Driving the new 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 is an effortless romp through the land of the privileged. Although some may consider the price (MSRP $41,500) a tad steep, the Cabriolet is a vehicle that offers a lot. With Multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the latest technology, this upscale German-built sports sedan stands out in a crowd.

The A4 Cabriolet’s styling was new for 2002, and is offered in either the 3.0-liter V6 engine or 1.8T 4-cylinder engine. Unmistakably Audi, its lines are simple, yet elegant; classy and timeless. Handling and ride quality are excellent–but then, what would you expect. As with all German rolling stock, there is a tight/taut feel to the vehicle that adds to the way it handles. Having driven a German-made vehicle, it’s hard for some to go back to the sometime wandering sensation found in a domestic car, and/or the quiet, numb feel of a Japanese vehicle.

Instrumentation, controls, seating comfort and amenities are all top notch in the A4 Cabriolet. Standard equipment abounds, including such things as antilock brakes with Brake Assist, electronic stabilization (ESP), FrontTrak, front-wheel-drive, full-size spare tire, power retractable cloth top with heated rear window, automatic dual-zone climate control, front/rear power windows, electronic cruise control, leather seating surfaces, power locking system, genuine wood beltline trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver information display, concealed headlight washer system, and Symphony AM/FM/6-disc CD changer.

Safety is also at the forefront with dual front airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags and front seat side airbags. Anti-theft immobilizer security system and active rollover protection are also standard safety features.

Equipped with Audi’s multitronic CVT transmission, which is offered in the A4 1.8T, A4 3.0 V6 and A6 3.0 V6, this all-new Audi is one fun sport sedan.

Audi’s multitronic CVT works differently than a conventional automatic transmission. Rather than shifting with gears and fluid couplings, CVT employs a set of pulleys connected by a belt. Each pulley is split in two, similar to the bottom of a saucer. As the pulleys part into two halves, the belt rides closer to the center during slower speeds. When the halves come together, the belt moves to the outer edge of the pulley for higher speed operation. The moveable pulleys enable the transmission to vary in the power it transmits.

Audi engineers figured out a way to overcome the CVT’s limitations in the amount of power it could transmit. They replaced the belts with a vanadium-plated, steel, link-plate chain, matched up with hydraulically adjustable sets of beveled split pulleys. As the CVT receives feedback from the engine management system, it selects the gear ratio to deliver the ideal amount of torque that will match load conditions. The Cabriolet’s transmission technology is a first in the convertible segment.

Along with the two engine options available, the Cabriolet offers two packages (Premium, Sport), as well as several separate options. Audi offers an optional Navigation System using GPS to navigate.

Our test A4 Cabriolet came equipped with five rather costly options: Premium leather sport seats ($1,500), Premium Package (Homelink Remote Transmitter, Wind Deflector, Auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, Auto-dimming exterior mirrors, Memory for driver side seat adjustment, Memory for side mirror position, Xenon headlights, Multi-function steering wheel, $1,475), Bose Premium Sound System, $650, 17-inch Cast alloy wheels, $500 and Heated front seats, $450. Destination, $660.

Without options such as the above, we still could have been happy with the "stripped-down" version of the A4 Cabriolet. Options come at a premium price.

As one would hope when driving in a convertible, the A4 is quiet. Although some road noise is audible, the padded, triple-layered convertible top manages to keep most intrusions outside. The specially constructed top allows for driving in all seasons. If, of course, convertible buffs even allow their vehicle out in inclement weather!

In just 24 seconds, the Cabriolet’s convertible top is down (or up), tucked neatly into the A4’s well-cover and closed out of sight. To take care of the antenna problem, Audi integrated the stereo and navigation system antennae into a composite rear deck lid.

The A4 Cabriolet is built on Audi’s latest generation of aluminum-intensive, four-link front suspension and trapezoid-link rear suspension. And for those who are environmentally conscious, the A4’s V6 engine meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards.

Unique exterior colors exclusive to the 2003 Cabriolet include Champagne metallic, Aquamarine Blue metallic, Cambridge Green pearl effect and Caribic Blue pearl effect. Our test vehicle was Amulet Red with a black roof and black interior.

We love the Cabriolet’s interior with its sporty aluminum-trim rings circling the air vents. At night, the red lights can be blinding if you’re far-sighted, but it looks oh, so great!

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.