Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: £25,995 to £42,645
Solid, classic design; high-quality materials and build; quiet for a soft-top; two diesels to choose from; large range of options.
Not as sports-focused as Audi would like to think, even the S4; boot not that large.
Desirable to own, to cruise around and be seen in.
The sports suspension can be unforgiving, but by and large, the A4 Cabriolet rides exceptionally well, with virtually no scuttle shake or rattles. A new, thicker-layered "acoustic hood" is now an option (standard on the S4) and this has quietened the cabin down with the roof up.
Roof-down, the optional wind deflector keeps things civilised - though this can only be used if there are no rear seat occupants - and the heater and heated seats are highly effective should you wish to go top-down in the winter. The roof is raised or lowered in 21 seconds at the touch of the button and can now be activated at speeds of up to 18mph.
The roof does retract down into the boot rather than folding on top, however, which cuts down on luggage space: 246 litres with the roof down and up to 315 litres with it up, which involves releasing an internal load area cover. In comparison, bear in mind that the tiny Nissan Micra C+C, with metal folding roof, has 255 litres of bootspace roof-down, and a phenomenal 457 litres with it up, no additional adjustment needed.
The drop-top Micra's legroom for rear seat passengers isn't much less, either: the back of the Audi is somewhat cramped for such a large car, though admittedly, its two rear seats are much deeper, better-bolstered and more feasible for long-distance transportation than the little Nissan's.
Equipment levels are higher than before, however, with a wide range of options and add-ons. Standard kit includes automatic air conditioning with sun sensor, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Audi A4 Cabriolet
wrote on 12 09 2007
wrote on 12 09 2007
wrote on 01 07 2006