The added weight necessary to beef up the sedan optimized platform does affect it in the corners. Fortunately my test car came equipped with the $1,125 optional Sport Package, that includes a sport tuned suspension with 30% firmer springs and dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars and 17-inch alloy wheels mated to 235/45R17 performance tires. While my loaner handled pretty well, but not quite as agile as the superb A4 sedan, the base suspension is reportedly taxed during aggressive driving through the curves. Without the sport suspension the A4 Cab's nose is said to plow while leaning heavily into each bend, despite the convertible's 20 mm (0.79 in) reduction in ride height. Understeering traits aside, even the base car can handle long sweeping corners with grace and sharp hairpins at more moderate speeds. The body seems rock solid too, with no cowl shake even over speed bumps. Truly, in either trim level it's a wonderful cruiser with perfectly weighted, positive feedback steering and exceptionally responsive ABS equipped 4-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and hydraulic Brake Assist.
The power top needs only a stoplight's duration to fully drop, but make sure you've just arrived when the light turns red - I found myself still waiting for the hard tonneau to fully close while a few fortunately patient motorists looked on from behind. Wind buffeting is kept to a minimum even without the attachable deflector that is stored in the 315 L (11.1 cu ft) trunk - slightly smaller than in the sedan. Incidentally the trunk incorporates a lever actuated panel to increase its size if the top is up. When in this position it's hard to tell that the convertible is not a coupe. From the well insulated fabric top to its glass rear window the Audi is silent. Incidentally the rear window incorporates an electric rear window defogger with automatic timed shut-off feature, essential for Canadian winters.