Convertibles are most often thought of in the Sunbelt and during the spring and summer. Even so, Audi has chosen to introduce its newest convertible offering this autumn - perhaps to underscore the idea that this convertible is not just a fair-weather friend; it offers all-weather capabilities that are as sealed-up inside as any hard-roofed car.
A true A4, the Cabriolet however does not share a single piece of sheet metal with any of the other A4 models. A two-door, four seat convertible, the Cabriolet was conceived to be its own individual car - with sweeping styling and innovative features. The power-operated soft top is a one-touch operation that fully opens or closes in just 24 seconds. Why 24 seconds? It's about the average time of stoplights in North America - giving the driver of the Cabrio ample opportunity to close the top should inclement weather suddenly appear.
And protecting that interior would be high on my priority list - it is an expanse of fine leather, polished woods, machined metals and instrumentation.
Powered by Audi's venerable 220-horsepower 3.0-litre engine, the Cabrio is front-wheel drive, with the CVT Multitronic automatic transmission. Audi's 1.8-litre turbocharged engine is also available, and the Cabrio will be offered with Quattro (all-wheel drive) next year. There is plenty of power in either of the engines. Both are smooth and quiet, and neither is a compromise.
Driving the Cabrio reveals the nature of the car, and what the Audi designers were seeking. It's an exciting, responsive drive that strikes a balance between aggressive performance and refined road manners. I drove the car over a two-day period in California, around the twisting and rolling roads of southern Orange County, and around the coastal enclave of Dana Point.
I preferred to motor with the top-down. With the roof stowed, the car seems to be at its prettiest, and the most fun to drive. Retracting the soft-top, I headed onto some of Southern California's busy freeways, and I was impressed with how effective the top dampened the outside road noise.
Audi is renowned for exceptional design and construction, and the A4 Cabrio is no exception. In fact, it may be the finest in its class, with an updated interior, dash facia, instrument cluster and seats. The large, polished metal wraparound ring brings together the outside features with the inside.
Audi employs an array of new and innovative safety features that make open-air motoring in the A4 as safe as any hardtop car. Concealed rollover bars automatically deploy in the event of a rollover, and the front-windshield (A-pillar) is reinforced. That, together with crumple-zones, a full compliment of air bags, and other safety features offers peace of mind.
Looking closely at the car, I noticed no antennae protruding from the body. Audi has very cleverly concealed all of the antennae under the rear composite trunk lid, making for a very clean exterior appearance.
Generally, the A4 is equipped similarly to an A4 sedan, but adding power retractable cloth top with heated rear glass window, automatic rollover protection, side airbags, special colour and trim, special wheels, optional wind deflector, concealed antenna, Symphony II Bose 6-disc audiophile system, 3-spoke steering wheel, and wood interior trim. Altogether, it's an outstanding package.
RIVALS
Audi seeks to move into the top-rung with cars like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW.
US MARKET PRICING
$41,500 suggested retail price expected. Prices and equipment vary, see dealer for details. Not including shipping, government fees and taxes.
HIGHS
Exceptional build-quality. Very rigid body. Powerful engine. Magnificent driving pleasure, especially with the top down.
LOWS
Quattro (all-wheel drive) not available until next year.
FUEL ECONOMY
Our testing revealed a range of about 18mpg to the high 20s.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit Audi USA online at: www.audiusa.com
Audi UK: www.audi.co.uk
Road test: 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet
Story by Vincent Bodiford
Vincent Bodiford is our North American correspondent, and is the Automotive Editor of www.theweekenddrive.com amongst other things. Note that most cars reviewed by Vincent will be US specification. However, there are few differences these days and we will do our utmost to point out what to expect from the UK/European equivalents.
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