Introduction

Audi aims for its A4 to be the benchmark for sports sedans. The A4 might well be THE benchmark if it wasn't for the existence of the BMW 3 Series. In spite of the big shadow cast by rear-wheel-drive BMW, the Audi A4 is a fantastic sports sedan and certainly a leader among front-drive sedans. The A4 is unquestionably a standard against which sport sedans can be measured, and that fits the definition of a benchmark. A4 delivers crisp handling, a firm ride, and a well-controlled suspension that make for a precise, high-quality driving experience. A4 feels like it's on rails around fast sweepers, especially when equipped with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 3.0 V6 engine is wonderfully smooth and quite strong, while the turbocharged 1.8T delivers spry performance when paired with the manual gearbox. A host of active safety features help keep drivers on the road. A4's beautifully finished interior exudes quality and ergonomic excellence. A4 was completely redesigned for 2002 and introduced with a new 3.0-liter V6. A new model, the 2003 A4 Cabriolet, brings top-down motoring to the line, and Avant (wagon) models have joined the new generation. Minor interior upgrades are available for 2003.

Walkaround

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.

Interior Features

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.