PROS
Composed, rattle-free open-top ride, High-brow interior, Good fuel economy with Turbochared four-cylinder engine
CONS
Raspy engine at startup and in acceleration, Small trunk that gets smaller when the top goes down, Cramped rear seats
The four-seat luxury-convertible is a uniquely European phenomenon. Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Saab, Porsche, and Volvo each offer at least one--some more than one. But just because most luxury ragtops are European, doesn't mean that Americans can't enjoy them as well.
The Audi A4 Cabriolet is a four-seat version of the five passenger A4 sedan. It rides the same 104.5-inch wheelbase and comes with a one-button power operated fabric top with glass rear window with defogger. All A4 models get antilock brakes, stability control, and front and front-side airbags. Sedans get curtain side airbags while Cabriolets get head-protecting front-side airbags and popup rear support bars that deploy in the event of a rollover.
The Cabriolet comes in three distinct flavors: 2.0T, 3.2, and S4. The 2.0T is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower. The 3.2 features a 255-horsepower V6 engine. Both are available with a six-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or CVT automatic transmission. The S4 comes with a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 340 horsepower and mates to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. 2.0T is available with front- or all-wheel drive. 3.2 and S4 comes only with all-wheel drive.
Available features include navigation system, steering-linked HID headlamps, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth cell phone connection and rear-obstacle-detection system. A4 Cabriolet prices start at $36,006 for the 2.0T and rise to $55,700 for the S4. All models have a $775 destination charge and are built in Germany.
Vehicle Tested |
2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T quattro
Base Price: $41,200
As-Tested Price: $49,575
Built in Germany.
Options
Phantom Black Pearl Effect / Black Roof
Audi Navigation Plus
Convenience Package
Premium Audio Package
Premium Package
Bluetooth Phone Preparation
Heated Front Seats
Dark Walnut Wood Trim
Sport Suspension
Engine: DOHC 2.0-liter I4
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Wheels: all-wheel drive |
Get up and Go The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2.0T Cabriolet mates well to the 6-speed automatic transmission. It has enough power to push the all-wheel drive convertible from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. There's some turbo lag in passing situations, but the transmission does a good job of downshifting quickly to deliver more power. The transmission also offers a manual mode for those that like to shift themselves.
The engine is somewhat coarse compared to other luxury convertibles. This is especially noticeable at startup and when tooling around town. On the highway, the engine settles into a pleasing Teutonic hum.
Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system is a model of simplicity. There are no buttons to push or knobs to twist. Simply put the car in drive and a computer doles out power to all four wheels when necessary. Regardless of road surface, the A4 feels sure footed under acceleration.
The 2.0T all-wheel-drive A4 Cabriolet is EPA rated at 22 mpg city and 30 mph highway. Those are impressive numbers given the ragtop's quick acceleration. Even more impressive is the real-world fuel economy. With a gentile throttle foot, it's easy to average 30 mph in highway driving and routine Chicagoland commuters are likely to average more than 25 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for best performance.
On the Road The 2.0T Cabriolet rides comfortably, if somewhat firmly. Most bumps are nicely muted by the suspension, but occasionally sharp jolts are transmitted unfiltered. 3.2 and S4 models ride more firmly with the S4 bordering on harsh.
All A4 models hold the road well and inspire driver confidence. Steering is nicely weighted and accurate, brakes are strong and have an easy-to-modulate pedal, and there's little body lean in quick lane changes. Obviously, the S4 has the most handling prowess, but even the base 2.0T is more athletic than traditional luxury sedans.
Like all convertibles the A4 Cabriolet suffers some cowl shake. This is most noticeable with the top down. Top up the A4 feels nearly as solid as a traditional sedan.
As you might expect, A4 Cabriolet has more road and wind noise than a coupe or sedan. The biggest difference is at highway speeds when passing trucks. Then the top sometimes resonates with vibrations. Top down and windows up, passengers will be pleased by the lack of wind buffeting.
Behind the WheelFor years, Audi vehicles have featured interiors that were pleasing to the eye and functional. The A4's interior is no different. Materials are top notch and fit-and-finish is excellent. Gauges are clear and well lit, and audio and climate controls are within easy reach of both the driver and passenger. Ancillary controls for the windows, locks and mirrors are right where they should be, and even the optional navigation system is easy to program thanks to Audi's innovative MMI interface.
Firm front seats offer plenty of bolstering and good support in aggressive driving. Head and leg room are generous, but the center console is overly wide and eats into knee room. Thanks to an airy greenhouse and large rear three-quarter windows, driver visibility is good when compared to other convertibles.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA |
Rear seats are best left to children. Though they are comfortable enough, leg room is tight and access is difficult. Also, when the top is up, headroom is limited.
Cargo room is disappointing. The A4 Cabriolet has a proper trunk with 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space. That's not bad by convertible standards, but once you put the top down, half of that cargo room disappears. Interior storage is limited by small map pockets and a tiny center armrest bin.
Bottom LineThere's no getting around the fact that the A4 Cabriolet is an expensive proposition. Even a judiciously optioned 2.0T model will easily list for more than $45,000. That said, it's a wonderful car. Top up or down, it's fun to drive, economical, and offers occasional room for two extra passengers. The same can't be said for many competitors.
If you are in the market for a luxury convertible, you do have options. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, and Volvo all offer vehicles that are similar in size and price. What sets the A4 Cabriolet apart is its unique blend of luxury, technology, comfort, and performance.
| Specifications, 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T quattro |
| Dimensions | 4-door wagon | Engine | Turbocharged DOHC I4 |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 / 191 |
| Length, in. | 180.0 | Horsepower @ rpm | 255 @ 6500 |
| Width, in. | 70.0 | Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm | 243 @ 3250 |
| Height, in. | 58.4 | Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Weight, lbs. | 3759 | EPA Estimates, mpg | 22 city / 30 highway |
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft. | 10.2 | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | Manufacturer's Warranty |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | Bumper-to-Bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | Powertrain | None |
| Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | Corrosion | 12 years / Unlimited |
| Second-Row Head Room, in. | 36.3 | Free Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Second-Row Leg Room, in. | 32.4 | Free Scheduled Maintenance | 1 year / 5000 miles |