Overview:
This week’s test car was the 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 CVT Convertible. So, you guessed it, it started to rain. I hate when that happens, but I got lucky one day when it cleared for a few hours while I was downtown LA to see the new Symphony house next to the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. It was Saturday and unique to Los Angeles, relative to many other large cities, like New York City, the streets are barren in LA. You could fire off a cannon and not hit a car, truck, bus or people. LA is strictly a business district with the exception of a few dwelling structures. New York has no respit from activity since so many people live right in the city. It was really cool, but also errie at the same time. Anyway it was a great clear day to put the top down and sight see.
Convertibles are really my favorite model of any car because of the free feeling you get driving with the top down. And the convertibles of today are wonderfully easy to drop or raise. One button controls the process on this Audi A4 and although it takes longer than other automatic tops, it tucks the top away under a hard boot. Very classy. It literally couldn’t be any easier. Plus, when the top is up you’ll forget you’re driving a convertible because the headliners are as good as other sedans. It’s easy to fall in love with this little A4 convertible. Little is good. But if you have need to transport more than two adults, little isn’t so good. With the front seats adjusted for a comfortable position there is almost no leg room for rear passengers. Not as bad as a Porsche or other smaller sport cars, but enough for you to look carefully at when considering your needs. 6’4” tall Norm had no problem getting behind the wheel but that made the rear seat nearly unusable.
Todays Audi is light years ahead of those that brother John and I experienced in our automotive repair shop for over 12 years. If you have experience with Audi repair and maintenance please share your feelings with me at joe@atthewheel.com.
Handling & Performance:
Sol-lidddd. I love driving and appreciate a car that is tight and exacting. Not such a surprise for German made cars, but when you get that same feeling with a convertible it is an added bonus. Nice job Audi.
Styling:
Outstanding. This is a car that will look in style for a long time. It has lines that are pleasant to the eye and history proves that quality lasts from generation to generation.
Fit and Finish:
Very nice. I can’t help recalling Audi’s of 20 years ago and how poor they were. Audi is a class act today and reminds me so much of Mercedes quality that has led the way and set a standard for other German cars. In particular, this Audi reminds me most of BMW that has also improved over recent years.
Conveniences:
Customary equipment and all very easily accessable. But then in cars this size it’s hard to put controls out of reach.
Cost:
Competitive.
Consumer Recommendation:
All things considered, I like the Volvo, but they don’t make a convertible so it would be toss up between this Audi and the BMW M3 convertible if I didn’t mind spending a few more dollars for the BMW.
The Competition:
Audi A4 Cabriolet $25-44,000, Infiniti G35 $28-32,000, VW Passat $22-38,000, Saab 9-3 $26-40,000, Nissan Maxima $27-29,000, BMW 3 Series $28-44,000, Acura TSX $26-28,000, Volvo S60 $27-37,000, Lincoln LS $32-43,000, Cadillac CTS $30,140, Mercedes-Benz C-Class $25-51,000, Honda Accord $16-25,000, Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, Jaguar X-Type $29-33,000.
Good News:
Solid, nice design, comfortable, fun to drive, great convertible top and a radio with a knob tuner (yet another car maker with common sense to realize low tech is sometimes better).
Bad News:
Poor visibility with top up both side and rear.
Standard Equipment:
3 liter 220 hp V6 engine, automatic trans, power ABS (anti locking) braking, front wheel drive, power steering, power convertible top with glass rear window, climate control, power windows, cruise control, leather, 12-way power front seats, real wood trim, radio with in-dash 6-CD changer, dual front & side air bags, power heated mirrors, anti-theft with ignition immobilizer and rollover protection.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 27 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $41,500.
