WHILE manufacturers appear to have a natural gift for matching a new car to its launch venue, the weather doesn't always go along with the plan.
So it was with the international launch of the new Audi A4 Cabriolet in the South of France where cruising topless in St Tropez was to be the main event.
But ominous-looking skies and intermittent rain put paid to Audi's best laid plans. But at the same time, the inclement weather helped prove that Audi's latest cloth top is more than equal to the vagaries of the elements.
For, in addition to beating the performance of its predecessor by some five seconds - the electro hydraulics opening and closing the roof in a startling 21 seconds - the new A4 Cabrio will also do the business on the move. With no fiddly catches, the simple press of a button kicks in the system at speeds up to 20mph.
The previous A4 Cabriolet was renowned for being one of the most refined soft-tops in the marketplace, keeping wind and road noise well controlled with the top up, and now Audi has also introduced an optional acoustic hood to make things even quieter in this latest version.
For a mere £200, higher density fabrics and additional padding help to provide even lower noise intrusion levels and with extra thermal insulation, in-car refinement is not far removed from saloon car quality.
With decent luggage space available even with the hood down, this makes the new A4 Cabrio truly a car for all seasons.
Displaying the German carmaker's legendary build quality and featuring the new face of Audi and a new rear lighting set-up, this A4 Cabrio has certainly got the look straddling the tarmac with top up or down.
Five engines are on offer, three petrol - 1.8-litre 161bhp, two-litre 197bhp FTSI and a 3.2-litre 252bhp V6 FSI with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive - plus a brace of diesels, 138bhp two-litre TDI and a three-litre 230bhp also with the quattro system.
A variety of high quality transmission systems include five and six-speed manual, six-speed auto and six-speed Tiptronic.
There is plenty of standard kit to enjoy with all versions having auto air con, electric windows all round and remote central locking plus a host of dynamic aids including the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP8) which embraces ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and ASR traction control.
There is also an outstanding level of occupant safety on board with six airbags and roll-over bars which project behind the rear seats should the car overturn.
Reflecting the progressive look of the well-crafted exterior styling, the interior of the A4 Cabrio features quality materials and tasteful use of shiny inlays, or wood if you prefer.
Audi's new generation steering wheel provides the focal point from where all the controls boast a satisfying precision in their operation and contribute to a harmonious relationship between driver and machine. In a cabin which provides decent room for four, seating is comfortable and supportive.
The 1.8 Turbo with its five-speed manual gearbox has transferred seamlessly into the newcomer, its 163bhp continuing to provide a refined, economical and hugely competent performance for an entry-level model.
The new two-litre TFSI comes with a six-speed manual transmission and looks destined to attract a hefty following with a time of less than eight seconds for the 0-62mph dash and over 40mpg.
However, the star of the show is likely to be the two-litre TDI.
This 138bhp, four-cylinder turbo diesel promises under 10 seconds for the 0-62mph dash, a 131mph top speed and 43.4mpg over the combined driving cycle but, more importantly, will prove an attraction to the business user, with a 176g/km CO2 emissions level resulting in it being labelled the most tax efficient convertible in the premium sector.
Whichever engine you choose, the benefits of the reworked suspension set-up and completely modified power steering which combine with the A4 Cabrio's high torsional rigidity are quickly apparent on the road. Ride quality is good on 16-inch alloys and the Cabrio is composed, capable and offers seriously enjoyable driver involvement at speed on twisting roads.
This is a well crafted, shakeproof car which Audi expects to grace some 800,000 driveways worldwide next year and orders are being taken from November for delivery from UK dealers in February.
Boasting three trim levels, Standard, Sport and S-line, starting prices are expected to be: £25,735 for the 1.8T, £27,385 for the 2.0T and £32,535 for the 3.2 FSI V6 while diesel options weigh in at £26,575 for the 2.0 TDI and £32,735 for the 3.0 TDI Quattro.
There will also be the powerful 4.2-litre 344bhp S4 version on offer which is expected to start at £42,980.