Quattro Cabriolet

[digicammad]

I am currently running an A4 Avant 1.9tdi quattro. My wife now uses the train to get to work so her car (an MX5) hardly gets used.

We are considering selling both and getting an A4 cabriolet, but I really like the quattro system and want to stick with it if possible. As far as I see it that limits my (sensible) choices to the 1.8T and 3.0tdi engines.

Has anybody had experience with these models? What is the difference in running cost (the diesel is in a higher insurance group but lower tax band) and is the auto box worth considering on the 3.0tdi?

Your advice and opinions would be really welcome.

Ian

[kodkod.84]

Have you thought about the 2.0T quattro- I have this engine in my Avant and it is sweet although in FWD guise.

I imagine it would be a great choice in a cab.

[digicammad]

It isn't available in the cabrio as far as I can see, only the 1.8T, 3.0TDI and 3.0 petrol (I think).

[gjrwilliams82]

According to the current A4 Cabriolet brochure, Quattro is only available on the 3.2 FSI petrol and the 3.0TDI.

I'm watching this thread with interest because I'm planning to upgrade to a cabrio soon. Can't decide between the 2.0TDI (marginally cheaper running costs) the 2.0TFSI (really can't beat petrol IMO, but haven't driven the 2.0 yet) or the 3.0TDI Quattro (in which I can get all the spec I want and more, at the expense of running costs).

If you're looking at more than a couple of years old, then I don't know if the 1.8 came with Quattro, bearing in mind the weight of the car (and the fact that the 1.8 only has a 5-speed box and the multitronic option) I'd be inclined to say they dropped it at the B5.5 facelift.

[kodkod.84]

According to wikipedia the B7 cab came with this engine range

1.8T
2.0T FSI
3.2 FSI
3.2 FSI Quattro

2.0 TDI
2.7 TDI
3.0 TDI Quattro

[digicammad]

I've definitely seen ads for 1.8T quattro cabriolets, unless they got the spec wrong.

Must admit I do fancy the 3.0tdi though, it gets very good reviews, is more economical than the 1.8T and has a lower tax group (although slightly higher insurance group).