Audi A4 Review Covering 2001

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Quick Summary of the Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet

OVERALL

When it first appeared on the market, Audi’s A4 Cabriolet managed to make everything else look a little old hat. Even now it’s still where many used drop top buyers would choose to put their money. Class and quality don’t come cheap, however, and you’ll need some serious disposable income to get behind the wheel. Once there, you won’t need too much convincing that you’ve made a good choice.

QUALITY STRASSE

Rarely has a car undergone quite such an image transformation over the course of one generation as Audi’s A4 Cabriolet. Whereas its predecessor was regarded as a rather outdated if elegant cruiser, the post 2001 model is right up with the best as far as four seat convertibles go. With a far stiffer chassis than the old car ever got and better engines to boot, the A4 Cabriolet offers those looking for a genuinely dynamic drive a number of options. The choice of quattro all wheel drive transmission and a quality diesel engine differentiated Audi’s offering while ensuring that new cars sold well and used examples command strong residuals. Bargains may be rare but then so are potential lemons.
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History of the A4 A4 Cabriolet

Launched in the final days of 2001, the Audi A4 Cabriolet was a massive technical stride ahead of its predecessor. It was also good enough to be considered a model in its own right, sharing not one body panel with the Audi A4 saloon. Customers were initially offered a choice of 2.4-litre or 3.0-litre models in front-wheel drive or Quattro form. As well as a conventional manual gearbox, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) version was also offered. A 1.8T entry level model and a 2.5-litre TDi version were soon added to the range, along with a Multitronic CVT gearbox. Given the success of BMW’s M3 Convertible, it was not surprising that an Audi S4 Cabriolet was offered for sale in the UK in Spring 2004. In early 2006, a replacement A4 Cabriolet arrived, spelling the end for this model.
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Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet Road Test

As with all A4s of this generation, the build quality is brilliant, with every control you touch clicking beautifully into place. You can enjoy it all on the move too, thanks to a supple ride and impressive refinement aided by a slippery 0.30Cd drag factor: this car makes less of a hole in the air with the roof open than the equivalent BMW 3 Series Convertible does with it closed.Which is just as well, at least from a fuel consumption perspective, given that the car is so heavy: at some 1,580kg in weight, it’s 155kg more than the saloon and 150kg more than the old A4 Cab. As a result, you’ll struggle to get much more than 20mpg around town in the 3.0-litre. Audi had its excuses ready on this one, as you’d expect. It was all apparently necessary to create that class-leading rigidity, incorporate the electro-hydraulically operated roof and meet the safety standards of the day (there’s the usual complement of front and side airbags). There are twin roll bars to carry around for example: these automatically pop up in a blink of an eye behind the rear head restraints should the car be in danger of rolling over.Whatever the reasons, the result is that, even in top 3.0-litre form, the performance on offer is likely to feel, shall we say, rather relaxed, even if blank paper figures (0-60mph in 7.8s en route to 151mph) suggest otherwise. Remember this if you’re thinking about one of the smaller-engined versions. At least the 2.5TDi can average nearly 40mpg.
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Buying a Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet

There are no particular problem areas with any of the cabriolets. Audi's extensive corrosion proofing and excellent build quality ensure that all its cars are long-lasting. Check any car for a full service history, of course, and don't forget to make sure the fabric hood is without slash-repairs, is waterproof and fits as it should. The interior may be slightly sun-damaged, especially models with leather trim, so have a good look around the top of the dashboard and seats.
Used Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet for sale

Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet Typical Pricing

The Audi A4 Cabriolet holds onto its value with grim determination. Even the least popular model, the front wheel drive 2.4-litre without the Sport and with the CVT gearbox will command £12,425 for an 01 51-plated example. Given this car retailed for £25,420 new, it’s easy to see why these cars have rewarded owners with relatively inexpensive prestige motoring. If you really want to tear tarmac, the Cabriolet 3.0-litre Sport is the best pick and these can be found from £12,525 if you choose a manual gearbox or £13,500 with the CVT box. The 2.5-litre TDi is an interesting proposition, Audi obviously having faith in the car’s refinement and a manual Sport version can be found for £15,175. The 1.8T models instantly became the best sellers upon introduction and the first 52-platers are around for £13,575.
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Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet Parts

(approx based on a 2003 A4 1.8T Cabriolet) A clutch assembly kit will be around £205 and an exhaust system (without catalyst) will be about £250. An alternator should be close to £120 and a radiator around £160. Front brake pads are around £75, rear brake pads will be £50.
Used Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet for sale

Audi A4 A4 Cabriolet Rated

Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 4 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Audi A4 Review2001 - 2006