Audi A4 Convertible

drewsherman68 · October 2001

I know Audi is introducing an A4 Convertible based on the new body style in the spring. It is supposed to sport a power top and the new 3.0 litre 225 hp engine. Anyone have any other info, such as:

Will it be available with a 6 speed manual?
Will it be Quattro or FWD or both?
Will it have a glass rear window?
Will Audi be producing an S4 convertible?
When will it be available in the states?

Any input would be appreciated.

merc1 · October 2001

Judging purely by the old convertible, I'd say it will be fwd only with no manual trans, but since Audi is chasing BMW model for model there might be a S4 convertible this time. In the states...next summer. A glass rear window, most definitely.

M

wtm2 · October 2001

Check out these sites - these seem to have the most content & decent pics (looks like everybody right now has the same set of photos to display):

autointell.com/european_companies/volkswagen/audi-ag/audi-a4-cabrio-02
(then go to "audi-a4-avant-2002.htm")

edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/47030/page007.html

Looks like Spring of 02 for US - can anyone else confirm/deny this? I haven't seen anything about price either; wondering when dealers are going to start pre-ordering (if at all). I'm seriously considering this car - my current BMW 2000 3 series is a LEMON (I'm probably offending the bimmer faithful but 11+ times in the shop w/in a year & a half is too much. My expectations of BMW's reliability & quality were much higher...oh well, live and learn.).

WT

drewsherman68 · October 2001

Thanks for the info and the link to pictures. It's a handsome convetible. I have been struggling with which convertible to purchase for my next car. I have looked at the TT, the Z3, the Boxter, the s2000. They all have their limitations so I am hoping this one will be it.

tysalpha · October 2001

You can also check out the info on the German Audi site (it's more comprehensive, since it's available there first):

http://www.audi.de/cabrio

It looks like it will be available with a 2.4L V6 or the 3.0L V6, although I read speculation somewhere else that only the 3.0 would be available in the US.

It's going to be front wheel drive only (at least for now), 5 speed manual or Multitronic (CVT).

Also, if you haven't seen it, check out the preview on AudiWorld -- it has some more detials and photos:

http://www.audiworld.com/news/01/a4cab

wtm2 · October 2001

and their response to US introduction was "tenatively scheduled for sometime in 2002". btw, thanks, tysalpha, for the German site - even though I can't read German the site is navigatable - pretty cool to look at all the options. I configured the car the way I wanted, then took the Marks & converted to current US dollors - looks like right around $40,000 (includes just about all the options). I wonder how well this figure will compare to the actual - anyone know if there's a big mark-up for the US market?

adavey · March 2002

the a-4 ragtop is not much better looking than audi's last attempt at a convertible. their other autos are quite attractive, why can't they make this look good, too.

blackjetta18t1 · March 2002

the cabriolet is beautiful. Also, I am pretty sure that Quattro will be available with the 3.0 V6 as well as a 6-speed manual. As for an S4 cabrio, I have not read anyhting about it, I have read of the S4 sedan, wagon, and maybe coupe but no word on convertible.

http://www.audiworld.com/news/02/a4cab/

There was another article whihc went spoke of what I just mentioned but I can't seem to find that one right now.

viognier · March 2002

The Dallas Auto Show was this past weekend and the Audi rep who was standing next to the A4 Cab said that the multitronic versions would go on sale in the US in October 2002 and that the Quattro versions would go on sale about a year later.

Its a great looking car. I think it looks as good as, but different than, a 3-Series convertible and the Audi rep said it would price out a couple of thousand less. There will be a slight hp difference, also.

whiteagle · August 2002

I put down a grand to get 3rd in line to order the Audi cabriolet and they just emailed last week that they are about ready to take an order. From the dealer ->
Base price $41,500
destination(shipping) $660 (I think - they have not put that in print yet)
Heated front seats $450
Xenon headlights come in a package that includes: Xenon, wind deflector, multi function steering wheel(radio controls), Auto dimming rear view
mirrors, compass in inside mirror, power folding exterior mirrors, and
memory for driver's seat and exterior mirrors) $1475.
Leather inserts (the part that one sits on) are standard
Premium leather (total seat, etc.) $1000
Premium sport leather $1500
That covers what you asked about. In addition they offer:
17" alloy wheels with all season tires $500
Sport package (17" wheels with performance tires and 30% stiffer
suspension) $750
Navigation $1350
Other than the upgrade stereo that's it.

