ONE look at the Audi RS5 Cabrio and you know this car means business.

From its aggressive front bumper and gaping air intakes to the huge front grille and 19-inch alloys it is clear that the Cabrio is not for those that like to go about their business quietly.

Its lowered suspension and huge exhausts add to its sporting looks and when the V8 engine fires up it lets everyone know you are behind the wheel of something special.

The Cabrio is one of the latest motors to join Audi's expanding high-performance range and it is a four-seat convertible that blends stunning looks with a premium interior and incredible four-wheel-drive performance.

The drop-top is powered by a glorious, hand-built 4.2-litre V8 engine which is naturally aspirated and produces a fantastic 444bhp.

As you would expect this results in blistering performance and the Cabrio can sprint to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds before going on to a restricted 155mph.

And if that is not enough - you can opt to pay extra to have an optional package which will allow the car to top 174mph.

The engine is mated to a superb seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be operated from paddles on the flat-bottomed steering wheel and Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system means that all the power is transferred smoothly to the road.

A three-layer fabric hood that retracts in just over 15 seconds is operated at the touch of a single button and it goes back into place in 17 seconds.

With the hood in place the cabin is well insulated from noise even at high motorway speeds and when you want the thrill of open motoring the roof can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph - a bonus in our weather. It also lets you enjoy the noise from the fantastic power plant.

The cabriolet is 205kg heavier than the coupe due to the extra weight of strengthening measures but the slight penalty in performance is barely noticeable.

Unleash all that power in the car's Dynamic setting and you will experience something special. You can also opt for the Dynamic Ride Control package for an extra £1,750 which will let you adjust the suspension system along with your driving mode.

Huge discs work very effectively to slow this beast down and the RS5 is also fitted with a raft of safety equipment.

The ride was a little harsh for my taste but you can improve it by selecting comfort mode when you are not focused on going too fast.

Inside the cabin is beautifully put together in typically Audi fashion and features Nappa leather clad sports seats and a super Bang & Olufsen sound system (£535 extra) and everything else you would expect on a car of this price and quality.

The RS5 Cabrio is not cheap at £68,985 before you even look at the options and this car with a good deal of "extra" equipment cost £77,755.

Running costs will also be substantial as I discovered the Cabrio has an alcoholic's thirst. The combined claimed figure is 26.4mpg but I averaged just over 19mpg.