My “S5 Roadtrip” to Muskoka with the Audi S5 Cabriolet

It was an absolute dream to drive a 2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet in blazing red. Usually I wouldn’t want red for being too showy but this car certainly warrants the attention. It’s a sporty yet very refined convertible with a supercharged engine producing a whopping 333 hp with only 3.0L of displacement. Audi boasts that this is V8 power with the efficiency of a V6 engine.

Not only is that ratio achieved with supercharging but also Audi’s FSI® direct injection technology. Pair this with an automatic 7-speed transmission that shifts gears in only 0.2 seconds and the result is responsive torque available from the low to high range.

I’ve always been a fan of Audi with their timeless and modern designs. But getting the chance to test drive this state-of-the-art piece of machinery up close and personal, you really appreciate all the details that go into this top-of-the-line sport & luxury package on wheels.

Being given the amazing opportunity to drive this slick roadster for a summer weekend, I chose to take it to Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka since I haven’t been in the area for many years.

THE DRIVE

Driving north on highway 400 with the top down was absolutely pleasant; the aerodynamics are, of course, designed to reduce wind noise in the open cabin to a relative minimum in highway driving.

There’s “Audi Side Assist” which unobtrusively lights up the corresponding side mirror when there’s a car/object in your blind side. How reassuring.

Passing is a breeze with 333 horses. Taking the car through curves and winding roads along Highway 11 is also a joy thanks to the car’s low and wide stance and tightened suspension.

I’m kicking myself for only seeing but not trying Audi’s “Drive Select” to change the suspension from luxurious “comfort mode” to the sportier “direct mode”. You can even tailor the sound of the exhaust note and other vehicle settings from the console. Must try!

THE INTERIOR

The well-appointed interior of the Audi S5 Cabriolet

As soon as you enter the vehicle you notice the well-appointed features and details wrapped in premium leather and matte brushed aluminum accents. You would expect nothing less.

With expectations set, there were some nice surprises:

Keyless ignition – No need to fumble to get a key into a hole. Just push a button to start.

Infotainment system – I enjoyed connecting the Infotainment system to stream music via bluetooth from my Samsung Galaxy S5 and thereby the Samsung Gear Fit could skip and forward tracks as well as adjust volume in the car. The more sensible thing to do is control the audio from the steering wheel, but it’s nice to have options. It was also nice to have crystal clear Sirius XM satellite radio and navigation system.

Advanced parking system including not only rear view camera, but sensors on the 4 corners of the car that beep and get louder as you get too close to objects.

Audi Side Assist – emits a light in the side mirror to warn you that a car or object is in your blindspot. How reassuring.

It’s in the Pigment: They have even thought of details such as adding a special colour pigmentation to the black leather seats so that cruising on a sunny day isn’t as sweltering hot.

All Good In the Hood: This isn’t some ordinary, soft top roof with a plastic window from the 80’s. It’s an all-season noise and heat insulating hood of technological wonder with real glass. Great for making this car a year-round car without compromise.

Arriving at Deerhurst Resort (pictured above) it was a lively destination to check in to with plenty of activities to choose from, indoors and outdoors.

Brunch with a view at Eclipse Restaurant at Deerhurst Resort

THE LOOK

I will let the pictures do the talking about how striking the Audi looks in the background of Muskoka. All pictures of the Audi S5 were taken with the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Audi S5 rear with dual exhaust. This piece of art looks good at every angle. Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S5.

There’s plenty of activities to do around Deerhurst Resort – we chose to go off-road with ATVs for a couple hours and get a bit muddy.

This is where I traded in the beautiful S5 for an ATV, but only for a couple hours.

Not wanting to go home quiet just yet, we cruised through Downtown Bracebridge, “The Heart of Muskoka” and then a scenic drive to Santa’s Village.

Parking the Audi S5 Cabriolet in front of Santa’s Village in Bracebridge. Photo snapped with the Samsung Galaxy S5.

The occasional encounters of rain we had were no match for this high-tech convertible as you can close the soft top in a brisk 17 seconds while doing it ever so quietly. And it opens in an even faster 15 seconds. I’ve enjoyed the feature years ago in a Volkswagen EOS convertible but it seemed even faster and sexier in this S5.

For me, the excitement of cruising top-down on a nice sunny day never gets old. The elegant and powerful Audi S5 Cabriolet should come first to mind, turning every errand into a relaxing getaway.

Dear Santa, I know what I want for Christmas.

Photos by Nick Lee