AUDI reckons that its A4 cabriolet is the best of the bunch despite the recent arrival of Saab's stylish new 9-3 rag top rival.
The German company says that the A4 looks better, is built to a much higher standard, comes crammed with active and passive safety features, has a very sophisticated hood arrangement and even offers adequate seating in the back.
Although obviously based on the A4 saloon every panel is different, having been styled and assembled by favourite coach-building partner Karman.
The looks are classically elegant rather than brash in Audi's familiar understated way despite displaying a hint of TT Coupe.
Whilst the old car was a competent cabriolet in its day, things have moved on apace and the newcomer takes the cabriolet concept a quantum leap forward.
Most import for any rag top is the roof arrangement, which is a three-ply affair that keeps the draughts out when up and fits so snugly that the characteristic ballooning is history.
It rises up and falls automatically but steals some boot space where it is stored when down.
Otherwise the boot is as large as that of the saloon, and there are proper rear seats for two adults too.
The canvas roof is so well insulated that it takes no more energy to maintain a constant interior temperature and thankfully the rear screen is now glass and heated.
One clever feature is the security system, which automatically locks the (optionally-refrigerated) glove box too and protects the entire interior even when the roof is down.
Much attention has been paid to stiffening the body, which is always difficult on roofless cars and which was an unwelcome characteristic of the old model.
The body of the current version feels just as taut as that of the saloon especially over uneven surfaces, with no traces of creaks, groans or rattles.
Having spent a few days recently driving with the roof down through wondrous Scottish countryside it is easy to understand the attraction.
This wind-in-the-hair thing really is such a marvellous experience that it is almost worth enduring the 350 awful days a year simply for the sake of the dozen or so decent ones.
Ironically, Britain is Audi's best Cabriolet market, as it is for all rag-tops because it is apparently too hot for them in Mediterranean countries.
Safety is high on the agenda with a proliferation of air bags in addition to pop-up roll bars, hydraulic brake-assist and electronic stability programme.
Although cabriolet sales are limited, they work wonders for a company's image if the product is good enough and this one is exceptional.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI
Price: £26,575
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9.7secs
Combined mpg: 43.5
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 175g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust