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It didn't exactly take a CSI-worthy investigation to discover the big trend in convertibles this year: disappearing metal roofs.

Two of the four vehicles in the convertible category were tin-tops, and it would have been four of six if the Volvo C70 and BMW 3 Series Cabs had made it in time.

In fact, with the flip-and-fold tops now appearing even in cheap little subcompacts in Europe, our kids just may look at folding fabric roofs the same way we look at carburetors — prehistoric technology that served its purpose for a time but now belongs in the automotive scrap yard.

But back to modern technology. Here's how the four new 2007 contenders stacked up when driven back to back.Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T

As the most expensive vehicle by far in the group at $65,350, you'd almost expect the A4 Cab to be one of the metal heads, since folding roofs are still seen as a luxury offering on this side of the Atlantic.

Unfortunately, the A4's power top is fabric only, making it much easier for determined thieves to get inside the car. Plus there are safety and structural benefits to be had with a metal roof.

Audi would likely point out that none of the A4 Cab's competitors use a folding hardtop, but, judging from the two competitors that are coming soon and the less expensive ones already here, Audi seems behind the curve on this one. Especially when the VW Eos shows that its management sees a demand for such a vehicle here.

Okay, getting beyond the top, at least the Audi is the most refined one of the group, right? Well, hold your turbocharged horses. For the most part, yes, but upon ignition it sounds like you're firing up a diesel, although its 2.0 turbo engine quickly quiets down to a gentle idle.

There's also a certain thrashiness at high revs that was not evident in the Eos, though both share the same engine.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

This car is all about looking good and going fast, and for many folks, what else in a convertible really matters?

The Eclipse's top is power-operated, as are all the convertibles in this new-for-2007 foursome, but the Spyder was the only one to require manual latching and unlatching of the fabric roof to and from the windshield header. It's not a huge pain but definitely not as ergonomically friendly as the others.

The $36,998 Eclipse Spyder offered lots of get-up-and-vroom, but it might be one of those cars that would be better with an automatic, at least in the V-6 version tested. The engine's impressive power led to impressive torque steer as well, as the front wheels had too much on their plate trying to put power to the ground and trying to turn the car. The shifter was light and easy to operate, but a long throw and a touch imprecise, too.

But I scored this car as the best-looking of the bunch, especially with the top down. When it's time to cruise, the slower the better.

Pontiac G6 Convertible

GM has big plans for its this car. The company believes it will become the best-selling drop-top in North America, since it is the lowest-priced folding hardtop on the continent.

It's hard to argue with that logic, as its base price of just under 36 grand is less than that of many well-optioned soft-tops, including the Eclipse Spyder.

This particular G6 went for $39,805 as tested, the second lowest of this group, but felt like the Wal-Mart special of the bunch. Interior materials were a bit below the quality level of the Mitsubishi and leagues behind the pricier Eos and A4.

But there were some bigger issues that irked as well. A rear seatbelt flapped noisily against the seatback on the highway. And the trunk is reduced to Solstice-like laughability with the top down. If your bags aren't as flat as two or three stacked Frisbees, you can forget about using it for anything but loose clothes.

Still, that same trunk is positively huge in this class with the top up, at 362 litres, while power and handling are both admirably polished. And the back seat is the largest and most forgiving of the bunch, too.

Volkswagen Eos 2.0T

VW's recent convertibles, the Golf Cabriolet and New Beetle Convertible, have not exactly been abundant in, shall we say, masculine appeal.

So upon exiting the Eos, I quizzed a helpful college-aged woman about whether a guy picking her up on a date with this particular Eos — a fashionable baby blue number — would hurt the chances for date No. 2. “No, I don't think so. I like it,” she said. Both statements indicate a promising future for Volkswagen's new drop-top among men and women.

This vehicle can also truly label itself the no-compromise hardtop convertible. That's because the Eos driver doesn't have to settle for the interior darkness that comes with most cabriolets, fabric or hardtop, because usually there's no sunroof available. The Eos not only has a sunroof; it's a large, panoramic one that can be powered back independently, just as on any power-roof-equipped car.

Combine the super-slick top with an interior that's as nice as the Audi's, a more refined engine and a great DSG shift paddle transmission that cracks off lightning-quick shifts, as well as smooth automatic operation, and this $43,255 vehicle got my vote as the clear standard to beat in this class.