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Audi A4 Cabrio 1.8 T Multitronic

Is this the Audi A4 dream team? We already know how strong the stylish and flamboyant Cabriolet is when combined with the efficient Multitronic CVT gearbox, but now the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been added to the squad, bringing value for money to the Cabrio's defence.

By Chris Thorp

March 2003

Is this the Audi A4 dream team? We already know how strong the stylish and flamboyant Cabriolet is when combined with the efficient Multitronic CVT gearbox, but now the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been added to the squad, bringing value for money to the Cabrio's defence.

If there's any engine in production which has been thoroughly tried and tested, it's the Volkswagen Group's 1.8 T. Slotted into this roofless A4, it produces 163bhp, but with continuously variable transmission (CVT) the character of the gutsy unit is changed for the better. A CVT system does not use conventional gears, but instead holds the revs at optimum level for acceleration or cruising. So the usual turbo lag followed by a spurt of whistling pace at high revs is less noticeable.

The end result is a dramatic power delivery, which makes the new Cabrio feel quicker than it actually is. Keep your right foot down and 60mph will come up from standstill in 9.3 seconds - that's a fraction quicker than you can expect with a standard manual gearbox. What's more, a maximum speed of 136mph is on offer. If you still prefer to swap the cogs yourself, though, simply slide the gearlever over to the left and it will give sequential control of six artificially stepped ratios.

Feel the wind in your hair as you head for the open road and you begin to understand how good this drop-top is. The ride quality matches its rivals', while the handling is suitably sporty, with the snappy sequential changes egging you on to really enjoy the A4.

Buyers of the Cabrio Multitronic will be pleased to learn that, unlike a conventional automatic 'box, the Audi's CVT does not have an adverse effect on fuel economy. As a result, the 1.8 T returns a healthy 33.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 204g/km.

A basic 1.8 T Cabrio will cost you GBP23,350, but if you opt to have the excellent Multitronic gearbox the price rises to GBP24,800. That undercuts the 170bhp 2.4-litre V6 by GBP1,320, the 220bhp 3.0-litre by ΂£4,120 and the 163bhp 2.5-litre diesel by GBP3,035.

Our test car came with extras that took the cost up to a more daunting GBP29,825, although the options included 17-inch alloys, leather trim and metallic paint. What's more, it's the only model in its class to feature CVT technology, and undercuts the slower BMW 318 Ci automatic by GBP1,660.

The new entry-level A4 Cabrio has much to offer and is good value compared with its stablemates. Despite not having the latest engine on the market, this car could be Audi's rising star.

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For an alternative review of the latest Audi A4 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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FIRST OPINION

    If you don't want a diesel version and can't stretch to the more expensive V6s, Audi's A4 Cabrio with the acclaimed 1.8 T engine could be the answer. Mated to the excellent Multitronic CVT gearbox, the powerplant feels gutsy and is potent enough for the needs of most drivers.
 

AT A GLANCE

    New entry-level Audi A4 Cabrio on sale in the UK now
    Multitronic CVT transmission is an option costing GBP1,450
     
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