2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet

It's been five long years since Audi last included an A4 convertible in its U.S. lineup. That drop-top drought ends in a major way for 2003. Functionally superior to its predecessor in every empirical category, the new open-air A4 is priced even more competitively on a feature-for-feature basis. Although a 1.8-liter Turbo four variant will turn up in Audi dealers in early Spring, right now, the al fresco A4 comes in one basic flavor: a front driver that uses the well-proven 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V-6 backed by the firm's slick multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission.

The new Cabriolet displays a host of well integrated exterior cues, but shares no common body panels with any other A4.

To set it apart from other members of the A4 clan, this new Cabriolet displays a host of subtle but well integrated exterior changes that start with a distinctive dual-grill front fascia and unique headlamp treatment. Despite retaining obvious family styling ties, it shares no common body panels with any other A4. Those understated sheetmetal tweaks are further punctuated by a stance that's nearly an inch lower than its sedan or wagon platform mates. As a final bit of visual detailing, this well-crafted wind-in-your-hair wanderer is fitted with a composite decklid that hides antennas for the radio, optional GPS navigation system and Audi Telematics by OnStar package as well as the receiver for the remote door-locking system.


Execution of the Cabrio's collapsible cap is equally first rate, being a triple-layer unit designed to keep its like-new look well after that like-new smell has dissipated. For openers, a sophisticated "sonic welding" technique on the material sandwich improves both its basic fit and leak resistance. Rounding out the formula is a light but rigid aluminum skeletal frame and a glass rear window with integrated defogger. Although the actual raising/lowering process involves a fairly intricate mechanical ballet, setting it all into play couldn't be simpler: touch a button, wait 24 seconds and an electro-hydraulic actuation system completes the transformation in either direction leaving an integrated hard tonneau in place regardless of whether the top is up or down. Special kudos should go to Audi's wind-tunnel wizards who most definitely did their aero optimization homework. With its lid up, the Cabrio approaches the hard-shell A4 in interior noise levels on smooth road surfaces. Even in maximum sun-in mode, it's surprisingly serene, particularly with the optional wind deflector in place. The same level of engineering excellence is evident in the car's overall structure. While it gains 342 pounds in the transition process, that extra heft does wonders toward virtually eliminating the twist and flex that were known to afflict its predecessor.

Aluminum-accented circular dash vents, revamped instrument cluster and supportive front buckets impart a unique flavor to the interior mix.

An understated revise-and-re-trim regimen also is the order of the day for the A4 Cabrio's interior. Here too, the family look carries over but a number of specific variations on the theme impart a unique flavor to the mix. Most obvious at first glance are the new aluminum-accented circular dash vents. A closer examination shows revamped instrument cluster and door panel trim, as well. While the supportive front buckets remain the best seats in the house, the Cabriolet's rear accommodations make a strong case for best-in-class consideration. Unlike most of its competition, the A4's aft quarters feature a bench that's contoured—and more importantly, scaled—to carry two average adults in reasonable comfort. Even the trunk provides surprising utility, being capable of swallowing 11.1 cubic feet of assorted cargo with the top up and 8.9 with it dropped.


Standards abound in this well-crafted convertible, particularly in the premium grade V-6. Even the 1.8T, which will roll in around $35,000, brings a stellar array of comfort/convenience/safety items. Included are automatic dual-zone climate control, power windows/locks/mirrors, 9-speaker 180-watt AM/FM/CD sound system with 6-disc in-dash changer, 3-spoke sport steering wheel, cruise control, front/front-side air bags with an advanced "Up Front" smart sensor array and active anti-rollover protection. The $41,500 A4 3.0 Cabriolet expands on that list adding leather upholstery, dual power seats with driver-side multi-memory, wood accent trim, Xenon headlamps and a host of lesser items. You also get the ability to fit extras like special Nappa leather trim, 12-way power sport seats—with or without heat—auto-dimming interior/exterior mirrors, Homelink transceiver, navigation system, and a Bose audio package, all of which appeared on our $46,685 tester.