BECAUSE of the weight and packaging problems, Audi has said it would never do a metal-roofed convertible.

But BMW have launched the metal-roofed 3-series Convertible.

A core car in the firm’s toy shop for executives, the Convertible will go on sale in March and will give Audi’s still-excellent fabric-roof Cabriolet a run for its money.

In RV terms the Audi performs well above other A4 variants, and nearly matches the new BMW, suggesting that not having a metal roof doesn’t instantly mean poorer RVs. Instead, good looks and a great image count for more – and these two have those in spades.

AUDI A4 CABRIOLET 2.0T FSI S LINE MULTITRONIC: Price new £31,457

Mileage Age (months) Predicted value Money lost
20,000 12 £21,250/68% £10,207
30,000 18 £19,200/61% £12,257
40,000 24 £17,350/55% £14,107
50,000 30 £15,725/50% £15,732
60,000 36 £14,300/45% £17,157

Source: CAP Motor Research

BMW 320i CONVERTIBLE M SPORT AUTO: Price new £34,582

Mileage Age (months) Predicted value Money lost
20,000 12 £24,825/72% £9,757
30,000 18 £22,225/64% £12,357
40,000 24 £19,925/58% £14,657
50,000 30 £17,850/52% £16,732
60,000 36 £16,050/46% £18,532

Source: CAP Motor Research