Audi lifts lid on new Cabriolet.

AUDI has lifted the lid on a new rag-top based on the sleek A5 coupe to replace its best-selling A4 Cabriolet.

The newcomer is being shown for the first time at Italy's Bologna Motor Show, and is expected to go on sale in the UK in time for spring.

Prices are likely to start at about pounds 30,000 for the two litre petrol versions, which will sell alongside a high performance 3.2-litre petrol model and also a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 240bhp on tap and permanent four wheel drive from Audi's quattro system.

This added grip will also be at the disposal of the flagship pounds 42,000 S5 model, which will use a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine generating 333bhp.

Transmissions will be a choice of manual, S-tronic and multitronic CVT systems.

The triple-layer canvas hood opens in 15 seconds and closes in 17 seconds, at speeds of up to 30mph.