2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet Road Test

A modern automotive specialty is the manufacture of ergonomically correct seats. Audi has mastered this one-time elusive skill with

The seats are wonderful, and I was most grateful for front seat cushions with an extendable leading edge. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

12-way power adjustable and heated Silk Nappa buckets up front. These ergonomically designed seats provide firm support and side bolstering so effective that Velcro clothing wouldn't improve the grip. Something Audi does that I wish more manufacturers had the forethought to do is produce front seat cushions with an extendable leading edge. I was most grateful for this thoughtful touch, as for once my lengthy thighs were supported clean through to the knee joint, which made it possible to comfortably maintain my right foot on the throttle - not always the case.

Although the steering wheel in my test unit was among the most comfortable I have ever gripped, I have a gripe; at a base sticker of $81,350 Canadian why should a purchaser be nickel'ed and dime'd for equipment now found as standard on run-of-the-mill sedans. I'm talking about steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control buttons. In Canada a multifunction steering wheel in the S4 requires an additional $220 - give me a break! Audi ought to take a lesson from the other "A" manufacturer of premium vehicles, Acura, and fully load their S4. As a frequent puncher of audio buttons (I hate inane advertising) I am annoyed at constantly removing

The S4's interior layout, ergonomics, plus fit and finish is first rate. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

my hand from the S4's steering wheel every time the music ends and the irritation begins.

Now that I have regained my decorum and finished venting about what many would consider a triviality, let me say that the S4's interior layout, ergonomics plus fit and finish is first rate. Buttons and switches actuate with the precision of a Swiss, er German timepiece, including the console-mounted button that invites the world into the S4's modern cockpit. Hold it down for less than 60-seconds and nothing further shall come between man, or woman, and the planets above. That's it folks - nothing to manually latch or unlatch, snap or unbutton. When the minute's up, a beautifully finished Cabriolet appears. With the roof neatly stowed there's no unsightly shift from deck lid to tonneau cover, just a seamless transition highlighted by a strip of brushed aluminum matching the S4's brushed aluminum side mirrors and windshield frame.