Audi A4 Convertible 2.0 TDI
Content
Especially if the product says (say) Audi. There are also more and more niche models from Ingolstadt, cars that expand the offer in a new class or even create their own class, but with some models they remain classics. A4 Cabrio is a very typical example.
If not that far, then there are quite a few noticeable changes after the renovation (headlight, hood), but with a slightly longer distance when the view covers everything, the A4 Cabrio is very similar to the one listed in the price list. Until recently. That is, there are no significant differences in design, including in the size of the car.
We know convertibles are as old as an old car. And already the cars in front could have a tarpaulin roof over their heads. This generation A4 Cabria is nothing new either, although convertible coupes (hardtop!) Are becoming more popular in all sizes and price ranges. Well, starting with the carriages, the awnings have been vastly improved, where Audi is undoubtedly at the top: there is less noise inside (with the roof closed) and it is much easier to maintain the internal temperature on cold days, the roof is waterproof and the mechanism folds flawlessly and is explained by the push of a button. ... You will find that it is noticeably better. But anyway: you still have the canvas at the top.
In the classics, as much as the eye can perceive. But this is not the end. Classics - for Audi - also mechanics. Already the last generation of the eighties was one of the first to choose a turbodiesel engine, which at that time was still considered sinful, but today there is nothing special about it. Many followed them.
Of course, Audi has taken care of new engines this time too, including a fresh two-liter 16-valve turbodiesel, such as the one that powered the test A4 Cabrio. For him, that is, for this engine, we already know: the one that appears in the cars of this concern, which weigh up to about one and a half tons, is the most reasonable choice in terms of driving use. and in terms of economy.
It also responds well to idle, but especially with this weight of the car, its weakness is noticeable, as it starts to pull well from only 1.800 crankshaft revolutions per minute. This means that more frequent use of the gear lever is required than desired and proves once again that eight-valve technology (1.9 TDI) is even more convenient in this area. This 2.0 TDI also (or especially) in the A4 Cabrio does not like city driving with big starts and acceleration from the lowest speeds.
On the other hand, this TDI rises above 1.800 rpm almost at a sporty moment, as it pulls perfectly and evenly up to a good 4.000 rpm. With the six gears of the gearbox, this area is well covered and allows for dynamic, sporty driving on all types of roads; most often on roads outside built-up areas and to some extent also on highways. Thanks to the good torque, the climbs don't tire it out quickly, so driving with it is (maybe) a pleasure.
The gearbox can be very fast, although we (still) blame it for the awkward feel of feedback when shifting, and during fast shifting from fifth to fourth gear, the driver can "go wrong" and inadvertently shift into sixth gear. For the most part, this is a matter of taste and / or habit, so the overall impression is still very good.
Sure, it took a lot of engineering work for the A4 to be a convertible, but the A4 is still in the driving seat - with some additional more or less pleasant windsurfing traits: the ability to ride without a roof over your head, with more pronounced, often unsettling dead angles (rear view) and with a pair of doors on the sides. Driving with a tidy roof should not only be seen as driving with a 70-litre smaller boot (because the roof folds there), but also one of the best options for driving for as long as possible throughout the year. On the warmest days it is necessary to lower the side windows, and the gradual limitation of the wind (raised windows, excellent wind protection net, abundant heating) allows you to enjoy even outside temperatures close to zero Celsius.
You won't be able to get rid of blind spots in convertibles from other brands, and one pair of side doors means two things: a sportier look to the bodywork and awkward access (the fold-and-move mechanism is well-designed, but stiff and uncomfortable) to the rear bench. Overall, this convertible has quite a lot of interior space as the tarpaulin roof limits the height of all four seats and there is very little knee room in the back; if a person more than a meter and three-quarters tall is sitting in the front seat, then it is almost impossible to sit in the back seat, despite the neatly designed benches.
