can't coexist with fast, luxurious cars.

The A5 uses Audi's turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to combine effortless high-speed cruising with fuel economy that encourages you to drive past gas stations and consider yourself a friend of the Earth.

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic convertible

All-wheel drive four-seat luxury convertible

Price as tested: $55,700

Rating: *** (out of four stars)

Reasons to buy: Looks, fuel economy, all-wheel drive

Shortcomings: iPod control, luggage space, minor goofs on comfort features

2010 Audi A5 convertible at a glance

Vehicle type: Front- or all-wheel drive four-passenger luxury convertible hatchback

Engine: 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder

Transmission: Continuously variable or six-speed automatic

Price range: $42,000-$44,100 (excluding destination charges)

Key features

Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat side air bags; driver and front passenger knee air bags; automatic roll bars; power locks, windows and sideview mirrors; eight-way power front seats; manual tilt and telescope steering wheel; wind blocker; glass rear window with defroster; 90-days' Sirius satellite radio service; split folding rear seat; keyless entry with alarm; trip computer.

Options on test vehicle: Navigation system; Bluetooth phone compatibility; memory for driver's seat and mirrors; Bang & Olufsen sound system; iPod interface; heated and ventilated front seats; three-zone climate control; LED tail lights; Xenon headlights with LED running lights; 18-inch five-spoke wheels; pushbutton start; rain/light sensor; lumbar support in front seats; perforated leather upholstery; neck heating vent; backup camera; rear sensors; blind-spot alert.

Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings

(Automatic transmission models; all 2010 unless noted)

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro: 20 m.p.g. city/ 26 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

BMW 328ci: 18 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/21 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

2011 Ford Mustang V6: 19 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Infiniti G37: 17 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

Lexus IS 250C: 21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

Specs

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic convertible

All-wheel drive four-seat luxury convertible

Base price: $42,000 (excluding destination charges)

As tested: $55,700

Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat side air bags; driver and front passenger knee air bags; automatic roll bars.

Specifications as tested

Engine: 2.0-liter variable timing DOHC 24-valve turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder

Power: 211 horsepower at 4,300-6,000 r.p.m.; 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500-4,200 r.p.m.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway

Wheelbase: 108.3 inches

Length: 182.1 inches

Width: 79.5 inches

Height: 54.4 inches

Curb weight: 4,034 pounds

Where assembled: Neckarsulm, Germany

Comparative base prices

(not including destination charges)

(Automatic transmission convertibles)

BMW 328ci: $46,375

2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium: $31,840

Infiniti G37: $44,350

Lexus IS 250C: $40,610