Audi keeps giving us better and better options in its A4, making it even harder to decide which version of this car is the coolest, classiest, and most fun to own. The 2003 Audi A4 adds a 2-door convertible trim this year, the Cabriolet, along with its already popular sedan and Avant wagon. Like the sedan and wagon, the Cabriolet comes with either a 1.8-liter, 170-hp turbocharged engine or a 3.0-liter, 220-hp V6. All wagons feature quattro AWD, while the sedans are standard front-wheel drive, with a quattro all-wheel-drive option. The Cabriolet is not available as a quattro. Powertrains include a five- or six-speed manual transmission (six-speed in 3.0s and quattros only) or Tiptronic automatic. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered only with front-wheel-drive A4s.
The 2003 A4 Cabriolet lowers the ride height and firms up the suspension, but basically keeps the same wedge-shaped lines as the 4-door A4. Although not a speedster due to its weight, the style is a nice blend of family car and sexy TT. Audi has upgraded standard options even more in its cars, if that's possible in its already luxurious interiors. All 3.0 trims get leather upholstery, and 1.8Ts get new options, like leather seats and 12-way power seats. A Cold Weather Package adds heated seats (a must), a ski bag, and 17-inch tires to replace the standard 16-inch ones.
Trademarks of the Audi A4 include expert handling, quality interior comfort, and safety, which owners agree are all present in the 2003 version. It earns five-star safety ratings in crash tests. Owners' favorite feature, by far, is the quattro system and its sure-footedness, which actually make snow driving fun. Owners also love the interior layout (except for the cupholders) and the way the Audi sticks to the road and ably maneuvers in traffic, and many say it is the best car they've ever driven. There are a few criticisms however within its golden-hued aura. The aforementioned cupholders, cramped rear seat, wind noise, and turbo lag are examples. A rear blind spot that makes parking difficult and weak horsepower in the 1.8T are also sore spots. The Audi A4 also seems to suffer from frequent visits to the shop and poor customer relations from Audi dealers.