sphinx99 · August 2002

That's much more expensive than I thought it would be. Add a couple of options plus tax, and that's a $50k convertible...

ssquire · September 2002

does anyone know if the cab will have two or three seatbelts in the back?

jerry3840 · September 2002

I am almost positive the backseat will have 2 seatbelts only. I cannot wait for this convertible to get to market. It looks hot, IMHO.
There are many exterior/interior/ragtop color combinations. Does anyone know if potential buyers can custom order and get exactly the configuration they want from Audi? I am going to wait until spring for the 1.8T w/170 hp, and am thinking of what timeframe to put a deposit down and place the order. Would greatly appreciate any info on this process from someone in the know.

cstowe · September 2002

FYI-
On Monday I was driving on I-10 between New Orleans and Biloxi and guess what passed me at about 90 mph? A new ragtop 2-door A4. It took me a second to realize what it was and I did not get too good a look at it since it flew by so fast but it was pretty neat. The coolest thing was that it had European plates on it. It was blue/blue and very much reminded me of the old Audi cabrio which is good since I have always considered it to be one of the best looking converts ever made.

jpvwaudi · September 2002

Went to a training class today for this car; I was astounded. It was much better than I expected. Structural integrity is tops, no cowl shake, no body roll. Very comfy, easy to use controls (Audi actually put an off button for the climate control, imagine that.....)No torque steer (they're all 3.0 CVT Front traks right now)and the quality of the top is amazing. NO STICHES. We had a BMW 330ci parked right next to it to compare feel and touch; it didn't come even close to the Audi. Now I love the way BMW's drive when I wanna throw a car around, but for every day practicality, build quality, safety and style, the A4 Cabriolet has them all beat. Oh, I forgot there was a C70 and CLK 320 there; or maybe I was supposed to.....

ccotenj · September 2002

"no cowl shake, no body roll."...

you sure about that statement?

i might believe "limited cowl shake" and "minor body roll"... having driven convertibles for a long time, cowl shake is inherent in a convertible, you can make it better, but you can't make it go away, and having driven cars for a long time, it'd BETTER have a certain amount of body roll under certain conditions or you are gonna find yourself in the closest ditch, quattro or no quattro...

-Chris

quattrodude · September 2002

Let's get one thing straight. An Audi ISN'T an Audi without Quattro! I can't believe they've introduced the car with FWD and AUTOMATIC transmission only. It also appears that they plan to introduce the quattro versions with automatic trans only, no six-speed manual 3.0.

And to top it off, no european delivery is available from Audi! Hello! You're competing with BMW and Mercedes, both of which allow European delivery. Porsche and Volvo also provide European delivery as an option to clients. If you want to compete in the luxury arena you need to act like a luxury auto dealer!

lngtonge18 · September 2002

Actually, there will be no quattro offered period. Audi figured that offering quattro wasn't worth it since most people that buy convertibles live in fair climates. I would concur with their thoughts. However, I would have liked to see a 5 speed manual offered on at least the 1.8T model, since BMW offers one on their convertible.

sphinx99 · September 2002

I don't think that's the only reason. Quattro would have added yet more weight and I think that's the kicker. With FWD, this is already a 3800lb+ convertible that now has a engine bay power deficit versus many common family sedans, much less $45,000 luxury vehicles. If they loaded it up with AWD you'd be looking at a 220hp car that could easily weigh 4500lbs with four passengers.

I could be wrong (someone correct me if you can think of an example) but once you figure on an option or two plus taxes, the A4 convertible is quite possibly the slowest $50k vehicle in production.

donsb · September 2002

I am getting ready to put my $1k down to place an order. Does anyone have info. on what the lease payments are going to look like for a 12k 36/39 month lease? The dealers have told me anywhere from $600 - $750 dollars a month with no money down.

andys120 · September 2002

on the Audi website...www.audiusa.com.

BTW- I've read that there will be Quattro convertibles possibly next spring.

ccotenj · September 2002

are they really gonna make the ragtop with the quattro? i thought others were saying that isn't gonna happen?

i hope they do. that means they are one step closer to a s4 ragtop!

-Chris

latoure · September 2002

WOW.

Just read Edmunds review of the A4 cabriolet.

