THE exceptional V8-fuelled pace of the Audi S4 can now also be enjoyed with a breath of fresh air in the new S4 Cabriolet.

The S4 Cabriolet opens for UK ordering this month with an on-the-road price of £40,275.

The only convertible of its kind to combine a powerful eight-cylinder engine with the reassurance of permanent four-wheel-drive, the S4 Cabriolet will reach its first British customers in early April.

The compact 4.2-litre V8 engine, which boasts 344PS at 7,000rpm and peak torque of 410Nm at 3,500rpm, gives the new Audi S4 Cabriolet truly exhilarating performance.

Nought-to-62mph in the six-speed manual transmission version is covered in just 5.9 seconds, and the six-speed tiptronic (automatic transmission optional at £1,400) runs close at 6.2 seconds.

Both versions can, where permiss-ible, reach an electronically-governed maximum speed of 155mph.

Subtle differences mark out the S4 Cabriolet from its A4 Cabriolet counterparts. Eighteen-inch Avus alloy wheels, xenon headlights and polished aluminium exterior mirrors are the low-key external indicators that signify the calibre of this extra special Audi.

Inside, the S quattro series trademarks include grey instrument dials, carbon fibre fascia and door inlays, electrically-adjustable sports seats upholstered in a combination of alcantara and pearl nappa leather and a leather-rimmed sports steering wheel incorporating the S emblem.

The reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive is also available for A4 Cabriolet models. The A4 Cabriolet 1.8 T quattro (163PS) costs £26,015, with the V6-powered A4 Cabriolet three-litre (220PS) at £29,495.

The number of Audi models offering the drive configuration that is the most secure and appropriate for the changeable British climate - which, according to the Met Office, delivers more wet days than dry each year - now stands at 38.

For more information, call Martins Audi on 01256 867020.