However, with the exception of limited headroom, this is not the case with the front seats. The seats are great, although the seats don't allow for any special adjustments, the environment works extremely compact and beautifully designed, and the materials, including the vast majority of plastic, are excellent. If the car has leather, as in the A4 Cabrio test, then the impression, of course, is especially prestigious. There is also a small "game" with a choice of colors; the test A4 was dark green, but almost black from a distance with a black roof, and the creamy interior added prestige to this combination with a subtle British tint.
Given the current design and technical trends, the A4 Cabrio's dashboard is also quite short, the windshield appears to be quite low and vertical, and the steering wheel is very close to the dashboard. However, all this does not affect the driving of the car and the general well-being; there really isn't enough extra drawer or space for small items, and there is only one place for a can (and that's in an awkward place), but on the other hand, great air conditioning, great audio system and almost excellent ergonomics make up for this. Here we find only minor complaints: the steering wheel in the down position covers the sensors and that the mechanics of the turn signal switch are a little uncomfortable.
This Audi also convinces in driving. In addition to the already described drive mechanics, the steering wheel manifests itself as an excellent feeling of what is happening under the wheels, immediacy, sporty rigidity and steering precision. The tuned chassis allows for some lateral tilt, but it softens bumps on the ground well and, above all, keeps the vehicle in neutral for a long time. It is only when cornering is very fast that it becomes apparent that a steering wheel needs to be added, which is an easy task due to the immediacy of the steering.
In conclusion, a little speculative thinking. Too bad coupes are out of fashion now; if they were, such an A4 would also be a coupe. I would be very handsome. And because of the mechanics, it is also genetically well designed. But - windmills still offer more than a coupe, right?
Vinko Kernc
Photo: Sasha Kapetanovich.
Audi A4 Convertible 2.0 TDI
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 40.823,74 € |
| Test model cost: | 43.932,57 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 103kW (140 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,7 with |
| Maximum speed: | 212 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 6,5l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 1968 cm3 - maximum power 103 kW (140 hp) at 4000 rpm - maximum torque 320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 235/45 R 17 W (Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip M + S). |
| Capacity: | top speed 212 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 9,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,5 / 5,4 / 6,5 l / 100 km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | convertible - 2 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - front single wishbones, leaf springs, two triangular cross members, stabilizer - rear single suspension, cross members, inclined rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes), rear coil - coil 11,1 m. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1600 kg - permissible gross weight 1980 kg. |
| Inner dimensions: | fuel tank 70 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 × suitcase (68,5 l) |
Our measurements
| T = 14 ° C / p = 1020 mbar / rel. Ownership: 68% / Condition of km counter: 1608 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 10,8s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,6 years ( 129 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 32,1 years ( 164 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 7,6 / 12,9s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 10,5 / 13,7s |
| Maximum speed: | 212km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 8,2l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 10,8l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 9,9 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 41,8m |
| AM table: | 39m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 55dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 65dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 63dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 61dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 69dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 68dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 67dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (337/420)
If you're looking for a convertible in this price and size range, you can't go wrong with an Audi like this. You have to be especially picky to find more resentment towards him. It's just that the roominess (including the trunk) is not worth high hopes.
Exterior (15/15)
The workmanship is exemplary, and the look is mostly a matter of taste, but here we have no hesitation in giving a high five.
Interior (109/140)
Rear space is very limited, ergonomics are excellent, and the package lacks a PDC at least in the rear.
Engine, transmission (35
/ 40)Despite being a diesel, the engine fits perfectly into the car. The gearbox does not make the best impression.
Driving performance (79
/ 95)Excellent steering and driving position! Long clutch pedal travel and good chassis compromise.
Performance (28/35)
Over 1.800 rpm, excellent maneuverability, very good acceleration. Up to 1.800 rpm only conditionally.
Security (34/45)
As for the convertible, it is very well equipped in terms of safety, but such a roof also introduces blind spots.
Economy
Diesel can also be modest and therefore economical in consumption, and the price cannot boast of being economical.
We praise and reproach
exterior and interior
production, materials
compact interior
Equipment
flywheel
engine over 1.800 rpm
access to the back bench
engine up to 1.800 rpm
spaciousness on the back bench
feeling during a search
too little storage space
long clutch pedal movement