They say its slow off the line and the top bows when up at speeds over 70MPH!!!!

The vehicle is forming up to be a very tame/stale ride at best.

I was waiting for this vehicle for 3 years, and now im having doubts:((((((

merc1 · September 2002

Please don't take what Edmunds says as gospel. You owe it to yourself to test drive it yourself and draw your own conclusions. I seriously doubt that the actual production cars will have a top that blows at 70 mph. Edmunds did the same thing to the X-Type. One of dumbest reviews ever.

M

latoure · September 2002

merc1,

Thanks for the advice. I think you know the type of anticipation that builds when you have been wating for something from preconception(day 1) to release(within the next 4 weeks).

This has been my anticipated cabriolet. I bought an A4 in 1998 new and LOVE the car even at 190hp.
My loyalties are with Audi, but when I heard that:

1. NO QUATTRO
2. NO european NAV 2
3. NO anticipated S4 version for 2003
4. 220HP given its massive weight.

I was dissapointed and sent a letter to Len Hunt at Audi America.

I was able to see and sit in the car 2 weeks ago in Redwood Shores California and loved the look and feel, so gave it the benefit of the doubt.

Now I read the Edmunds review:

"mainly marketed to females"
underpowered
Top bows at 70MPH
tame ride
so-so- cornering

Its like a 3rd stab in the back for me.

Im wondering if I should hold on to my 98 A4 until Audi gets a bigger engine and fixes its problems in this vehicle?

Of course Ill test drive it next month, but im beginning to believe what others are saying about avoiding first year vehicle introductions to let them "get the bugs out:"

Just my 2 cents.

anyones comments are welcome:)

sphinx99 · September 2002

My feelings still stand. It looks like a very nice car that costs too much for what you get. It reminds me of the Acura 2.2CL, the first year IS300, the first year base Boxster, the first Mercedes ML or BMW Z3---an unfinished vehicle. At a low sticker price, I'd be willing to take an almost-there vehicle but when you start tipping the scales at $50k, for me personally I'd rather that the manufacturer finish the job before I put down money. My guess: this car will get Quattro and a real engine two calendar years from now, for the 2005 model. Either that or it'll be dead. That's the car I'd pay $50k for.

Just my opinion. I haven't driven one and haven't read much about it. I do know that based on the specs I was hearing, I honestly thought the A4 cab would be (like the sedan) a low-to-mid $30s convertible that fills the gap between a Sebring and a CLK cabrio. Unfortunately yet another mid-$30s convertible opportunity has been lost.

lngtonge18 · September 2002

Two of your disappointments should be fixed by adding the Sport package. Edmund's test vehicle did not include the Sport package, therefore the tamer ride and ok handling. Having a "tame ride" is a good idea in a convertible since the body looses a lot of its rigidity compared to the sedan, but Audi offers a Sport package for those who would rather punish themselves with a rougher ride, greater cowl shake and body flex, and more squeaks and rattles over the long-term.

andys120 · September 2002

to be a sports car or a real performer. It's too heavy. Think of it as an analog of the Mercedes SL, albeit w a small back seat.

Look at the TT 'vert if you want to fly with the top down. I believe there's more power coming for it (240 hp?).

merc1 · September 2002

I really think you're reading way too much into Edmunds' review. Test drive the car yourself. Find a dealer that will let you take the car for a day. The Audi dealers here are very willing to do whatever to get you into an Audi. The Cabrio is a luxury convertible not a sports car, you know a relaxed touring sort of car. My only issue with it that it only comes with the CVT. Awesome technology but a bit strange feeling when you drive one.

sphinx99,

There will be a 1.8T version in Feb 2003 for about that price range.

M

latoure · September 2002

Yes, I still owe it to myself to test drive one, and Im not looking for a rocketship, but I would like to know that it at least has the same off-the-line acceleration as the BMW 3301 cabriolet. Is that too much to ask? also: I have cooled down about this issue, but Audi Quattro has always been a competitive differentiator and probably saved their asses 6-7 years ago. They have abandoned this feature for the cabriolet. Bad choice in the longrun. My recommendation:

A higher low-end torqe ration engine(probably a 240+HP). I dont know how the Audi engineers approved a 220HP engine for a car of thiis weight?
The Marketeers in the US must have applied pressure to them to make the quick buck to boost 2003 sales.

