Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.2 FSI 2006 Review

7-day Test

No doubt about it -- Audi's latest updated soft-top is a looker. Admittedly, it has taken some getting used to but the gaping mouth on the new Audi 'face' works. Strong and imposing there's simply no mistaking it for anything else.

The rest of the convertible with its newly-styled front and rear lights is stunning as well. Audi does clean uncluttered lines better than almost anyone -- and the new 3.2 V6-engined A4 Cabriolet is no exception.

But the changes to the new (B7 in Audi speak) boulevard cruiser are more than skin deep. Audi's latest convertible boasts steering and ride and handling tweaks which all contribute to an ultra-comfy, stress-free drive.

The new models -- there's also the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 1.8T at $83,400 in the two-model open-car range -- come standard with hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering featuring speed-dependent power assistance. We found it way too light, however, and lacking in any real feel.

Safety equipment includes Audi's new-generation electronic stability control (ESP 8) with a two-stage deactivation button. Like the lastest from Benz and BMW, the Cabrio's suite of latest techno-goodies include clever brake functions such disc wiping which helps keep the brake discs dry and ready for action in wet conditions.

There are plenty of standard features including automatic air-conditioning, electrically-adjustable lumbar support, fully-electric adjustment on the front seats and dual-stage front airbags and front-side airbags.

As with most convertibles, the back seats are a best used in (very) short stints. Indeed the miniscule dimensions are a bit of a disappointment considering the car's A4 sedan roots. Two-up the back seats can be employed as extra storage space for a couple of small suitcases -- and just as well because with the roof down the boot couldn't swallow a Panadol.

But there are no complaints about the Cabriolet's new electro-hydraulic soft-top -- it's a ripper. It's fantastic at eliminating noise and it lowers 5.0secs faster than the preceding model. Can't complain about that.

The top-spec Cabriolet we tested featured Audi's new 3.2-litre FSI direct-injection petrol V6 engine. It cranks out 188kW at 6500rpm and 330Nm at 3250rpm. Power is via the front wheels only -- there's no quattro option for the Cabrio.

It's a commendably smooth powerplant with a touch of Jekyll and Hyde, however. In cruising mode, especially with the hood down things are very quiet and refined. But sink the boot and the exhaust pipes send out a ripper of a howl and the car lifts its skirts very effectively.

The car doesn't quite feel as quick as the claimed 7.2sec (0-100km/h) but when pressed the engine does light up and carries the heavy, 1660kg two-door along swiftly. That said the dynamics of the car don't encourage a press-on style of driving.

The standard spec also includes Audi's Multitronic, oh-so-smooth, seven-speed CVT automatic transmission. Unless you are concentrating on it specifically, the changes are so seamless as to render them almost unnoticeable.

There are paddles for 'manual' gear changing but if ever there was a car where such an add-on was unnecessary it's this one. Forget swapping cogs and instead just sit back, cruise the boulevards and enjoy the admiring glances.