Not every day is warm and breezy. But when you’re at the wheel of the new 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet, it doesn’t matter. Simply put: a fantastic car. The ride and handling is divine; the seats are comfortable and supportive; exterior looks are stunning; interior is well stocked; and the powertrain gels. To give balance, though, the car does come up short on a couple of things: an in-dash cup holder slants enough to tilt tall cups to the point of spilling a drink, and the wind noise – even when padded and triple-layered top is up – occasionally becomes unpleasant. The soft top – minus the usual peak and valley ripple look – does score extra points for incorporating a heated glass rear window with electric defrost.

A4 Cabriolet scores a first in the convertible segment with an advanced transmission (Audi’s multitronic continuously variable transmission) that employs a link-plate chain for limitless ratios and constant power. Transmission mates to a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, or to a 3.0-liter V6 with 220 horsepower and 221 pounds-feet torque at 3200 rpm. Interior of the A4 Cabriolet is eye-catching and appointed with such niceties as a lever on front seats that makes getting into the rear seat much easier. Standard appointments include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, dual zone climate control with filters for pollen, odors and dust as well as electrically adjustable, heated side mirrors. Mileage per gallon estimate for V6 is 20 city/27 highway. MSRP of V6 powered Audi A4 Cabriolet is $41,500.