IN THIS FEATURE Oozing appeal Reassuringly expensive

An Audi Cabriolet is one of the smartest cars to be seen in this summer. Any summer, come to think of it - even an ageing old-generation A4 drop-top still looks thoroughly respectable - and although it comes with a traditional fabric hood rather than a clever metal folding quasi-coupe roof, it's well-insulated enough and so refined it's a pleasure to drive even in the depths of winter. Its minimalist exterior is designed to appeal to those who find BMWs too brash and Saabs too strange, and it's virtually guaranteed to never go out of fashion. Add to this rock-solid residual (resale) values, and this Audi is an absolutely sound investment.

Not quite the aggressive styling of an M3 Convertible

But you'd be forgiven for thinking that this all makes it a little, dare we say it, conservative, sensible and just a bit soulless. Hell, you can even specify it with an economical diesel engine. We repeat, a diesel engine, albeit a 2.5-litre V6 delivering 163bhp and a handy 228lb ft of torque. Handy, that is, for hauling the A4 Cab's bulk along - this car weighs 1540-1855kg, depending on engine and transmission, so it's no lightweight go-kart of a roadster.

An S4 version should be just the thing, then, to dispel these concerns: a high-performance, four-wheel drive (quattro) model with suitably doctored exterior styling to signal its mean intent, and a 344bhp/302lb ft V8 strong enough to give a 0-60mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, though its power does peak rather high up the rev range for useful everyday driving conditions. Top speed is limited to 155mph, should you want a gale-force wind in your hair, and as practical considerations go, it returns 20.3mpg and a whopping 334g/km of carbon dioxide, which will mean some pretty hefty tax bills for company car tax payers. Better buy that diesel if you want practical and economical. All this comes to a cool £40,945, complete with 18-inch alloys, alcantara Recaro sports seats, xenon headlights and a mesh-effect front grille. Six-speed Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission is optional, but sadly, the new and quicker-acting DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) technology offered in the TT V6 isn't compatible with the S4's layout.