Standard equipment includes the usual luxury fare such as power windows, mirrors (with heat), and locks that include keyless entry. The standard leather seats have 12-way power actuation from the front, with 6-way heated cushions and 4-way lumbar adjustment. The 3-spoke sport steering wheel is leather-wrapped too, and includes a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescopic column. As would be expected the shift knob and hand brake lever are also covered in richly finished hides.
The A4 Cabriolet's dual climate control includes an A/C smog sensor that automatically changes from fresh to re-circulate when exterior air becomes foul, not helpful if the top is down. Another unique and appreciated feature has the turn signals clicking for only three flashes when lightly pressed, or continual when fully engaged.
A $2,210 Premium Package adds a multifunction steering wheel, garage door opener, auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass, auto-dimming sideview mirrors and xenon headlamps. Additional options include a Bose audio system at $920, a navigation system at $1,975, and the option of a set of $1,500 premium leather seats or $2,250 premium leather sport seats. With every feature included the $61,200 base price jumps to $69,620. While approaching $70 large seems particularly expensive for a compact luxury convertible, it is right on the money in this category, especially considering its exceptional quality and high-tech features.
Speaking of which, I've been impressed with continually variable transmission technology since I first tested it out in a 1986 Subaru Justy. You can just imaging the improvements made over the last seven years, especially when applied by a luxury brand. Audi's CVT - named Multitronic - comes only in front-wheel drive layout A4s - a quattro AWD convertible is not available yet. How does it work? Rather than increasing engine revs over repeated intervals between gear changes, the CVT allows the engine to remain at a constant rev range, manipulating the final drive seamlessly from within the transmission. Just like a snowmobile, you keep going faster just by applying the throttle.