• Year: 2003
• Make: Audi
• Model: A4
• Trim: 1.8T quattro
• Body style: 4 Dr Sedan AWD
• Mileage: 83995
• Engine: 4 Cyl. DOHC 1.8
• Trans: Manual
• Exterior Color: Black
• Interior Color: Black
• Stock: 404331
• VIN: WAULC68E33A367784

The five-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission is a good choice for A4 3.0 models. Put it in Drive and leave it there. It offers responsive performance and communicates well with the 3.0-liter V6. Fuel economy for the A4 3.0 automatic nearly matches that of the A4 3.0 six-speed manual. Enthusiast drivers can slap the Tiptronic shifter to the right and shift manually. Pull the handle back to downshift, push it forward to upshift. The automatic does, of course, diminish acceleration performance when compared with either the CVT or manual gearbox (by 0.5 seconds in the quarter-mile, according to Audi). Still, the five-speed automa.

A benchmark for sport sedans (and sport wagons and sport cabrios).

Audi A4 is shaped in the signature Bauhaus style established by the larger A6 sedan. The A4 takes styling cues from both the TT roadster and A6, including its high beltline, prominent chrome-trimmed grille, and notched-in flush taillights. It's more curvaceous than the more angular pre-2002 A4 models. Headlights, bumpers, and door handles are integrated into the body. Few adornments detract from the A4's basic shape, and there is little chrome. Antennae for the radio, telematics and navigation systems are embedded into the rear glass. A4 is a handsome car, though it looks too much like a little A6, and not distinct enough it its own right.

Cabriolet models share the sedan's basic lines and clean, taut surfaces in a two-door body style. The wide arc of the convertible top accentuates the A4's pure proportions and subtle wedge shape. Cabriolet sports unique features, such as the brushed aluminum trim around the windscreen and waist. Especially in light colors, its body-colored airdam accentuates the openings under the front bumper more than the dark-colored airdam on the sedan and Avant.

Avant is the same length as the sedan. It features a trunk lid that can open at two different heights, to allow extra height for taller owners.

The theme inside the A4 is cool and efficient, as it is in Audi's other sedans, and not deliberately snazzy in fashion of the TT. Materials look and feel richer than those in many cars in this price range, and trim matches flawlessly. The cabin beltline is edged with aluminum in the 1.8T and real wood in the 3.0. The available light-colored wood is used to good effect. It's a handsome interior.

Front seats adjust to accommodate people in the six-foot, five-inch range. The seats are comfortable and supportive in nearly all circumstances. Yet a sedan this good should have buckets with more side bolstering to keep occupants firmly in the center. A thick, grippy, leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever are standard, with a choice of fabric or leatherette (vinyl) upholstery. The driver's view is nearly unobstructed in every direction. The small, sculpted side mirrors are stylish and aerodynamic, but from the driver's seat they offer a limited viewing range. We would sacrifice the look for wider coverage.

Switches could be larger, yet those most frequently adjusted, including stereo volume, are large enough. After a bit of familiarization, everything in the A4 is easy to find with minimal distraction, and nearly all temperature, ventilation and stereo adjustments can be completed with buttons on the steering wheel hub. Audi's red and white gauge lighting, its warning lights and LEDs, are among the sharpest, most readable going. Its radial sunroof switch is the best; turn it a quarter, half or full turn and the roof opens a corresponding distance. Flow-control switches on each dash vent are illuminated. Wipers make a final sweep several seconds after the washer button is released, cleaning droplets blown back up the windshield. We love the lock buttons with the little red LED to signal when the doors are locked. Power central locking is executed well, with a central switch to lock all doors. Dealers can program the doors to lock automatically at 8 mph. Turn the key in the driver's door and hold it there and you can raise or lower all windows and sunroof at once. The remote fob is designed to operate at up to 150 feet away.

Rear passengers should find adequate legroom, as the A4's design makes great use of the floor space. There's room in back for three, with three-point harnesses at all positions, but average-size adults will feel much more comfortable with only two.

Trunk space in the A4 sedan is among the largest in the class (13.4 cubic feet, compared to just 10.7 in the BMW 3 Series and 12.2 in the Mercedes C-Class). Moreover, the lid swings high and back for easy access. Four tie-down hooks in the carpeted floor and a removable grocery net are designed to keep things in place. The Cold Weather Package includes a nylon ski sack that allows snow skis to slide through the trunk and into the cabin without leaving a damp mess.

Avant holds twice as much cargo as the sedan with the seats in place (27.8 cu. ft.), providing a nice, flat cargo area. It comes with a retractable luggage cover and a partition net. Fold down the rear seats The rear seats fold to reveal 60.6 cu. ft. of cargo capacity.

Cabriolet offers just 10.2 cu. ft. of cargo space. It does, however, come with a padded convertible top that's triple-layered and features a heated glass rear window with electric defrost. Audi says its engineers used a special process to seal the top's three layers for precise fit and finish. Horizontal crossbars keep the top stiff to preventing ballooning at speed and there's a distinct absense of tent ridges. Press a button and the fully automatic top drops in just 24 seconds, and a cover closes over it for a flush fit.

Audi A4 combines high quality, thoughtful design, and invigorating performance at a compelling price. A4 is one of the most respected cars in a class that includes some of the best cars in the world.

A4 delivers good performance in a practical package. It offers amenities and safety features found in large luxury sedans at a much lower price of entry. And it offers the option of all-wheel drive.

There are at least 14 sedans in this category and sales are strong. Yet the competition is brutal, and today's hot ticket can quickly become tomorrow's has-been. It's no fluke that the A4 has remained near the top in sales since its introduction seven years ago, and this latest-generation A4 is a much better car than its predecessor.

The A4 3.0 sedans are outstanding small luxury sport sedans. Avant wagons are a great choice for families of two or three and a dog, offering big cargo capacity and sport sedan handling. A4 1.8T delivers the luxury and performance of a true European sports sedan at a price that puts it in reach of many new-car buyers. Anyone shopping this class should take a long look at Audi.

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