Just my 2 cents.

merc1 · September 2002

I don't think Audi has ever offered Quattro on the Cabrio. I think they see it as being a "good weather" car and thus most people wouldn't opt for Quattro on a convertible. I don't *think* it will be as quick as the 330CiC due to weight and that car having a manual trans option.
Good luck in whatever you decide, keep us posted.

M

merc1 · October 2002

My local Audi dealer had about 4 of these on their front lawn today, so I couldn't resist.

This is first and foremost a very good-looking, well-crafted car. Those two things stand out right away. The CVT is kinda odd at first, but I got used to it after a few mins. The top's action is completely silent and the climate control automatically shuts off when you lower the top. Neat. This is "touring" car, much softer than the 330Ci droptop. Solid, calm, stylish is what this car is. The body structure is rigid and the tires do grip, but it's no sports car. The one I drove had everything, 47K (gulp). Nice car, but I'd like to see a 2.7t or S4 version.

M

JBaumgart · October 2002

Me too - but no doubt that would result in yet a bigger gulp...maybe 53-54K?

merc1 · October 2002

Probably so, and only an "S4" version would be worth that much. Now if they'd bring in a 2.7t version for the price of the current 3.0 model they would have a real winner on their hands.

M

andys120 · October 2002

hold on to your wallets.

quijote · October 2002

My local Audi dealer had ONE cabrio three weeks ago and let me take it for a LONG test drive. I currently own a Saab 9-3 Convertible and was seriously considering purchasing the new Audio A4 Cabrio, until I drove it.

What a lame duck!

My Saab is stick, and I want another manual. The salesman tried convincing me the tiptronic type auto would blow me away. It didn't. It was extremely slow in changing gears. I guess it is a good transmission if you like Buicks. I love my Saab, and was looking for a sporty vehicle. The new A4 Cabrio was also very slow. That V6 felt like my girlfriend's 1.8T Passat. The steering was way too soft. It is a beautiful car, inside and out, but the execution isn't there for my taste. However, if you like a boring drive, this car is for you.

I then drove the TT 6 Speed, what a thrill. However, it is only a two seater and I like a four seater, like my Saab. I think I'll wait another year until the all new 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible comes out. In fact, I suggest everyone to wait for the 2004 Saab if the Audi isn't to their liking.

merc1 · October 2002

There are no "gears" to change on the A4 Cabrio. I wonder if you were just put off by the last of feeling a "shift" as in a traditional automatic. I too think Audi has made a mistake by forcing the CVT on everyone that wants a non-quattro Audi.

M

Kirstie_H · November 2002

A journalist with a monthly women's magazine would like to speak to women who bought a convertible while in their 40s or 50s, and women who plan to buy a convertible when they enter that age range. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by November 12, 2002.

03a4 · December 2002

Hi all!

I chose an '03 A4 Cabrio last month, after checking out a number of coupes (SC 430, CLK 320, BMW 330i, Volvo's S70, and the G35) Amulet red, with black top/interior, with everything except Parktronic. The styling is understated, classic, elegance, an opinion verified by the number of admiring glances and unsolicited compliments, especially from valet parkers. Reminds me of the first few years I had my prior car, a '92 SC 300.

The ride is amazingly quiet - I've had no rippling at 80+ mph, and the smoothness of the transmission is a nice touch, although it takes a little getting used to. No defects with the car after 1,000 miles.

The Nav system is not as good as others I've used, but the placement of the screen in the middle of the instrument panel is better than those that are in the middle of the dash.

The sales experience was actually not bad, although I could not move them off MSRP, except to get the upgraded tires added at no charge- so maybe that's $500. The service experience at my dealer, however, has been a nightmare. To get the tires put on, as well as the front plate holder has required numerous calls and visits, with poor attitudes from the Service Manager. Maybe I was spoiled by Lexus, but in 10 years with 2 Lexus dealers, I never had anything but great treatment.

Anyway, I have nothing but a positive recommendation for the car.

bradlake1 · December 2002

I have an 02 Allroad and my wife is considering the Cabrio. Although, the A4 coupe which is coming mid year 03 might be nice as well. I agree the vehicles are awesome but the service is not. ENJOY!!!

merc1 · January 2003

Interesting. What made you switch from Lexus to Audi? Secondly, what do you think about the A4's transmission. I test drove it and never really got comformtable with it.

