Overview:
This week I returned from the Pacific Northwest and was greeted at the airport by the 2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet Quattro MT6 convertible.
Now I know some would prefer being greeted by a spouse, significant other person but I didn’t hear one word of disagreement – no complaining about getting in late. This S4 waited patiently for me to come home. It is easy to understand why we Americans have a love affair with our automobiles.
But this is a very special automobile. And trust me, this is coming from a guy who had a passionate disregard for Audi not so many years ago. When brother John and I owned a foreign car repair shop in California, we found a lot of problems with Audi and lemons were plentiful in the 1970s and 1980s. But things have been changing over the past decade or more and like Nissan, there has been a welcomed turn around and fresh ideas and management. I have been testing Audi’s for the past ten years for publication and have come to change my opinion.
This is especially true of this S4. What a lovely automobile. It is solid, fast and fun. This is one of the finest cars of the year.
Handling & Performance:
Seamless perfection between the car and driver. It is easy to get connected with this car. The 340 horsepower V8 delivers smooth power through the 6-speed manual transmission that is super friendly and easy to shift. If I didn’t know better, I’d have said it was Turbocharged. I found I didn’t need to go completely through the gears, which is so necessary with many others. Uphill I used 1st, 3rd and 5th. Downhill I found 2nd, 4th and 6th worked great and cut the number of shifts substantially.
Styling:
You’ll be style’n in this S4, and it has subtle touches of class such as the piping on the seats that give a sense of quiet elegance while also giving that sporty look.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
I misread the price – forgot my glasses – and thought it said $68,000. Oh, I thought, that sounds about right after I drove from Los Angeles International airport home. Pretty classy. Not many cars give you that instinctive feel of quality. But then when I put my glasses on I looked again and it was “Only” $58,000. Funny how that gives you a sense of “Bargain”.
Conveniences:
The top goes down as easy as they get. You don’t even have to unlock, move a lever or anything. You simply push one button and the top slides and tucks away perfectly. The built in boot conceals the top from view. Ok, so it has a very small trunk. And the worst of that is it will not hold a set of golf clubs.
Customer Recommendation:
If your kids are grown or are nonexistent this cozy 4 seater is just the ticket for the outdoor type. Even with the top down it is extremely solid for a convertible. And with the top up you wouldn’t know you’re in a convertible. The liner looks no different from a hard top sedan. The sportiness and fun to drive Audi S4 is a wonderful auto experience and makes a great addition to any stable. The closest competitor is the BMW M3.
The Competition:
Audi S4 Cabriolet $46-55,000, Saab 9-3 $26-43,000, BMW M3 $47-56,000, Mercedes Benz C-Class $26-51,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000.
Good News:
Classy, fast, fun, convertible.
Bad News:
Not everyone can justify the cost of a car with such limitations – meaning only fair fuel economy, small trunk, little rear seat legroom.
Standard Equipment:
4.2 liter 340 horsepower 4 V8 engine, 6-speed manual trans, permanent AWD (all wheel drive) and ESP (electronic stabilization program) power 4-wheel ABS braking system, power steering, power retractable soft top with heated rear window, automatic dual zone climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, silk Nappa leather seats with 12 way power settings, real wood trim, leather wrapped sport steering wheel, concealed headlight washer system, AM/FM with in dash 6-disc CD changer and tape player, front and side air bags, power heated mirrors, anti-theft system, active rollover protection system, child anchors and tethers and remote keyless entry.
Gas Stats:
15 City and 21 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $53,850.
