Audi A4 CABRIOLET 2.5 TDI
With the A4 Cabriolet TDi,
Audi Have Produced The First Diesel Powered Convertible Available In The UK. Andy Enright Reports
When it comes to overworn motoring clichés, "this is a diesel so refined you wont be able to differentiate it from a petrol engine" is right up there with "it corners on rails" or "all the controls fall easily to hand." If diesel engines really were so refined, why has no manufacturer had the confidence to offer one in convertible form? This is the acid test. Bereft of the soundproofed cocoon of an enclosed cabin, passengers are exposed to the full repertoire of sound effects. Audi have been the first to grasp this particular nettle, their A4 Cabriolet providing a platform from which the 2.5TDi diesel engine can perform.
Sound good to you?
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The concept of a diesel-powered convertible has traditionally been massively unappealing. Picture the scenario. You pull out to overtake, affecting your finest Terry-Thomas cad-like grin and, nothing. Youre stuck in the oncoming with significantly less acceleration than is required to prevent yourself becoming an Eddie Stobart bonnet ornament.
When the engine finally gets its trousers on, it belches out a cloud of soot that rivals the Asian Brown Cloud. Your car then waddles forth issuing so much clatter and din that your gritted teeth are now encrusted with midges drawn to the sweat leaping from your every pore. If
Audi are to counter this sort of perception, they need a very convincing product.
"It seems that every time a diesel-engined variant tries its hand at any given sector it rapidly emerges as a best buy. The A4 Cabriolet is no different."
In the A4 Cabriolet they have just that. For a start, its a modern design, no longer relying on the ancient underpinnings of its predecessor. The Ingolstadt firm also have a very creditable range of diesel powerplants from which to choose. The 163bhp 2.
5-litre V6 engine as fitted in this instance more than measures up, possessing the three key attributes, refinement, power and economy. Although there are engines that boast more cutting-edge diesel systems, the 2.5TDi is no slouch. There is a little clatter on start up, but its certainly not any worse than the 1.
8T petrol engine used elsewhere in the A4 range. At full throttle, it emits a full-throated roar that feels agreeably hairy chested without ever doing a convincing impression of a silky V6 petrol engine. The power delivery relies heavily on the turbocharger as well, but you soon learn to pick the gears according to the torque curve. Theres no shortage of torque and you dont need to go looking for it.
With 229lb/ft of torque available, the 2.5TDi can comfortably outmuscle the range-topping 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine or, for what its worth, a 3.2-litre
Porsche Boxster S.
Naturally, performance isnt quite on a par with the Porker, but a sprint to 60mph in 9.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 140mph wont generate too much cause for complaint. Nor will the average fuel consumption figure of nearly 40mpg. The only fly in the fillings comes in the form of emissions which at 194g/km, place the A4 Cabriolet TDi in a lofty VED tax banding.
Compared to the 235g/km showing of the 2.4-litre petrol version of the Cabriolet, however, the diesel stacks up reasonably well. Should the manual Cabriolet prove a little labour intensive for urban boulevarding, Audis advanced Multitronic CVT gearbox is also available. Theres very little loss in performance over the manual (around 5mph off the top speed) and no difference at all either at the pumps or in terms of emissions.
The electronics incorporate a Dynamic Control Programme (DRP) which monitors both the driver and the driving conditions. Arguably the most ingenious feature of these electronics is the aforementioned manual mode that can be selected by moving the gear lever to the right of the gate. It offers six fixed transmission stages, each selected with a touch of the gear lever or optional steering wheel-mounted rocker switches (which wed recommend). Again, on the move, the gearchanges are jolt-free.
As with ordinary Tiptronic-style gearboxes that offer this kind of manual set-up, its something thats fun to use when youre up for it, but many drivers will prefer the effortless nature of the fully automatic mode. Compared to its tin top sibling, the A4 Cabriolet TDi takes a hit in terms of practicality in exchange for drop top elegance. The boot only offers up 246 litres with the roof down (or 315 litres with the top up): enough room for a weekend away but limiting in terms of family motoring. The beautifully lined three-layer roof hides beneath an aluminium-trimmed solid tonneau cover when not in use. Electrically operated of course, it opens or closes in 24 seconds and there are no fiddly manual latches to break your nails on before you can press the button. The whole thing can also be done from the outside of the car by using the remote control keyfob.
Unfortunately, the wind deflector (essential if you want to comfortably drive with the roof down at speed) costs extra and, to add insult to injury, it effectively reduces your car to a two-seater. The rear window is a proper heated glass affair and there is of course an optional hard top, should you want to drive your car day-in, day-out all winter. It takes either a good dose of confidence or foolhardiness to strike out into a new market sector. Weve had diesel limousines, diesel coupes and now Audi have given us a diesel convertible.
Foolhardiness not being a trait associated with Audi, we can only tip our hats to their self-belief. It seems that every time a diesel-engined variant tries its hand at any given sector it rapidly emerges as a best buy. The A4 Cabriolet is no different, the petrol powered version suddenly appearing profligate in the extreme. What price a diesel supercar that corners on rails?
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.5 TDi V6
PRICES: £27,815 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 194g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.7s / Max Speed 140mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 39.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ESP, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4573/1777/1391mm
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