The New Audi A3 Cabriolet
It was first launched in 2008 and it was the previous generation that included the cabriolet bodyshape, and now here is the new Audi A3 Cabriolet!
There will be two TFSI engines available in South Africa, namely the 1.4T FSI (92 kW) and the 1.8T FSI (132 kW). All engines in the new Audi A3 Cabriolet combine the technologies of direct injection, turbocharging and the start-stop-system. Both TFSI engines will be available in manual and S-tronic (automatic).
On average, the two engines offered at market launch have twelve percent better fuel economy than the engines in the previous model. The A3 Cabriolet 1.8T FSI will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds with a corresponding combined fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km.
The new Cabriolet is based on the Audi Sedan, therefore its length, width and wheelbase has increased in size. Only its height was reduced by 15 millimetres, giving the four-seat convertible a more sporty appearance. Luggage capacity has increased by 60 litres to a total of 320 litres.
The new A3 Cabriolet has a soft cloth top. At the press of a button, the top opens electro-hydraulically in 17 seconds while driving up to 50 km/h. The roof can be closed in just 18 seconds. When the top is down, it rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity. The instrument panel design is lean and low, its front is slightly curved, and the centre console is angled towards the driver. The large, round air vents in jet design, the control panel for the air conditioner and the three-dimensional trim strips bring elegance into the interior. The car offers enough space for four adults, and the seatbacks of the two rear seats can be folded down which opens up a wide through-load area.
Driving in the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is even more impressive with its highly developed assistance systems. The driver information system with efficiency program and attention assist are already standard features across the range, with Audi drive select a standard feature on SE models. The options program includes cruise control, park assist with selective display and various feature levels of the Audi pre-sense safety system.
Also extremely attractive is the line-up of infotainment components; at the very top are the Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI Navigation plus. The seven-inch monitor extends from the instrument panel electronically. The user terminal has a rotary/push button control that is designed as a touchwheel with MMI touch – the touchwheel’s top surface is a touch-sensitive pad for inputting alpha and numeric characters.
Overall the specifications of the models are as follows:
S models: Fully electrically operated roof with acoustic hood that can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h, 16” 10-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels, MMI Radio with full colour, slide-out LCD screen, LED Interior lighting package, exterior aluminium package, front centre armrest, leather covered multi function steering wheel, light / rain sensor, driver information system, monochrome, Bluetooth with voice control and audio streaming, Knee airbag.
SE models: (additional standard items above S specification) 17” 5-arm design cast aluminium alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, front fog lights, Audi Drive Select with Efficiency programme, leather covered multifunction sports steering wheel, fully automated, dual zone air-conditioning, driver Information system in colour, Audi Sound System.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet will be available at the following pricing, including the standard 5-year/100 00 km Audi Freeway Plan:
•Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.4T FSI S manual: R 419 500
•Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.4T FSI S S tronic: R 436 500
•Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8T FSI SE manual: R 448 000
•Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8T FSI SE S tronic: R 465 000
Completing the range in the fourth quarter of 2014 will be the Audi S3 Cabriolet, which will feature the same 2.0T FSI engine available in its S3 siblings. Further information on this model will be available closer to introduction.