I'm looking at getting a new car, has to be AWD.

My max is $30k, but I'm open to listening to any and all suggestions within that budget.

The BMW is tempting, I hear they cover all the maintenance/warranty work for free until 50k miles under this new plan, ultimate service or something like that.

Comments?

Well of course im gonna say the audi.
If you want performance get the B5 model (96-01) 00-01 models are better because they are equipped with a map sensor which you can put a 4.3V zener diode in line with the map and peg the sensor giving you 12 PSI right off the bat. Then either chip it with GIAC, APR, REVO, ect and get the boost to 15 psi bringing you to 215 HP. You then can install an $80 MBC (manual boost controller) and bring it up to 20-22 psi safely on the stock fuel system bringing it to around 240 bhp.
Of course if you wanna go bigger turbo you have several different upgrades to choose from. www.atpturbo.com is where you wanna go for the set up.
If you wanna make it stealthy and sail right through emmisions testing go with an eliminator model of the GT2X or GT28RS which bolts right to the stock manifold for around $1,500 for the turbo, spend around $800 for the tuning, and if you want, install an FMIC (front mount intercooler) for $900 more.
The GT2X turbo will yield around 200-240 WHEEL HORSE POWER!
The GT28RS will yield 260-300 WHEEL HORSE POWER!
Having four wheel drive with a good driver that would put you in the low 13's to high 12's for around 3 grand worth of upgrades, plus your riding in style baby.
There are other full versions of all these turbos which are more expensive but can yield much more horse power, the weak point in the 1.8T block is the rods which can only handle about 400 whp, the pistons can handle around 600 whp. If you want more info once you make your decision feel free to ask me, i know more about audi's than you could ever dream of.