2003 Audi A4

The Audi convertible is back in improved form after a four-year absence. Like the 1994-98 Cabriolet, it's a slick but conservative model that isn't for showoffs.

The previous wind-in-the-face Audi Cabriolet was small and offered little room for people or cargo beyond the front seat area. But it was an above-average touring car that radiated sophistication and had one of the best convertible tops.

"New money'' bought a BMW 3-Series convertible, while "old money'' bought a Cabriolet--if you catch my drift.

The 2003 front-drive Cabriolet is based on the new Audi A4 and is designed to compete with cars such as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK drop-top models. It's handsome, with nice touches such as brushed aluminum trim around the windshield and body waist.

The $41,500 Cabriolet is as high-class as the first version and looks somewhat like it. But the new model is four inches longer and 2.4 inches wider, with a 3.9 inch longer wheelbase. It thus has a rear seat that can accommodate two medium size adults in reasonable comfort--at least on short trips--and provides a smoother ride.

There are no rear cupholders, but Europeans think cupholders are goofy, and the Cabriolet is essentially a European model that Audi offers here for discriminating motorists. However, there's a nicely designed pop-out cupholder up front and a conventional one in the center armrest.

Thanks to its larger--but not overly large--size, the 2003 Cabriolet's cargo area has a moderate amount of space, holding 11.1 cubic feet of luggage with the top up. However, it's best suited to soft luggage.

The trunk has a low opening and small lid that smoothly glides up well out of the way on hydraulic struts.

The three-layer power top has a heated glass window and allows a quiet interior for a convertible when raised. The heavily padded top works beautifully, lowering in 24 seconds at the touch of a button and disappearing into a solid cover that closes flush with the body.

There isn't much wind buffeting with the top down at highway speeds. But there is poor rear-three-quarter visibility when it's raised.

The Cabriolet is powered by a smooth 3-liter V-6 with such items as five valves per cylinder (instead of the usual two), dual overhead camshafts and variable-timing camshafts for good response at all speeds.

Still, the Cabriolet is no rocket because the engine is fairly small for a car that weighs 3,814 pounds, partly because of body reinforcements such as stiffening bars that run under the cabin. The car has a much stronger structure than the old Cabriolet and feels rock-solid.

Figure on 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. That's fairly quick. But, as with the old model, the Cabriolet's strong point is easy cruising--not tire burnouts off the line. The engine registers a lazy 2,200 rpm at 75 mph. (A turbocharged four-cylinder Cabriolet with 170 horsepower will be offered in the middle of the 2003 model year for about $35,000.)

The European version gets a five-speed manual transmission. But the Cabriolet sold here only has a smooth "Multronic'' continuously variable automaker transmission with a manual shift feature.

Audi feels most Cabriolet buyers here wouldn't want to bother with a clutch, and that most will leave the responsive transmission in the "drive'' mode most of the time.

Estimated fuel economy is only 20 mpg in the city, partly because of the weight, but the highway figure is 27. A fairly large 18.5-gallon fuel tank allows longer drive time between fillups.

The thick steering wheel is easily gripped, and the precise steering has good road feel and the right amount of power assist.

The latest version of Audi's aluminum-intensive suspension is lowered to drop the center of gravity to enhance handling. The Cabriolet doesn't have the sharp moves of the Audi TT sports car, which replaced the old Cabriolet, but it's athletic.

Making the Cabriolet even more sure-footed is an Electronic Stabilization Program to prevent skids. There also are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution--and hydraulic Brake Assist; it automatically senses emergency braking situations and applies maximum power boost to reduce stopping distances.

The brake pedal has a linear feel, and stopping distances are short.

A $750 sport suspension with larger 17-inch wheels and higher-performance tires is offered for slightly better handling.

The Cabriolet is well equipped, but other options include $450 heated front seats, $650 Bose premium sound system and $1,350 navigation system.

The interior looks purposeful and stylish, and the front seats provide good support during spirited driving and long-distance comfort.

The Cabriolet has major safety features. They include sensors that trigger a rollover protection system that includes a strengthened windshield and support posts. Tubular bars pop out from behind the rear head restraints in case of a rollover. There also are dual front and side air bags.

It's good to see the A4 Cabriolet make a comeback, especially with a significantly improved design. It's exclusive, and feels like one of those cars you might never want to sell.


2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET

Price:

$41,500

Likes:

Stylish. Quick. Posh. Exclusive. Fairly roomy. Nifty power top.

Dislikes:

Rear blind spots with raised top. No manual transmission. Rather heavy.