Review: Audi S4 Cabriolet

Few four-seat convertibles on the market can match the straight-line performance of Audi's 'S' fettled A4 cabriolet. With 0-100km/h sprinting of just 5.9 seconds, it's a thrill ride combined with all the safety, technological and luxury features expected of a top-shelf German vehicle.

Launched in April, 2005, the S4 cabriolet marries the awesome performance of the S4 sedan with the drop-top appeal of the A4 convertible. For $143,800, you get the super-responsive 4.2lt V8 pumping out 253kW at 7000rpm and 410Nm at 3500rpm. It's a wonderful free-revving unit that punches hard from standstill, spins effortlessly to 7000revs and delivers a seductive, although muted, note that's music to a car enthusiast's ears.

Stomp on the throttle too hard, though, and you'll have the tyres scrabbling for grip, despite the safety net of all-wheel drive and traction control. Fuel economy was another highlight, returning 12litres/100km despite some spirited driving.

Not quite as impressive was the six-speed tiptronic auto that, although effective around town, is not as seamless as Audi's delightful DSG 'box especially during push-on driving. The paddle shifters on the steering wheel were also awkwardly placed and discouraged use, so much so that we ended up leaving it in 'sports' auto mode most of the time.

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Lexus - 9/30/2005 7:31:44 PM

+1 Boost

I mean Audi is a really nice car too, but 143K$ and only does what 0-100km/h in 5.9. With 143K$$$, I would get the Aston Martin AMV8, or add another 30k $$, to get the DB9. In fact, you can even get an BMW M6 with 507 horse power for a price arrange around $110K.

If I was to paid over 100K$$$ for a car, it would be a Aston Martin, Bentley or an M6 not this Audi. Audi a pretty good looking car but 143K$$ is quite pricy if you ask me.

Lexus - 9/30/2005 10:33:56 PM

+1 Boost

Bill, can I call you billy boy, come back when you have something Smart to said. I'm just telling the truth, this S4 for $143K, you must be Mentally insane to buy it for that price; are you Billy Boy? The new 2006 AMV8 only cost $110K, the DB9 in the 170K range and the BMW M6 which is a much more beautiful car than the S4 here only cost like what $110K.

Oh billy boy...go play with your HotWheel toys/Barbies before come back and talk to me. What an Idiot $143K for a S4, what moron. No one is that Stupid to buy a S4 for $143,000,. Everyone know with $143,000 dollars you choose from an Bmw M5, M6, Aston Martin Vantage,Aston Martin Db9.

Lexus - 9/30/2005 10:39:35 PM

+1 Boost

You know Audi is definitely one of most beautiful car out there but man $143,000 dollars it alot money for that. And it does 0-60 in 5.9 when you have other car with cost way less 0-60 under low 5.0-5.6 range. Like the Bmw M3, IS350.

Hey I'm just telling the truth, it is to to much for a S4. As far name brand goes I would rather choose a Aston Martin instead, Lexus or even the Bmw.

Lexus

Lexus - 9/30/2005 10:57:02 PM

+1 Boost

Correction made you need to add at least another 35k$/40K$ to the price tag of 143k$ to buy the DB9.

That is all, LOL:)

Matthew1 - 10/1/2005 12:31:39 AM

+1 Boost

The S4 cabriolet costs $55,360 according to Audi USA.

There you go Lexus, you can't buy a AMV8 for that money.

JUGNU - 10/2/2005 2:56:44 PM

+1 Boost

Audi is cool but this price tag of A4 Cabrio 4.2 is definately Overpriced.

I'll go for some mini-exotics if i have to pay this much,even i can go for RS4 or RS6 but not for this A4 cabrio.

JUGNU - 10/2/2005 2:56:44 PM

+1 Boost

Audi is cool but this price tag of A4 Cabrio 4.2 is definately Overpriced.

I'll go for some mini-exotics if i have to pay this much,even i can go for RS4 or RS6 but not for this A4 cabrio.

Matthew1 - 10/2/2005 5:22:45 PM

+1 Boost

read the post above yours. Its in Australian currency.

Rsport has the answer.

beemaze - 10/6/2005 11:37:54 PM

+1 Boost

I actually had an opportunity to rent an S4 cab in Monterey, CA from hertz for 4 days last Sept.

Like most Audis of today it's interior quality is excellent as well as ergonomics. Only thing i had trouble finding was the trunk release, hidden in the driver's door pocket. Seats were very comfy.

Engine reasonably powerful with a nice V8 growl. Keep in mind it's a quattro so not too much excitement like you have from a RWD. Tranny was OK, but the paddle shifters only worked when the center gear shift was moved to the left. (It's supposed to work all the time so it's an Audi VAG thing)

Handling pretty good and flat for a heavy cab such as this. Some cowl shake over bumpy surfaces.

Styling a bit muted for my taste. Needs a deck spoiler and more agressive body work. Especially for the price you're paying.

In this price range, this was one of the vehicles I actually looked at before leasing a MBZ C55 AMG.

This is a good sporty cab that can actually seat 4 comfortably for medium distances. I din't get one because i didn't need a cab, didn't need quattro, the styling is too plain and similar to the A4, pricing slightly better on the C55.

Yes, you can say the C55's styling is similar to other C-classes, but it has more obvious differences to distinguish itself. Plus that RWD V8 with speedshift tranny is way more visceral than any Audi S4 I've driven.