It is a decade since Audi introduced its groundbreaking four-seater convertible.

It was an instant hit and after briefly testing two versions on launch recently, I believe they will follow the trend.

Indeed, with the model officially going on sale on July 1, Audi says that it already has orders for the 2002 allocation of the all-new Audi A4 Cabriolet.

This is the 161st open-top model to feature on the Audi family tree in the past 100 years.

The new cars will initially be powered by two V6 petrol engines shared by the A4 saloon and Avant a 2.4-litre with 170bhp and a 3.0-litre with 220bhp.

Both will be available allied to standard or sport trim, with on the road prices ranging from £24,670 for the Cabriolet 2.4 to £28,220 for the Cabriolet 3.0 Sport.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, remote control central locking activating an alarm with interior microwave protection, electronic climate control, a leather four-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a Concert stereo with single CD player.

An automatic roll-over protection system also adds to the extensive list of safety features already fitted to A4 saloon and Avant models.

Sport versions gain striking 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 tyres, sports suspension, a leather steering wheel and seats with electric lumbar support.

Whether in standard or sport form, the Cabriolet more than does justice to the refined performance of the V6 engines in terms of ride and handling.

Its four-link front and trapezoidal-link rear suspension, which has already won praise in the A4 saloon and Avant, has been both lowered and tuned specifically to give an even more sporting bias.

This sharper and more agile feel is emphasised even more strongly in the sport models with their firmer damper settings.

An exceptional increase in body rigidity of 112 per cent compared with the outgoing Cabriolet also brings benefits both dynamically and in terms of safety.

Like the new Audi A4 saloon and Avant, whose DNA it shares, the Cabriolet is considerably more practical than its predecessor, offering genuine four seat capability.

It also leads its class in luggage capacity thanks to a wheelbase which has been extended by 100mm compared with the original Cabriolet.

An electro-hydraulically operated hood with a heated glass rear window is fitted as standard equipment.

We will be reporting fully after a more extensive test later this summer.