Audi A4

Audi A4 Cabrio

Now that's what we call an Auto Express welcome! To be fair, the big turnout to be pictured with our new long-term Audi A4 Cabriolet wasn't just down to its undoubted popularity. The car was one that we had on display at last month's Motor-DRIVE LiVe event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. While thousands of visitors took the chance to test drive for themselves dozens of new cars for the first time, the Audi also generated lots of interest - not least from our team.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By David Johns

June 2003

Rating:

Now that's what we call an Auto Express welcome! To be fair, the big turnout to be pictured with our new long-term Audi A4 Cabriolet wasn't just down to its undoubted popularity. The car was one that we had on display at last month's Motor-DRIVE LiVe event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. While thousands of visitors took the chance to test drive for themselves dozens of new cars for the first time, the Audi also generated lots of interest - not least from our team.
With the sun out, the A4 had the chance to show off what it can do. We Brits buy more cabrios than any other nation in Europe, even though our weather is so utterly unpredictable - but when they are as good as the A4, it's hardly surprising. This is a gem of a car, combining all the style any discerning soft-top lover could wish for with genuine four-seater ability for the family man.
And then there's the quality. The usual high standards of Audi fit and finish are upheld, and the all-important hood is the finest you'll find on any convertible. Beautifully finished - there are no exposed struts or brackets - it's all done at the touch of a button in around 25 seconds, and with soundproofing that puts some tin-tops to shame.
So, we're fans. But will we still be six months down the road when we've lived with the A4 Cabrio day to day? Watch this space for all the answers once we have clocked up more miles. With the odometer just into four figures, though, the early signs are that we'll have plenty to report, as we have ignored petrol engine/manual transmission combinations to explore the diesel/auto option. Our test car boasts Audi's new 2.5 TDI unit linked to a CVT Multitronic gearbox.
After the best part of a year with the power of Audi's S6 returning barely 21mpg (see right), it's already come as a welcome relief to see its baby diesel brother notching more than 35 miles to each gallon of derv. Most of the driving so far has been motorway cruising, so it will be interesting to see how the fuel gauge fares once we put the Audi through some heavy work in city traffic.
On the occasions when we have ventured into town, the turbodiesel engine and automatic gearbox seem a bit of a mismatch, with a noticeable lag between planting the accelerator and moving off - a problem that afflicted the S6. And while noise insulation is excellent, the engine clatter means there is never any doubt you're driving a diesel.
That said, the warble of the V6 is far more pleasant than the flat drone of the more common four-cylinder oil-burner that Audi and the other VW Group brands use. But there are one or two other early gripes. If you find reversing difficult at the best of times, backing up in the A4 could well prove a challenge too far, thanks to the huge blindspot caused by the hood's wide rear 'pillars'.
The alarm/immobiliser also appears to have a mind of its own, periodically sounding off without reason. It's a problem which, we are told, Audi is experiencing with one of its own test fleet models.
Finally, whatever you do, don't go for the alloys fitted to our car. Multispokes might look great when they're spotless and new, but keeping them free of dust and road grime is an absolute nightmare. That apart, all I need now is a bit of sunshine.