B6 A4 Cabriolet

Audi’s A4 Cabriolet comes in from the cold in its latest form (previously known as merely “Audi Cabriolet” even though it was based on the A4’s predecessor the Audi B4-series 80).

That’s because there was no B5 A4 Cabriolet and Audi didn’t want to use the outmoded ‘80’ moniker by then.

It came complete with outstanding build quality, high safety levels and excellent on-road behaviour.

The slick new convertible is roomier, twice as taut and generally more comfortable than its predecessor, and offers improved practicality through a larger boot that is able to pass the now virtually compulsory double golf-bag test.

But the ride is harsh and the general dynamic behaviour a league below the class-leading BMW 3 Series convertible.

The 120kW/225Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo version offers better value for money than the $20,000-pricier 160kW/290Nm 3.0-litre V6, although equipment levels are really nothing special. Both use Audi’s outstanding Multitronic CVT automatic gearbox.