WE BRITISH are a strange lot when it comes to specifying exactly what we want from a car.
In most other countries - admittedly some warmer ones - car owners choose to have air conditioning, or a sunroof. Over here we normally want both.
We also have a love affair with cabriolets which, considering our unpredictable weather, is surprising given the number of times we are able to experience wind-in-the-hair motoring in reasonable comfort.
But when the sun does shine and blue skies beckon us onto the open road, there's nothing better than getting the top down and heading for the glorious British countryside.
That, fortunately, was what I was able to do during the May Bank Holiday weekend, in one of the smartest posing machines around - a gold coloured Audi A4 rag-top. It impressed me and the better half, and there was the added bonus of testing it with four on-board with a couple of friends.
Unlike many coupes and cabriolets billed as real four seaters, the Audi is just that, having oodles of head, leg and shoulder room front and back.
It has a swish, stylish shape, based on the A4 with a bit of Audi TT thrown in for good measure, and is sure to turn heads, especially with the top down.
And it's a top which can be successfully deployed within 30 seconds. This is operated by the press of one switch, without the need to release brackets or struggle with the buttons and zips on a tonneau cover.
And with the hood tucked in the boot space there is still a reasonable amount of room left for luggage.
Another plus point is the quietness of the car in on the move. A three layer cover keeps noise to a minimum with the hood up and it's almost as quiet on the road as a saloon. It's just another example of Audi's determination to get build quality spot on and it has succeeded.
Standard kit for all A4 cabrios includes 16-inch alloys, remote central locking, electronic climate control, single CD player, multi-function steering wheel and an automatic roll-over protection system in addition to the extensive safety features already fitted to A4 models.
The real test of a cabriolet is when it's on the open road with the top down. Rigidity inevitably suffers and there is always an amount of body shake when taking bends or running over uneven ground.
The Audi copes with this very well and, even with lowered suspension, it at no time feels unsettled. Handling is crisp and positive.
Power comes from a four-cylinder, 161 bhp turbocharged unit which has lots of poke and very little turbo-lag. The gearbox is a close ratio, six-speed manual which is slick as oil.
Top speed is claimed to be 140 mph, but don't try this with the top down. Around 50 mph is maximum with two passengers in the back, otherwise they will be billing you for a new hairdo.
When the A4 Cabby was introduced into the UK last July it had already attracted stacks of interest. In fact, the entire 2002 allocation of cars was booked well ahead of its on-sale date. Audi says increased output for the UK now means the waiting time for the luxury soft-top is now between 12 and 16 weeks.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 1.8T Cabriolet
Price: £24,050
Mechanical: 161 bhp, 1,781cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 140
0-62 mph: 9.4 sec
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 206g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint