Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009) Review
Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009) Verdict
Beautifully built cabin with high-quality materials. Fabric roof is quiet, durable and preserves more boot space than folding hardtops. Comfortable ride makes it an excellent long-distance cruiser. Wide range of petrol, diesel and quattro models to suit different buyers.
Rear seats are cramped for adults. Suspension components can wear with age, particularly on higher-mileage cars. Timing belt replacement is essential on many engines and can be costly if overlooked. Roof mechanisms and electronics should be checked carefully before buying.
Find out more about the Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009)
The Audi A4 Cabriolet offered a more refined take on open-top motoring than many of its rivals. Rather than chasing outright sportiness, Audi focused on comfort, quality and year-round usability, creating a convertible that feels just as happy on the motorway in winter as it does cruising with the roof down on a summer evening.
Based on the B7-generation A4, the Cabriolet used a traditional fabric roof instead of the folding metal hardtops that became fashionable in the mid-2000s.
That decision has paid dividends with age. The soft-top is lighter, preserves useful boot space and gives the A4 a cleaner, more elegant profile than many contemporary convertibles. Better still, it offers impressive refinement when raised, making the car feel much like the saloon on longer journeys.
The engine range included economical diesels alongside smooth petrol units, while buyers could choose front-wheel drive or Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system on selected models. High levels of standard equipment and the brand's excellent interior quality also helped the A4 Cabriolet compete with rivals such as the BMW 3 Series Convertible and Saab 9-3 Convertible.
Today, it represents excellent value on the used market. Values have fallen to the point where a well-maintained example costs little more than an ordinary family hatchback, yet it still feels suitably premium.
As with any older luxury car, however, maintenance history is critical. Roof operation, suspension wear and timing belt changes on many engines deserve particular attention, while neglected examples can quickly become expensive.
Choose carefully and the A4 Cabriolet remains one of the most accomplished four-seat convertibles of its era. It's comfortable, beautifully built and refined enough to be enjoyed every day, not just when the sun is shining.
Reviews for Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.8T to S4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 17–48 mpg
The A4 Cabriolet was offered with a broad selection of engines. Petrol buyers could choose from the 2.0 TFSI, naturally aspirated 3.2 V6 and range-topping S4's 4.2-litre V8, while diesel options included the 2.0 TDI and the excellent 3.0 TDI V6. Front-wheel drive was standard on most models, with quattro all-wheel drive available on more powerful engines.
The standout choice for most used buyers is the 3.0 TDI. It combines effortless performance with respectable fuel economy and suits the Cabriolet's relaxed character perfectly.
The 2.0 TFSI is another good option, offering strong performance and lower running costs, although early examples should be checked for evidence of careful maintenance. Buyers considering the 2.0 TDI should ensure timing belt changes have been carried out on schedule.
The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than outright agility, making the A4 an excellent long-distance tourer. It feels secure and composed through corners, while quattro-equipped cars provide exceptional grip in poor weather.
When buying, listen for knocks from the front suspension, check for uneven tyre wear and ensure the steering feels precise. Automatic gearboxes should shift smoothly, while manuals should have a light clutch and positive gear selection. A complete service history is far more important than low mileage.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8T | 34 mpg | 9.4 s | 199 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 44 mpg | 9.7 s | 172 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI | 34 mpg | 7.9 s | 199 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | 36 mpg | 7.3 s | 209 g/km |
| 3.2 FSI quattro | 26 mpg | 6.8 s | 264 g/km |
| S4 | 21 mpg | 5.9 s | 331 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
98%
Real MPG
17–48 mpg
MPGs submitted
80
Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009) interior
- Boot space is 246 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4573 mm |
| Width | 1777 mm |
| Height | 1391 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
Audi's reputation for interior quality is fully justified here. The dashboard is beautifully assembled using soft-touch materials, clear instruments and solid switchgear that still feels reassuringly expensive nearly two decades later. Unlike some rivals, the A4 Cabriolet's cabin has aged gracefully, with few obvious signs of its mid-2000s origins.
The electrically operated fabric roof folds quickly and efficiently, and with it raised the cabin remains impressively quiet. Wind noise is well suppressed, making the car perfectly suited to year-round use. Roof seals should be checked carefully for signs of leaks or excessive wind noise, while the mechanism itself should operate smoothly without hesitation.
Front-seat comfort is excellent, with supportive seats and plenty of adjustment. Rear accommodation is more limited, however, making the A4 best suited to occasional use as a four-seater. Boot space is reasonable for a convertible and less compromised than many folding hardtop rivals.
Equipment levels are generous, with most cars featuring climate control, leather upholstery, alloy wheels and parking sensors, while higher-spec models add heated seats, Bose audio and satellite navigation.
When viewing a used example, check that every electrical feature works correctly, particularly the roof, windows and climate control. Worn driver's seat bolsters are common, but the rest of the interior should withstand high mileages remarkably well if properly cared for.
Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006 – 2009) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4573 mm |
| Width | 1777 mm |
| Height | 1391 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1540–1855 kg |
| Boot Space | 246 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £25,995–£42,645 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | H–M |
| Official MPG | 20.5–44.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8T | £25,995 | 34.0 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.8T Auto | £25,995 | - | - |
| 1.8T S line | £28,345 | 34.0 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.8T S line Auto | £28,345 | - | - |
| 1.8T Sport | £26,730 | 34.0 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.8T Sport Auto | £26,730 | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI | £26,785 | 44.1 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI Auto | £26,785 | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI S line | £29,135 | 44.1 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI S line Auto | £29,135 | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI Sport | £27,520 | 44.1 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI Sport Auto | £27,520 | - | - |
| 2.0T FSI | £27,290 | 34.0 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0T FSI Auto | £27,290 | - | - |
| 2.0T FSI S line | £29,640 | 34.0 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0T FSI S line Auto | £29,640 | - | - |
| 2.0T FSI Sport | £28,025 | 34.0 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0T FSI Sport Auto | £28,025 | - | - |
| 3.0 TDI quattro | £32,845 | 35.8 mpg | 7.3 s |
| 3.0 TDI quattro Auto | £32,845 | - | - |
| 3.0 TDI quattro S line | £35,195 | 35.8 mpg | 7.3 s |
| 3.0 TDI quattro S line Auto | £35,195 | - | - |
| 3.0 TDI quattro Sport | £33,580 | 35.8 mpg | 7.3 s |
| 3.0 TDI quattro Sport Auto | £33,580 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI Auto | £32,420 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI quattro | £32,370 | 25.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.2 FSI quattro Auto | £32,370 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI quattro S line | £34,720 | 25.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.2 FSI quattro S line Auto | £34,720 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI quattro Sport | £33,105 | 25.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.2 FSI quattro Sport Auto | £33,105 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI S line Auto | £34,470 | - | - |
| 3.2 FSI Sport Auto | £33,155 | - | - |
| S4 quattro | £42,645 | 20.5 mpg | 5.9 s |
| S4 quattro Auto | £42,645 | - | - |
Model History
September 2005
Revamped Audi convertible to made its world public debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Available to order in the UK from November for first deliveries in the first quarter of 2006
Features four petrol and TDI engines, four of which were new to the A4 Cabriolet - 1.8 T petrol (163PS), 2.0 T FSI petrol (200PS), 3.2 V6 FSI petrol (255PS), 2.0TDI (140PS) and 3.0 TDI (233PS)
Extensively revised chassis and steering maximise dynamic performance
New optional acoustic hood maximises cabin refinement
2.0TDI 140 priced from £26,500.
(Directly injected and turbocharged 2.0-litre unit with high-pressure pump injection delivers 140PS @ 4,000rpm and 320Nm between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm. 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, top speed of 131mph, 43.4mpg combined. Standard diesel particulate filter helps to minimise
emissions - 176g/km output. Paticulate filter needs not additives or servicing for life of the car.)
The five engines will be available with a choice of three trim level options - standard, Sport and S line - and will deliver their power to the road either via quattro four-wheel-drive or through the front wheels. Five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes, continuously variable multitronic transmission, which has seven speeds in its 'manual' mode or six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.
Upgrades inside and out for new A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition
Special version of sought-after A4 Cabriolet powered by 2.0 Turbo FSI 200PS engine and priced from £29,990 OTR available to order September 2007 for first deliveries in December 2007. Spec includes S line exterior styling, Pearl Nappa leather upholstery, BOSE sound system with CD autochanger, acoustic parking and xenon headlamps. 200PS @ 5,100-6,000rpm, 280Nm @ 1,800-5,000rpm, 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds (multitronic 8.1), top speed 146mph (multitronic 144), combined mpg 34.0 (multitronic 33.6), CO2 199g/km (multitronic 199g/km)
May 2012
Audi revised its recommendation for timing belt replacement on the 200PS 2.0TSI engine to be 75,000 miles or 5 years whichever comes soonest.
What to watch out for
S4 and RS4 have three radiators, two situated in the front whings where they are vulnerable to stone damage.
Early 2.0TDIs have a chain drive to the oil pump and the chain drive can eventually snap. Later cars have a gear train positive drive to the oil pump. Modifying early cars to positive oil pump drive can cost as much as £1,600. Failed oil pump drives totally wreck the engines and if the car has not been 100% Audi maintained, Audi will not pay.
A problem of later 2.0TDI PD 140s and 170s is failure of the oil pump. The oil pump is driven from a balancre shaft via a short hexagonal shaft. The peaks of this hexagonal shaft locate in six corresponding but minute grooves machined within the otherwise circular-bored oil pump drive shaft. Thus, the oil pump drive relies entirely on an interference fit of little more than 0.010" along the peaks of the hexagonal shaft. After about 50,000 miles, the shaft can round off, resulting in a totally destroyed engine and turbo, plus a bill of up to £9,000. If the danger is known and the oil pump is removed by the garage in good time, a new replacement pump will cost over £500, plus the labour etc to remove and refit it. However, it is also possible to save the old pump and modify the drive at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Many local machine shops already have numbers of these pumps in for such rectification, the drive shaft of each having been on the point of rounding off.
01-02-2014:The drains to the sills may require periodic cleaning otherwise water can collect inside them.
22-07-2014:Another Audi A4 B7 2.0 TDI BLB oil pump failure, this on a 60k mile 2007 A4 2.0 TDI cabrio. Dealer quoting £5,500 for new engine and turbo.
14-09-2016:Report of oil pump chain failing on a 63k mile 2006 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo Petrol S-Line. DSG, resulting in destruction of engine. Had been ritted with replacement timing belt in 2013.
