Audi A4 2003 review

Waves crash over rocks as they roar toward a foaming death. The location is Watego's Beach at Byron Bay, a nice place for a weekend stay and an even nicer place for a drive.

A game of beach cricket was in progress among four family members and one brave soul went for a dip and lasted all of 38 seconds before retreating to dry himself with two jumbo-sized towels.

AUDI 1.8 TURBO CABRIOLET Price: $84,900. Engine: 1.8-litre four cylinder turbo. Power: 120kW@ Torque: 225Nm@1950rpm-4700rpm. Transmission: continuous variable transmission (CVT) auto with 6-speed sequential. Wheels: 7Jx16. Tyres: 215/55 R16. Kerb weight: 1580kg. Fuel consumpion: 9.2litres/100km as tested. Warranty: 3years/unlimited kilometres. Thumbs up: Panache, design, performance of intended function. Thumbs down: Rattles and crook rear vision when roof is up. Rivals: Saab 9-3 2-litre turbo convertible ($69,900). Five-star rating: ****.

The good news is that the fully automatic hydraulic roof took less time to lock back in place than the lone swimmer's plunge in the icy water.

This cabrio is endearing with smooth, clean lines and a functional cabin that is loaded with distinction through its simplicity and uncluttered design.

It lopes along the highway effortlessly and pushes through the single-lane twisties with verve. Knocking the gearstick across to the left, the cabrio raises the bar, adding zest and punch to the 1.8-litre turbo for added overtaking performance.

Ride quality is firm but contrary to some convertibles it is no bone-rattler. Fuel consumption on this 480km drive around northern NSW, the Gold Coast and Brisbane returned 9.3l/100km.

There are the usual soft-top quirks, a few rattles here and there and cramped vision out the back when reversing.

Those little traits are softened by virtue of the cabrio being one of the spunkiest and slickest looking convertibles around.