Audi A4 goes topless in a cool climate

It may seem brave to launch a convertible on the Irish market in the middle of a less than radiant summer. However, the sun gods gave their blessing to the new Audi A4 Cabriolet as it arrived. Well, at least the rain stayed away.

The latest entrant from one of the best selling marques in the premium sector, it attempts to fill the large shoes of its highly successful predecessor, the Audi 80 Cabriolet.

Outlasting many of its rivals, the Cabriolet exemplified the four seater luxury convertible class, alongside BMW and Mercedes.

In design terms, the new A4 Cabriolet suggests elements of TT influence with its flat front end, the wedge-shaped profile, the second grille under the bumper and the contoured tail.

Yet this full four seater retains a more urbane look than the avant-garde TT.

The interior also features elements from the TT, notably the round centre console air vents, while the new Cabriolet is a definite improvement on its predecessor in terms of space, with the wheelbase increased by 100 millimetres.

They say the willingness to sacrifice is the prelude to freedom. In the world of convertibles, the freedom to go open top cruising is usually paid for in the rear, with boot space comparable to a lady's handbag.

However, while you need to keep the hood up to get full use of the A4 Cabriolet's 315-litre boot, it has plenty of space for the golf clubs, or alternatively a pushchair and the parental paraphernalia.

As for the all important hood, the Audi features a one-touch electrically-operated hood, with heated glass rear screen, which folds away in 28 seconds.

To compensate for the soft top roof the A4's monocoque has been reinforced and a pair of pop-up roll hoops located behind the rear seats.

Audi's Irish sales manager John Hayes expects to sell around 100 of the A4 cabriolets in the coming year and describes it as an "important niche model".

The range on sale here consists of two models initially - a 3-litre 220 bhp V6 at €59,590 and a 2.4-litre 170 bhp V6 at €52,540. Both come with 5-speed manual transmission. Next year will see the arrival of a 2.5-litre turbodiesel.

The standard specification includes climate control air conditioning, variable height front seats,electric windows, remote central lockingand 16-inch alloy wheels.