THE Audi A4 Cabriolet is a fine looking alternative to BMW or Mercedes but better than them in a couple of important ways.
Not only can it actually carry four adults in comfort but it looks good with the fabric roof up or down.
Others claim to have space for four, but don’t have the same amount of rear legroom. Getting into the back seats is never elegant with the hood up, but that’s true of most three door hatchbacks.
The cabrio is as good as the saloon in every way, with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines including a hugely powerful V8.
These are immensely enjoyable cars to drive, with excellent road manners, smooth engines and a high level of comfort.
Out and out sportsters most are not, but driving a number of different models has shown me just how well they handle and hold the road.
Older models are now much more affordable and build quality is such that they can stand hefty mileages without a problem as long as they are properly serviced.
Interior
Drive is to the front or all four wheels and bodies are galvanised so that rust should rarely be a problem.
Reliability is excellent and all have a comfortable if occasionally lumpy ride, safe handling and a high level of equipment including aircon, electric hood, excellent stereo, stability control and umpteen airbags.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 Cabriolet
Price: Pay about £6,800 from an independent dealer for an ‘02 52-reg base model, or £12,500 for an ’06 06-reg S line
Mechanical: 163bhp, 2,496cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 9.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 38
Insurance group: 34
CO2 emissions: 197g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW 3-Series