2003 Audi A4 1.8T review from South Africa
"Car is a good sedate cruiser, but no sports sedan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Loose torsion bar resulting in knocking noise which took dealers 18 months to locate and repair.
General comments?
For a car marketed as a performance sedan it is a sheep in wolfs clothing. The suspension is particularly poor with too much body roll and inadequate suspension dampening. Compared to BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class it is a loser regarding its suspension.
Despite what the makers say turbo lag is a problem especially with the auto multitronic transmission.
The sports suspension offered after I bought the car is a huge improvement which makes it a class leader in handling.
Finally the brakes are far too sensitive making controlled braking difficult.
Apart from the above the car is equipped with quality finishes, but the assembly is not up to that of my previous Audi 500SE which was a gem.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Should be quicker but great Road Presence |
  | Low quality, and manufacturer does not stand behind their product |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 24000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 5 Series |
| Date of Entry | 8th April, 2005 |