M

thetylerco · January 2003

Hey 03A4, I just picked up my A4 cab in amulet red yesterday! Except I have a beige interior (with black top). So far, I've only seen two others on the road, both black and three others in the dealerships, also black. I actually ordered mine in October, but it took a couple months to arrive. Did you order yours? Or did a wise dealer have the foresight to order this beautiful color. My dealer said he will now order more in red after seeing mine. Darn! I wanted to be the only one on the road (you don't happen to live in SoCal, do you???).

Anyway, one full day's of ownership is not enough to give a balanced opinion. But I am very happy with this car. It's as cute as a button and performs exactly how I want. And I don't know why every one says the CVT takes getting used to. It's like buttah, like silk. Oh yeah, that's odd!

Enjoy!
penny

03a4 · January 2003

I switched from Lexus because I didn't like the styling of the SC 430, and it's overpriced at 62K. I was looking for a stylish 2 door for city driving in Chicago weather. I actually Liked the CLK 320, but itr was a 3 month wait and I didn't want to wait. Also, the interior has a lot of cheap-looking features, and the model I test-drove had a number of obvious defects. The G35 was too tight for my height, and the A4 was just arrived on the showroom floor, had the options I wanted, and I could take it home that day. It was the only cabrio they had, and I've only seen 1 other on the road here in the last 2 months.

I do like the transmission. It does take getting used to because you don't experience the shift points that cue you to stomp on, or ease off, the accelerator. I can still leave rubber from a stop line, but I have yet to experience that feeling of a surge of power when trying to accelerate from 60 to 80. I'm still playing around with the Tiptronic options, and have not had enough experience with them to tell if they really make a difference. Also, we haven't had any real snow here yet to determine how it handles winter driving.

The CVT adds to the smooth and quiet ride, but does rob some of the quickness of other transmissions. The alleged fuel efficiency is not anything to sell the feature - it's negligible at best.

I think that the A4 is one of the best models available as far as a combination of style, value, performance, and quality, even though it may not be first in any one of those categories. When you limit the comparison to convertibles, it's hard to find anything that is clearly better in that combination of factors.

By the way, the upgraded Bose system is definitely worth the cost.

kevinjs · February 2003

looking to buy the a4 1.8 with the premium package. not looking for a super sport car, so i think the 1.8 is enough for me. is the ride smoother without the sport package? anyone have service problems in south florida? thanks for any info

lngtonge18 · February 2003

Where in south fl are u? If you are in the palm beach county area, my mom has had very good luck with Braman motorcars. They treat her like a queen and have always been very responsive to her concerns and maintenance needs. They also gave her a good deal. She loves her 01 A4 1.8 sport package.
I think a firm suspension is a bad idea on a convertible. Convertibles are more prone to body flex and a firmer suspension can lead to more rattles and squeaks and more vibrations felt by the driver. Test drive one without the sport suspension and see if you are fine with its handling. I can tell you that Audi's sport suspensions are not smooth riding.

merckx · February 2003

on the sport suspension on a convertable for the same reason. Rattles will certainally be coming sooner. A convert is inherently floppier as it is.
i do think the Audi is one of the nicer ones on the market,though.

kevinjs · February 2003

thanks i am pretty close to palm beach. i'll give them a buzz. by the way, how is the resale of the a4? i am debating on whether to buy or lease. i usually hold a car for about three or four years, but with the lease prices, it may pay to buy the car. thanks

lngtonge18 · February 2003

Audis hold their value quite well. I wouldn't worry about resale value at all.

kevinjs · February 2003

anyone purchase a 1.8 cabrio out there? i am looking to buy, and looking for any info, pro or con. thanks kevin

merc1 · March 2003

I think this is a good bet as to how Audi's A4 Coupe will look:

http://www.audiworld.com/news/03/geneva/

Click on the Audi Nuvolari quattro.

M

philly2002 · March 2003

I'm not sure if the above link will indicate the future of the Audi coupe. The beautiful coupe shown is a marvel in the automotive industry. The car will be very expensive to boot. Audi would have to tweak the idea considerably for it to be effective in the 2+2 GT market.

The Nuvolari concept looks as if it would compete with the Aston Martin's and the MB SLR!!!

Audi A4 Convertible

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