In its final year before a complete redesign, the 2008 Audi A4 continues to offer more variety than the competition.

Positioned one rung up the entry-luxury ladder from the Audi A3 hatchback, Audi offers the 2008 A4 in 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan, and 5-door station wagon body styles. The wagon, called the A4 Avant, is covered separately. You can also learn about the V8-powered and performance-tuned Audi S4 variants in a separate article. The high-performance Audi RS4 is discontinued for 2008.

Why cancel one of the great driver’s cars of the modern age? Well, 2008 is the final year for the current A4 sedan in advance of a complete redesign. The A4 convertible’s redesign is delayed until 2010.

Changes for both body styles are limited to standard S-line exterior trim and an available iPod interface, while the convertible includes heated front seats at no extra cost. An A4 Special Edition sedan arrived mid-way through the year, equipping the car with upgraded wheels, paint, and in combination with all-wheel drive, leather seats that were heated up front.