|
2003 Audi A4 Review
A benchmark for sport sedans (and sport wagons and sport cabrios).
2003 A4 Review Summary & Specifications
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.
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Jeffrey P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup | 1.8T 5-speed manual ($24,950); 1.8T CVT ($26,100); 1.8T quattro 5-speed manual ($26,700);1.8T quattro 5-speed Tiptronic ($27,850); 3.0 CVT ($31,590); 3.0 6-speed manual ($32,290); 3.0 5-speed Tiptronic ($33,340); A4 3.0 Cabriolet ($41,500) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic |
| Engines (optional) | 170-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 220-hp 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual (1.8T); 6-speed manual (3.0); 5-speed automatic (with all-wheel drive); CVT continuously variable automatic (with front-wheel drive) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, traction control and ESP anti-skid electronics, front and front side-impact airbags, side head-protection airbags; three-point seat belts for all five positions with pretensioners and force limiters in front |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles includes scheduled maintenance |
| Assembled In | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-822-2834 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.audiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 24950 |
| Model Tested MSRP | A4 Avant 3.0 quattro 5-speed automatic ($34,340) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control with air filters and smog-sensing auto-recirculation, fog lamps, central locking with remote operation, power windows with one-touch operation front and rear, cruise control, concealed headlight washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, 150-watt, 10-speaker stereo with six-CD in-dash changer, 12-volt outlets in trunk and center console, comprehensive first-aid kit; 3.0 includes 12-way power front seats |
| Destination Charge | 660 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | leather upholstery ($1000); Sport Package ($750) includes sports suspension, 17-inch wheels and ultra-high performance summer tires; Bose premium sound system ($650); Premium Package ($2250) includes power glass sunroof, multi-function steering wheel, xenon headlamps, HomeLink universal garage-door operator, auto-dimming power folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, memory for driver's seat and mirror adjustments; metallic pearl paint ($450); Cold Weather Package ($625) includes heated front seats, ski sack |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 40725 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 220 @ 6300 |
| Torque | 221 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/25 |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 179.0/69.5/56.2 |
| Track Front/Rear | 60.2/60.1 |
| Turning Radius | 36.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.3/NA/41.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.0/NA/34.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 60.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 4.2 |
| Curb Weight | 3737 |
| Stock Tires | P235/45YR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.4 |
|
|