THERE seem to be ever-increasing numbers of open-tops about, from grand tourers to little city cars, which is quite brave of British drivers given our rapid weather changes.
Clever and quicker roof mechanisms are probably the spur for alfresco motoring and it doesn't get much more simple than in the Audi A4 Cabriolet - no clasps to undo, no tidying covers to be put in place - just pull an electric switch and the car does it all in less than 30 seconds.
Technology-proud Audi stick with the traditional soft-top rather than the modern removable hard roofs but, not surprisingly, they've been clever about it. A triple layer means that noise suppression with the hood in place is first class.
Then there's the Audi build. The new A4 Cabriolet is some rigid machine, more than twice as stiff as its predecessor, and consequently it is an open-top with scarcely a trace of vibration.
There's bracing everywhere, teamed with a carefully thought-out suspension - refined still further for the S-line models.
The ride is decidedly firm, but the car's driving manners are excellent. It goes where you point it and weaving roads are a joy, showing a confidence that is aided by great-feel steering.
Roof down and the A4 looks lovely, with no sign of rear-end boot-stash ugliness, while safety factors are high, including instant pop-up protection in case of roll-over.
Not all is sweetness and light, with the roof in place over-the-shoulder visibility proves dire, a standard cabrio problem.
While on one occasion the roof stuck in the open position and needed a couple of time-honoured smacks to free it. There is a way of operating it manually in such circumstances, but it shows the inherent risks in gadgetry.
At least I did some extra miles in open mode to reaffirm that wind control is pretty good - you can also buy a deflector.
As always, having the hood stashed in the boot has a telling effect on luggage capacity, just 246 litres; however, the A4 has a lever system for raising the roof container when it is not in use, thus improving capacity to 310 litres.
As far as people are concerned, things have improved since the previous version. Stretching the wheelbase by four inches has created better legroom for the two rear passengers - although people taller than I will still find it a bit tight - and front and back shoulder space is increased.
The two big doors mean access to and exit from the back is just about reasonable.
In decor terms the cabriolet again shows Audi's fine reputation with a top-quality interior that, in the main, is also practically laid out - my only reservations are about the low sitings of the display/optional satnav screen and dual-zone climate control.
There are leather grips and, in S-line trim, leather upholstery, set-off by brushed aluminium highlights.
The driver benefits from big, easy-to-read rimmed dials separated by the trip computer read-out, while the two-way adjusting steering wheel and multi-variable settings for the comfortable front seats provide ideal-driving-position flexibility.
The cabriolet features an electronic stability programme, with front and side airbags among the other safety provisions.
The version under test was powered by a three-litre V6 engine with grunt in abundance. Give it a good kick and there's a splendid surge and a gratifying growl from the twin exhausts, but, generally, there's eager response without the need for a heavy foot.
That, and a six-speed box, helps economy and I achieved 33mpg over the week, the bulk, I confess, on open roads.
That's some relief in a premium-brand car which is not cheap to own but which gives high returns in quality and driving pleasure.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 S-line
Price: £30,880
Mechanical: 220bhp, 2,976cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 150mph
0-62mph: 7.8 secs
Combined mpg: 28.2
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 240g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust