Few four-seat convertibles on the market can match the straight-line performance of Audi's 'S' fettled A4 cabriolet. With 0-100km/h sprinting of just 5.9 seconds, it's a thrill ride combined with all the safety, technological and luxury features expected of a top-shelf German vehicle.
Launched in April, 2005, the S4 cabriolet marries the awesome performance of the S4 sedan with the drop-top appeal of the A4 convertible. For $143,800, you get the super-responsive 4.2lt V8 pumping out 253kW at 7000rpm and 410Nm at 3500rpm. It's a wonderful free-revving unit that punches hard from standstill, spins effortlessly to 7000revs and delivers a seductive, although muted, note that's music to a car enthusiast's ears.
Stomp on the throttle too hard, though, and you'll have the tyres scrabbling for grip, despite the safety net of all-wheel drive and traction control. Fuel economy was another highlight, returning 12litres/100km despite some spirited driving.
Not quite as impressive was the six-speed tiptronic auto that, although effective around town, is not as seamless as Audi's delightful DSG 'box especially during push-on driving. The paddle shifters on the steering wheel were also awkwardly placed and discouraged use, so much so that we ended up leaving it in 'sports' auto mode most of the time.
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