Audi Australia has launched its newest addition to the popular A3 range – the all-new A3 Cabriolet.

Priced from a highly-competitive $49,900, this head-turning compact Cabriolet, which seats four adults, is now available locally.

At launch, the A3 Cabriolet range features two sporty, yet economical engines including a 118 kW 1.8 TFSI and a 147 kW 2.0 TFSI variant. Both models are powered by Audi’s innovative direct injection engine technology, FSI, combined with turbocharging resulting in class-leading fuel efficiency. Both engines achieve an outstanding 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

Weighing just 135 kilogrammes, the compact and light weight four-cylinder turbo engine in both the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI delivers as much power as a normally aspirated V6 but consumes much less fuel.

This efficient combination of direct fuel injection and turbo technology produces outstanding drive comfort and economical performance. The turbo motor responds extremely quickly – at 2,000 rpm, the 1.8 TFSI produces its maximum torque of 250 Nm in just 1.2 seconds. It propels the 1.8 TFSI to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and combined with the standard, sporty high-tech six-speed S tronic transmission for Audi’s transverse-mounted engines, power flow and gear changes are lightning-fast.

The 2.0-litre TFSI engine has been named “Engine of the Year” in its class for four consecutive years from 2005. At 1,800 rpm it jams 280 Nm of torque on the crankshaft with its peak at 5,000 rpm. It is available with a choice of two transmissions including a six-speed manual or an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox which can accelerate the A3 Cabriolet to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. In manual mode, the same distance is covered in 7.4 seconds.

To make the most of Audi’s S tronic gearbox, both models feature standard shift paddles, allowing the driver to shift rapidly via the steering wheel mounted paddles. In addition, two fully automatic drive modes are available: D for drive and S for sport which alters the shifting characteristics to make for a sportier driving experience.

To complement the dynamic nature of the 2.0 TFSI model, sports suspension is fitted as standard.

In Audi’s new A3 Cabriolet, not all the fun happens under the bonnet. The compact convertible features a semi-automatic soft top which opens in a class-leading 9 seconds. To activate the hood release, a central handle is simply unlocked before the automatic release rapidly opens the lid. An optional fully-automatic soft top is also available and offers an additional layer of acoustic material above the standard soft top.

When open, the soft top hood takes up very little space in the rear thanks to its Z-shaped fold. It is also lighter than a retractable hard top which benefits fuel consumption. Whether the roof is open or closed, the luggage area in the A3 Cabriolet remains unchanged and unaffected by top-down motoring. Thanks to its 50:50 split fold rear seats and a pass-through opening behind the seats, the A3 Cabriolet swallows a welcome and usable 260 litres, swelling to 674 litres with the rear seats folded down – the largest luggage area in its class.

Typically for Audi, safety in the A3 Cabriolet is not compromised with this new model designed from the ground up to ensure the body structure remains rigid and solid, protecting its passengers at all times, even with the roof down. The A3 Cabriolet’s design contains a significant proportion of high-strength and ultra-high strength steels.

Airbags for driver and front passenger, together with head and thorax side airbags, are all fitted as standard. All four seats feature head restraints. An electronic stability programme with anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock and brake assist is fitted as standard across both models.

Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the addition of this new model to the range will be welcomed by customers thanks to its eye-catching design, competitive pricing and unbeatable top-down driving experience.

“The A3 Cabriolet clearly reflects Audi’s brand values of sporty, progressive and sophisticated – with two dynamic turbocharged direct injection engines, Audi achieves the seemingly opposite goals of excellent performance combined with fuel efficiency, matched with an elegant design which is equally attractive in roof-up or roof-down modes,” Mr Hofmann said. “We expect the A3 Cabriolet to be extremely successful in Australia because it offers a multitude of flexible features – from the fun of driving with the roof down, to space for four people, excellent safety features, plenty of luggage space and genuine good looks. It is a great addition to the already-successful A3 range.

Recommended retail pricing for A3 Cabriolet:

1.8 TFSI Attraction (S tronic) $49,900
2.0 TFSI Ambition (6-speed manual) $54,900
2.0 TFSI Ambition (S tronic) $57,500

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