2003 Audi A4 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Audi A4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Audi A4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Audi A4 help you decide if a 2003 Audi A4 is right for you.

2003 Audi A4 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Rear-seat room (Cabriolet)

Automatic-transmission performance (CVT)

Steering/handling

Ride (base suspension)

Interior materials

Available AWD

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
6	5	7	6	6.1

About 80 percent of A4s are sold with quattro. Quattro A4s with 4 cyl and automatic transmission feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, while manual-transmission V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. Lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy from a stop. Test 1.8T CVT sedan did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph; test V6 CVT Cabrio did 7.8. Seamless CVT acts much like conventional automatic, but requires use of manual mode for best performance.

Fuel Economy

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.1

Test 1.8T sedan averaged 24.8 mpg, test 1.8T Avant 21.5, both with manual transmission. Test V6 quattro sedans with manual transmission averaged 18.3-21 mpg. Audi says CVT is 10 percent more fuel efficient than conventional automatic transmission. With CVT, test 1.8T sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, test Cabrios 19.8-20.7. Audi recommends premium fuel for all A4s.

Ride Quality

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
6	7	7	7	6.4

Standard suspension furnishes firm control, good bump absorption on most any surface. Stiffer Sport Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires is somewhat less forgiving on broken pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7

All models a joy to drive quickly, and Sport Package versions relish challenging roads. Quattro gives all-weather advantage over A4's 2WD rivals. Steering nicely weighted and direct. Brakes very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertible shows impressively little body quivering on bumps.

Quietness

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
6	6	7	7	6.1

Both powerplants purr at cruise, and V6 snarls nicely under full throttle. Low-profile 17-inch tires are noisy, but road rumble otherwise muted, so what wind rush there is gets noticed. Top up, Cabrio wind noise exceptionally low; top down, little buffeting, helped by optional wind-deflector screen.

Controls

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.4

Clearly marked controls, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system overly complex, and one test A4 had difficulty maintaining the set temperature. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever and console cupholder. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible top completely automatic and powers up or down in 24 sec.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Firm, comfortable seats. Ample head and leg room, though wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. Visibility good to all corners; rear-obstacle-warning system a rare nicety in near-luxury class.

Room/Comfort (rear)

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
4	4	4	3	3.8

Supportive, nicely contoured seat. Head and leg room not vast, but comparable to competitors. Cabriolet cramped for adults.

Cargo Room

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
7	3	3	2	4.1

Sedan's roomy trunk has rather small opening that precludes loading large objects, but split folding rear seatbacks compensate some and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into luggage space. Avant is versatile with its extra volume, augmented by several handy cargo bins and nets. When it's down, convertible's top eats into already small trunk space; convertible's seatbacks don't fold, but there is a ski pass-through.

Value within Class

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man.	1.8T sdn, CVT	3.0 sdn w/quattro, man.	3.0 Cabriolet	Class Average
6	7	7	5	4.8

The A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features, and variety of body styles. BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo offer AWD, but no competitor matches Audi's impressive CVT.

Total Score