Four transmissions are available: five- and six-speed manuals, a five-speed automatic with Tiptronic, and Audi's multitronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A4 models are available FrontTrak front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro is one of the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems going, and one of Audi's most popular options.

A4 1.8T sedan ($24,950) comes standard with cloth upholstery, a five-speed manual gearbox, and FronTrak. Other models include A4 1.8T FronTrak CVT ($26,100); 1.8T quattro five-speed manual ($26,700); and 1.8T quattro Tiptronic ($27,850).

A4 3.0 sedans comes with leather upholstery. Models include A4 3.0 FronTrak CVT ($31,590); A4 3.0 quattro six-speed manual ($32,290); and 3.0 quattro Tiptronic ($33,340).

Avant models (wagons) are similar to the aforementioned sedans, and retail for about $1000 more. All Avants come with Quattro.

Cabriolet is available initially as a 3.0 FronTrak CVT ($41,500), but a 1.8T version will also be available. Cabriolets do not offer Quattro.

All A4 models are well equipped. They come with a full compliment of power amenities, including power up/auto down for all windows (with pinch protection). Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control with charcoal filtration, concealed headlight washers and a 150-watt, 10-speaker stereo with six-CD in-dash changer.

Safety features that come standard include antilock brakes, electronic stability program (ESP), dual front airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of a crash, front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags on each side of the cabin, three-point seat belts at all five locations with pretensioners, force limiters in front. Rear side-impact airbags are optional.

Options for 2003: Premium Package ($2000 for 1.8T) includes leather seating surfaces, power driver's seat with lumbar, glass sunroof, and HomeLink remote transmitter. A Sport Package ($1000 for 1.8T; $750 for 3.0) includes a sports suspension and 17-inch wheels. Audi's GPS navigation system ($1,350) is available for A4 3.0 models.