19 May 06
However, the RS4 Cabrio feels a little too conservative. People buy BMW M3 Cabrios because of their bling-factor, but the RS4 Cabrio looks too sensible to be considered an uber-motor by many. It lacks any sparkle to differentiate it from normal A4 Cabrios - especially the S4, which although 70bhp down in power, will perform more than adequately for most buyers. The fact that the S4 Cabrio is some £16,645 cheaper is even more reason to give the RS4 Cabrio a miss. That engine is very good, but it's no way worth over sixteen grand.
So who is actually going to buy the RS4 Cabriolet? Those wanting a hardcore road monster will always go for the saloon (or the Avant, if they need the extra bootspace) as no matter how hard engineers try, the Cabrio will always compromise pure driving dynamics. Those wanting a bit of flash will favour a BMW M or Merc AMG, which will always carry more street cred. Finally, those wanting a drop-top to cruise the Riviera will be better off with a regular A4 Cab - a 3.2 V6 with an auto 'box, perhaps - not a race-bred manual-shifting V8.
If, however, you have 60 grand burning a hole in your pocket and just have to have a drop-top that'll outrun an M3, then the RS4 Cabrio is a welcome addition to the Audi line-up. Just be aware you'll be in very limited company.
