Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T FSI

Costs

You'll pay plenty for the privilege of owning an A4 Cabriolet, but this is true of most cars in this premium sector - and don't forget to factor in a few choice optional extras. Running costs will vary depending on engine choice. Diesel is great for saving the pennies, while the FSI units prefer the more costly super unleaded petrol. Servicing, although based on a flexible programme, is on a par with compact premium saloons. Depending on your insurer, the fabric roof may influence the cost of your premium.

Space and practicality

Few four-door convertibles live up to the hype, but Audi's A4 is one of them. It will accommodate four adults, although you won't be able to use the wind deflector - when erected it straddles the rear seats. Elsewhere, the Cabriolet is like any other A4; oddment space is good, the door bins are a decent size and the cabin is wide enough so you rarely rub shoulders with fellow passengers. With the roof up, the boot is more than adequate. Space can be increased by flipping a lever and retracting the vacant roof's container - although you can't lower the roof once you've done this.

Controls and display

There are no major complaints here, as Audi constantly refines the knack of producing solid cabins and ergonomic controls. The main dials are pleasingly clear, with the colour display separating the dials a useful addition. The audio unit is placed high up in the fascia, with the major controls conveniently duplicated on the steering wheel. The only gripe concerns the climate control panel. Located low down the centre panel, a few rotary dials would be better than the numerous buttons required to change the temperature, direction and fan speed.

Comfort

Sitting in the A4 Cabriolet is like sitting in a regular A4 saloon, for front seat occupants at least. The seats, be they leather or fabric, are supportive - especially the sport versions. The driving position will adjust to suit most shapes and sizes, and headroom is good. Rear seat occupants get only modest levels of legroom, which could be a problem on long journeys. With the roof up, road and engine noise is minimal.

Car security

All the usual anti-theft devices are present on the A4, as you would expect of a car in this sector. The remote central locking works from a good range, and the remote boot release is a welcome bonus. Adding a visual deterrent, such as a steering lock, is recommended, as is a tracking device. The A4 is no Ferrari, but the Cabriolet has always been highly sought after. The only potential weak link is the car's fabric roof, which is easier to damage than a metal one.

Car safety

There are no surprises here, but the car's safety provision is nonetheless reassuring. As part of the package you get twin front and side airbags, plus the usual array of electronic stability controls plus ABS. Xenon headlamps can be selected, while the car's rollover protection consists of bars that pop up if onboard sensors detect an inversion is imminent.

Driver appeal

Although the A4 platform has improved enormously since its launch, this car still trails BMW's 3 Series in the enjoyment stakes. The cabrio feels usefully stiff despite the absence of a steel roof, though. It also comes with a number of good engines - especially the 2.0-litre FSI turbo petrol and diesel units. More a swift cruiser than outright performance car, the A4's steering boasts only modest levels of feedback. Worthy of note is Audi's continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is an excellent companion for the FSI turbo engine.

Family car appeal

The A4 is something of a surprise, as it will accommodate four adults. The two rear occupants will need to be reasonably flexible, but this situation does bode well if you have a growing family. Less impressive is the car's boot space. While enough for a couple, a pushchair and shopping will stretch the car's capabilities.

First car appeal

Setting aside price and running costs, the A4 Cabriolet is no more difficult or intimidating to drive than a regular medium size car. The controls are easy to use and, even with the roof up and after some practice, parking isn't that challenging. Factor in the asking price and running costs and it gets a little tricky. Unless you need the space or have pots of money, a supermini derived drop-top would be a better starter car.

Quality and image

Audi has worked hard in recent years to get to where it is now. Critics routinely praise the quality of its cars, while desirability levels show no signs of abating. Image-wise the company, and its cars, present a bold, masculine aura, something BMW did a decade ago and is a world apart from Mercedes' softer brand image.

Accessibility

The car's long doors certainly help to make accessing the front seats easy. Thankfully the roof is at a sensible height, ensuring you don't have to stoop too low to get in. Rear seat passengers have to clamber over the folded front seats to get in, but luckily they can be pushed well forward out of the way. To improve access, you can lower all four windows together, something that further aides rear occupants. The car's boot is a reasonable size and, like the A4 saloon, boasts a large loading aperture.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The standard set-up in the A4 delivers a good sound and boasts an easy to read display. The major functions are duplicated on the steering wheel, and the centre display between the main dials highlights radio station, CD track and the like. Upgrades include a CD changer, handsfree telephone module and full colour sat-nav. All work well, especially the sat-nav thanks to a bright screen and intuitive controls.

Colours and trim

Most exterior colours work well, although the traditional silver and dark blue metallic shades help to flatter the car. The same is true of the roof colour -care must be taken so the colour doesn't clash. The dark cabin can be lifted by a choice of light upholstery (preferably leather) although be mindful of its long-term durability.

Parking

The view forward from the A4's cabin is good, although the window pillars might cause you to duck and dodge around them when in a tight space. The view rearwards is not great with the roof up, as the wide rear pillars obscure your vision. Predictably, this all changes with the roof down. Parking sensors also make life easier.

Spare wheel

Space saver is fitted as standard.