Audi A4 2003 review

It arrives as Australia's new-found love affair with the convertible lures a host of drop-tops to our shores.

While most of the new arrivals have come in at less than $50,000, the new Audi has a hefty price tag of $105,370.

But the sexy A4 offers a lot more than an expensive fling, according to Audi managing director Graham Hardy.

``When you drive this cabriolet, it's a huge step ahead in terms of equipment and what you'd expect in the conventional sedan,'' Hardy says.

``And because of the improvements in rigidity, there is very little twist and flex and it's extremely solid.

``I think that will make this car's appeal more enduring than it otherwise would be for this kind of car. It's much less of a compromise.''

The new Audi convertible's chassis is twice as stiff as the previous model's, which means it won't wallow around corners and over bumps. It also helps reduce rattles and other noises that often annoy convertible owners.

The A4's other advantage over many of its rivals is a back seat that genuinely fits two adults, with the rear passengers getting 66mm more room than in the previous model.

The electro-hydraulic hood opens and closes in about 30 seconds and can be operated from inside the cabin or remotely via the key.

Even with the hood down, there's 246 litres of boot space, enough room for a golf bag or two.

The first A4 Cabriolets in Australia will be powered by a 3-litre V6 that delivers 160kW of power at 6300rpm and 290Nm of torque at 3200rpm. A cheaper version with a 1.8-litre engine will follow.

The Australian A4 Cabriolets are front-wheel-drive and won't get the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

They do, however, come with Audi's continuously variable transmission, called Multitronic. This system effectively offers an unlimited number of transmission ratios, which in practice means no obvious gear changes.

Safety features include an active rollover system which triggers two protective bars behind the rear seats, as well as an electronic stability program and hydraulic braking assistance.

The Audi Cabriolet 3.0 costs $105,370, with the 1.8-litre version expected to be $80,000-$90,000.

On the road

BUYING a convertible is all about having fun and being seen to have fun. But it usually means compromising practicality.

The Audi Cabriolet is a compromise but a very good one. It's not quite as sure-footed as a quattro, as sporty as an S4 or as much fun as the TT roadster. But it is a pretty competent and cool mix and, as far as drop-tops go, is practical and easy to live with -- something that cannot be said about every convertible on the market.

With the fabric roof closed, the Cabriolet is a very good cruiser, offering the right dose of comfort and sporty handling. It also is pretty quiet and has relatively little intrusive wind noise compared with many convertibles. It also has a reasonable amount of room for the rear passengers as well, although taller passengers might struggle for headroom with the hood up.

People buy convertibles for that open-air freedom but it often comes at the expense of body rigidity, which, in turn, impacts on the car's handling. The Audi Cabriolet, however, feels confident and solid on all but the roughest roads, thanks to its stiffer body.

The 3-litre V6 engine is smooth and willing, without being breathtaking. But it's Audi's impressive Multitronic transmission that allows the V6 to star.

Multitronic allows smooth acceleration without noticeable changes in gear ratios. It's so smooth it's almost eerie. For those who can't get used to it, there is a tiptronic function for manual use.

The automatic roof is a wonderful thing and, while it folds away into the rear compartment, it attracts almost as much attention as the car itself.

And with the top down, it's hard not to get noticed, even if it isn't quite as showy as the equivalent Benz or BMW. It is a statement but not a brash one.