IT'S hard not to like the new Audi A4 Cabrio 3.0-litre TDI quattro.
It's just one of those cars which has everything you could ever desire of a convertible – and then some.
For starters the A4 is one of the those cabriolets that looks as if it should always be driven around the vineyard-fringed roads of Southern France or alongside the sunflower fields of Tuscany rather than on grimy city roads in Britain.
In other words it has that distinctive glamour image that is hard to define, but you know whether a car has or hasn't got it.
Apart from the visual appeal, however, this car has a host of practical features to recommend it to potential buyers.
It is one of the few convertibles that really is suitable for four adults. Space in the rear is ample and even though this is only a two door vehicle it's easy to get in and out of the rear seats thanks to sensible design features.
As you fold the front seat back forward the headrest is automatically lowered, and forward and backward electronic movement of the seat itself is controlled from a button on the side – easily accessible from the rear cabin.
Add to all these plus points a three-litre diesel engine with dynamic acceleration yet offering 30-plus miles per gallon and this cabrio could easily take first place on a lottery winner's list of what to buy.
On top of all this you get Audi's renowned quattro system, which means you have no fear in using all the 233 bhp packed under the bonnet. With power going to all four wheels there is no wheelspin just superglue adhesion.
Raising and lowering the electric hood takes some 20 seconds, but the most unusual thing about this operation is that you can do it on the move.
At least you can at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, so if you are stuck in a traffic jam and the heavens open there is no problem. You just become the centre of attention for everyone else in the queue as the hood and the boot lid perform ballet-like movements until everything is in place and you are well and truly in the dry again.
When the hood is down you lose some boot space but there is still plenty for a reasonable amount of luggage. And with the hood raised you get enough space for large suitcases.
The hood itself is multi-layered so there is very little difference in internal noise compared to an A4 saloon.
The S-line model comes with electrically adjustable full leather sports seats as well as larger alloy wheels.
On the road the car is a delight. The three-litre powerplant is so torquey and responsive that it really leaves nothing to be desired. Put you foot down hard and the response is instant, rapid and refined.
It is a very easy car to live with and one which will satisfy the most demanding of drivers.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 TDI cabrio quattro S-line
Price: £35,360
Mechanical: 233 bhp, 3,5360cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 150mph
0-62mph: 7.8 secs
Combined mpg: 33.2
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 225 g/km
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 mileage; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust