2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet
Audi A4 Cabriolet - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet is a competent convertible version of Audi's well-regarded A4 sedan. Without Audi's celebrated Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system, it's a competitive entry-level luxury droptop, worthy of a test drive before you buy anything else. With Quattro, it's something special.
The Audi A4 Cabriolet is a competent convertible version of Audi's well-regarded A4 sedan. Without Audi's celebrated Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system, class competitive and worthy consideration against anything else in this class. With Quattro it's one of the better handling cars in a segment of the market where good handling is expected. The passenger cabin is one of the better options in this class, and reviews praise the handling of the A4 Cabriolet without exception. But lower trims are underpowered compared to others in this class, and with only a cloth top offered, it's starting to look dated next to newer hardtop convertibles with similar character and similar pricetags.
One area where the A4 Cabriolet is not starting to look dated is fuel economy. As gas prices reach record highs, it's worth noting that the A4 has the highest fuel efficiency of any luxury four-seat convertible.
The Audi A4 Cabriolet was celebrated when its last redesign arrived in 2005. The model has held up well. If reviewers have any complaints, they say that the four-cylinder engine of the 2.0T is a bit underpowered, and that the cloth top is starting to look dated when BMW, Volvo and Mercedes all offer hardtops in a similar price range. The A4 Cabriolet may be in its last model year. Though Audi has not officially announced that there will be no 2009 model, an A5 Cabriolet has been making the rounds of the automotive circuit.
The A4 Cabriolet is available in two trims, each named for their engine. The 2.0T is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower. A 3.2 edition is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 making 255 hp. Front-drive A4 Cabriolets come with a Continuously Variable Transmission, while Quattro-equipped cars offer the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic.
- "Until recently, a lot of Audis felt like not-quite-there versions of competitive BMWs, but this droptop A4, even in its final years of production before an A5 cabrio replaces it, is a compelling sporty luxury convertible."-- Car and Driver
- "You'll have to look long and hard to find a car that blends driving satisfaction, safety, convenience, practicality, great finish and reasonable ownership cost as well as the A4." -- New Car Test Drive
- "A comfortable, stylish and solid-performing, sporty convertible that isn’t as harsh-riding as some of the competition." --Forbes
- "Although the A4 looks classic and reserved, it changes character with speed. From the powertrain to the reassuring brakes to the cabin ergonomics (excellent lumbar support, good front leg-room, easy-to-read gauges), everything seems to skip up a notch when the tach revs." -- Automobile Magazine
A4-Cabriolet Performance - NA
The 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet is a respectable performer with its standard front-wheel drive architecture. However, even though it is listed as an option, most A4s sell with Quattro All-Wheel Drive. With Quattro, "some kind of superglue seems to seep out of the rubber" to grip the road, according to Automobile Magazine. A full A4 Cabriolet Performance Review is coming soon. continue
A4-Cabriolet Exterior - NA
The exterior design of the Audi A4 Cabriolet hasn't changed much in several years, and though it is a handsome car, it's one of the more conservative-looking models in this class. Reviewers have little to say, positive or negative, about the car's appearance. Some do recommend that buyers step up to the optional acoustic roof, which, Forbes says, "Makes use of denser fabrics to further reduce road noise. Audi claims a Cabriolet fitted with the optional headliner is as quiet as the sedan, even at highway speeds." A full A4 Cabriolet Exterior Review is coming soon. continue
A4-Cabriolet Interior - NA
The 2008 Audi A4 features "great ergonomics and supportive seats," according to Automobile Magazine. Audi interiors are almost universally well-regarded, and the A4 does nothing to change that opinion. One common reviewer complaint, however, is that Audi's navigation system interface is hard to learn. A full A4 Cabriolet Interior Review is coming soon. continue
A4-Cabriolet Safety - NA
The 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet achieved good crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but has not been crash tested by the federal government. A full A4 Cabriolet Safety Review is coming soon. continue
A4-Cabriolet Reliability - NA
The A4 Cabriolet is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.A full A4 Cabriolet Reliability Review is coming soon. continue
