Imagine a device that can turn back your internal clock - something that makes you feel like a kid again. The Audi A4 cabriolet 3.2 FSI quattro is such a machine. In fact, this car was so much fun to drive I was tempted not to return it.
The A4 has a squat, broad look and appears designed to cling to the road even when it's standing still. It's slot-like lights and squarish grill give the impression that this is a serious car for serious enjoyment.
It sits on 17" cast alloy rims shod with 235/45 tyres that provide fantastic road holding and traction, and are whisper quiet at any speed.
And there's a full size spare in the boot just to ensure the look of the car is never spoiled.
This is not a car that's content to sit and idle or trundle along in traffic. The 3.2-litre engine begins to jerk slightly at about 40km/h or whenever the rev counter drops below 2000rpm, so it's best to keep your foot down and gear changes at 3500rpm or above.
The A4's engine delivers a claimed 188kw at 6500rpm and 330Nm at 3250rpm, making this a remarkably quick car and the continuous camshaft adjustment on the intake and exhaust valves ensures you always have power on tap.
Acceleration is rapid with the A4 sprinting from 0-100 km/h in only 6.8sec. The car is electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h - and it's very easy to get it that limit and be left wanting more.
Handling is rock steady at any speed, thanks to double-wishbone front and independent rear suspension that includes an anti-roll bar.
There's no perceivable body roll in corners and bumps are completely soaked up, giving you the feeling that the world around you is remarkably well levelled.
The interior of the A4 is plush and controls and fittings are accented with chrome and walnut inlays. The bucket seats keep you comfortably cradled and can be electronically adjusted for just about any possible driving position with a series of switches on the side of each front seat.
The A4 is stylish with its cloth top up, but looks far better with it down - after all, what good is a cabriolet if you're not driving with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair?
Legroom in the rear is minimal. Two children will fit comfortably in the back, but this is not a car for carrying more than two adults at a time.
Mental note
Boot space is also cramped - you're not going on a family holiday with this one, mate. But if you really need the extra room you can pull a lever inside the boot and the stowage space for the soft top folds up and away.
Of course this means you have to make a mental note not to put the roof down or you'll end up crunching the glass rear window into a pile of shards.
What really makes the A4 cabriolet great is that the car functions so well you won't be bothered about its features. Instead, you'll thoroughly enjoy the driving experience and be left wanting more. It's a car that becomes part of your journey, rather than a means of getting to a particular destination.
In fact, the A4 is so addictive it should be put on a list of controlled substances.
Prices
- 2.0T FSI manual - R390 000
- 2.0T FSI multitronic - R404 500
- 3.2 FSI quattro manual - R473 000
- 3.2 FSI quattro Tiptronic - R486 000