2007 Audi A4 Review

Specifications

If a car makes a statement about its owner’s personality, convertibles are thevehicular equivalent of “Hey, Look at me!” Open topped cars are not ideal modes of transportation for the introverted. The guy who works down the hall from you that attends science fiction conventions and sports suspenders on a daily basis does not drive a convertible. After all, on a beautiful day it’s downright wrong to conceal the outside world’s glory with a steel roof. Dropping the top is an experience relished by many, who claim there is no substitute for al fresco motoring.

The wind in the hair feeling is usually provided by a car that has Type A looks in line with the personalities who drive them. The 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T we recently tested held true to that fundamental principle of convertible governance. It came handsomely dressed in Moro Blue Pearl Effect paint nicely contrasted by a tan fabric top. Despite the fact that the car is based on an aging platform, it’s still visually pleasing. Its proportions are elegant and clean; timeless seems a fitting adjective. The A4 Cabriolet looks good whether the top is up or down, something that can’t be said of many convertibles.

Thankfully, lowering the top is a simple and non-intrusive process. While inPark, press and hold the power window style switch in the center console until the electric motors and servos have completed their choreographed movement stowing the roof neatly beneath a tonneau cover. That’s all there is to it. Shoppers in the luxury convertible class expect nothing less from their vehicles. Exceeding those high expectations are interior noise levels with the top in place. We were amazed at the library like silence that enveloped us whenever the stereo was muted thanks to the new acoustic roof, implemented with the 2007 model-year change. Not only that, but it insulates well from cold weather.

Step into the A4, and let the senses explore. The heady smell of supple leather. The flawless mix of high quality materials and textures, the tightness of the switchgear. The general consensus among our staffers is that Audi interiors are among the best out there. It has seats that have equal parts comfort and support, imparting the feeling you could drive all day without fatigue. The six setting posterior heaters are a real treat in chilly temperatures. Warm looking wood accents and appealing tan hues further add to the overall feel of sophistication. Outward sightlines are pretty good except for the C-pillar, a tradeoff one must sacrifice when owning a convertible anyway.

Motivation for the A4 Cabriolet is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injectedfour-cylinder engine. It has won over the hearts of many who have experienced it, providing good power with negligible amounts of turbo lag. It’s mounted longitudinally in this application, no doubt providing better balance as a result. Our tester’s gears were shifted automatically by a six-speed automatic transmission. As good as it is you can sometimes catch the tranny snoozing. It can hesitate somewhat on downshifts, and sometimes chooses a shifting strategy that is at odds with the engine’s power delivery characteristics. At times you encounter flat spots or sudden unwelcome bursts of acceleration. Under most conditions though, it gets the job done without complaint. There is a choice between Drive and Sport modes, the latter which holds gears longer and is more willing to kick down when the driver calls for acceleration. If neither of these settings feels involving enough, Audi invites you to shift gears on your own via a particularly responsive Tiptronic manu-matic mode. Rounding out the drive train is Audi’s stellar Quattro all-wheel drive system. Whether the roads are slick or bone dry, Quattro makes the most out of the traction available, allowing aggressive cornering speeds and the ability to get back into the throttle quite early on corner exit.

One thing is for sure when going down the road; this car is a smoothie.Whether you’re trolling around town or blasting down the highway, the A4 Cabriolet exudes a confidence and refinement that could only have come from an Audi. The 2.0-liter’s voice fades into the background, only making itself known when more power is needed. As far as exhaust notes go, it sounds a trifle unenthusiastic and disinterested when moving under light throttle; there’s a low sound from the four that is slightly flat and far from flattering until you rev it. Considering this engine can muster 11.4 pounds of boost, turbo noise is conspicuous by its absence. When you get into the 2.0-liter past 2,000 rpm, there’s a rich vein of torque throughout the rev range contributing to a linear throttle response - a welcome change from other peaky-feeling, artificially aspirated engines we’ve tested.

Anytime you remove the roof of a car, youtake away structural rigidity. Audi engineers addressed this issue by beefing up the A4 Cabriolet’s chassis to cope with the stresses placed upon it. Under most conditions you’ll appreciate their efforts. However, when the pace picks up it feels as though something gets lost in translation between the dialog of contact patch, suspension and chassis. There’s quite a bit of up and down motion from the suspension, not surprising when you consider that spring rates are usually softened for convertible applications. It prefers high speed sweepers rather than tight, decreasing radius switchbacks. The A4 Cabriolet also exhibits minor cowl and steering column shake and the chassis doesn’t care for large road imperfections. Throughout our test drive we noted some quivering from the structure, but this was mostly felt on less than perfect tarmac.

We should stress that these behaviors only become apparent whenpushing the car past seven tenths. Being that most people won’t put the same demands on their vehicles as we do during a road test, it may be a moot point. Rather, those that acquire an A4 Cabriolet will be impressed on a daily basis with the overall dynamic personality of the car. Its autobahn pedigree is undeniable when traversing highways and the vice like grip of the Quattro system gives unparalleled security in all driving conditions. And although its not gusty or loud when the top is down, the stereo has more than enough volume to ensure that the car you’re passing can clearly hear what you’re listening to. Isn’t that what a convertible is all about, cranking the tunes and heading for the horizon? Next time the open road beckons, consider the A4 Cabriolet. It’s a great car to sample all the joys owning a convertible provides.

Specifications (Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T quattro)