Aiding and abetting vehicle control in perilous situations is Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). This technology adds
 |
| The S4 Cabriolet receives rollover protection in the form of two pop-up roll bars that deploy when a rollover is imminent. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
a margin of computer actuated control in dicey situations by applying wheel specific braking to bring a wayward vehicle back on-course before complete control is lost. Such systems can be very effective but are not a replacement for commonsense, of course, and therefore do not guarantee their results. Nonetheless, when combined with the driver and front passenger frontal airbags, and the driver and front passenger side airbags, the S4 becomes a very safe cocoon of automotive technology. And due to its topless nature, the S4 Cabriolet also receives rollover protection in the form of two pop-up roll bars that deploy when a vehicular inversion is imminent, that would join a heavily reinforced A-pillar and windshield surround to shield occupants if the car ever did roll over.
In addition to being well stocked with safety technology the S4 is well stocked with comfort and convenience features. There is, in fact, very little that can be added in the way of standalone options and option packages. Standalones consist of heated rear
 |
| The S4 comes with everything you could want, except maybe the steep price tag starting at a lofty $81,350. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
seats, Audi's navigation system, Bose premium sound, carbon fiber interior trim and the aforementioned multifunction steering wheel that I bemoaned for not being included as standard equipment. The only option package is the Premium Package which adds Homelink, auto dimming electric folding exterior mirrors, auto dimming interior mirror with built-in compass, light sensor package and memory for the driver's seat and mirrors. Pretty much anything else one can think of or desire is already there.
Regrettably all this German derived equipment, performance and style arrives at the local Audi dealer at a pretty steep price. In Canada the base S4 requires the surrender of $81,350 greenbacks (or should I say 81 pinkbacks, three brown and some change). In the US $53,850 will need to hit the counter before the keys will drop.
