Convertible cars are very popular and they are seen as being both macho and sexy. They give the driver a sense of freedom and they are ideal for warm weather. There are as many convertibles as there are car manufacturers. Convertibles are cars that have retractable roofs that fold away. Convertibles come in different body styles; it all depends on the manufacturer. Most convertibles have two doors and while some have 5 seats, others only have the front seats. The design of the roof also varies according to the manufacturer. However, for most vehicles, the roofs are not detachable, but hinge and fold away into the car’s back seats or into the trunk.
Some convertibles have roofs that retract automatically while others retract manually. Automatic retraction is either by electrical actuators or hydraulic actuators. The roof is made from rigid or soft material, depending on the manufacturer. The softer materials include canvas, vinyl, and textiles while the more rigid materials include steel, plastic, and aluminum. Convertibles made from soft tops go by the name cabrio, which is short form for cabriolet, or spyder. Convertibles with soft tops and 2 seats are usually called roadsters. On the other hand, convertibles with rigid tops go by the names retractable hardtops, coupé convertibles, or coupé cabriolets. Convertibles with rigid tops and two seats are usually called roadster coupés.
The greatest merit that convertibles offer is flexibility. However, there are several disadvantages such as reduced safety since it is easier to be thrown off the car, it is easier for thugs to break into the car (even when the roof is in place), the textile fabric deteriorates and shrinks with time due to exposure to the sun, and the cars are usually structurally inferior. Hard top convertibles are advantageous over soft tops in that they have more acoustic insulation, the interior and the roof is more durable, and they are safer since breaking in is a little more difficult. However, they are more expensive, most of the trunk space is taken up by the retractable roof, and the hard top is more mechanically complex.
Audi was established in 1909 and it follows that the company has produced many convertibles over the years. Note that most models or Audi convertibles also come as sedans. Examples of Audi convertibles are the A4 Cabriolet released in 2007, the A4 Cabriolet released in 2009, the A5 Cabriolet released in 2010, the TT Roadster released in 2006, and the TT Roadster released in 2008, among others. Audi convertibles are known to be strong and reliable. The roof retracts smoothly and even whilst driving, there is no stutter. Most Audi convertibles have leather interior.
When buying an Audi convertible, there are several things to consider. Consider the warranty on the retractable roof, how smoothly the roof retracts, how the roof fits when it is down, the quality of the material and whether the material used in the interior is easily stained or damaged by the sun. You should take the car on a drive test before putting pen on paper.
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