Audi unveils A4/S4 soft-top details
A4 and S4 Cabriolet models show their paces
Audi S4 Cabriolet: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds
Specifications
In common with the outgoing model, the new A4 Cabriolet is available as a standard model or with an optional Sport or S line specification. Standard equipment for all A4 Cabriolet models includes 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, electric operation for the roof, windows and mirrors, electronic climate control, a Concert II radio with front loading single CD player and a four-spoke leather-rimmed multifunction steering wheel with paddle shift controls (where applicable).
All six-cylinder petrol and TDI A4 Cabriolet models include a six-CD autochanger and Audi satellite navigation technology -- only CD-based though -- with colour screen. At an extra cost of £750, the Sport upgrade is available for all models (except the S4 quattro). Wheels go up a size to 17 inches with parallel twin spokes and wider tyres, plus front sports seats with electric lumbar support and a three-spoke leather-rimmed sports steering wheel with paddle shift controls.
S Line options and features
The more sporty S line specification, costing an additional £2,400, is more comprehensive than before, according to Audi, adding black leather trim throughout to the A4 Cabriolet S line's spec. S line equipment also includes 18-inch five-spoke alloys, sports suspension, front sports seats with electric lumbar adjustment, a three-spoke leather-rimmed multifunction S line steering wheel, matt silver aluminium fascia inlays and S line exterior badging.
A new departure for the latest generation A4 Cabriolet S line models is an exclusive optional S line exterior look achieved by a unique S line radiator grille design, a remodelled front bumper and a special S line diffuser within the rear bumper. All A4 Cabriolet versions can be ordered with the £2,400 S line specification for an extra £750.
S4 quattro models feature 18-inch Avus III alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, CD-based satnav, fully electrically adjustable front sports seats with alcantara and leather combination upholstery, polished aluminium door mirrors and carbon fibre fascia inlays.
Motive power
Four engines are new to the A4 Cabriolet – the four-cylinder turbo petrol 2.0 T FSI with 198bhp, the 3.2 V6 FSI with 252bhp, the 2.0-litre TDI with 138bhp and the 3.0 V6 TDI, now upgraded from 201bhp to 230bhp. The 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol with 161bhp features in the initial line-up.
The S4 quattro Cabriolet gets the compact 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine boasting 339bhp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 302lb-ft at 3500 rpm. Performance is pretty quick, with 0-62mph in the six-speed manual being covered in 5.9 seconds, and with the six-speed tiptronic (a £1,400 option), 6.2 seconds. Max speed is an electronically limited 155mph.
Audi is also keen to highlight suspension changes designed to make the A4 Cab more of a driver's car -- see link below for details.
Merlot said:
But still for some reason no airbag deactivation switch and ISOFIX points in the front passenger seat on the S4. Shame!
No Fords have that either. Its a pain in the butt for those of us with young children. Sometimes its nice to let your kid ride up front when its just the 2 of you in the car, but if you cannot deactivate the passenger airbag, then its a no go.
I drive a Focus and recently me and my eldest went to Nottingham. It would have been MUCH easier to have her up front with me, but because I could not turn off the airbag, she had to go in the back.
Whilst these features might seem boring to those without children, this is the real world where cars have to perform a number of roles at any given time (especially those like the A4), so some thought about this would have gone a long way.
p~
Merlot said:
But still for some reason no airbag deactivation switch and ISOFIX points in the front passenger seat on the S4. Shame!
IIRC, the law says that children under 12 have to ride in the back seat if one is available.
As for the shape of the new Audis - I absolutely hate that new nose. Audi hit the styling just right with the RS4 and the RS6. Subtle aggression. Now it looks like a Skoda Octavia that's melted at the front.
The By has updated Torsen T-3 centre differential, featuring a default asymmetric 40:60 front-rear torque split on manual transmission?
Several reviews I have read say the DSG flappy paddles is much better, but surely a 40:60 front rear torque split is worth getting the manual for?
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff