Audi has released details of its A3 Cabriolet, availabe in the third quarter of 2008. It’s a distinctly different small convertible, more practical than most, and has a lot of useful, real-world features.
But its outstanding feature is the roof – well, both of them, actually – since it will be available with a choice of two fabric tops: a semi-auto version and a fully-auto version with sound-proofed acoustic cloth.
Either can be opened or closed in only nine seconds, says Audi, and takes up very little space when folded.
The A3 Cabrio seats four adults but the rear seat back (split 50:50) can also be folded flat from the boot to increase its capacity from 260 litres (hood up or down) to 674 litres, swallowing packages up to 1
Its outstanding feature is the roof – well, both of them, actually
.5m long.
The front view has Audi’s signature single-frame grille with distinctive headlights available with an optional light strip – seven light-emitting diodes along the bottom of each cluster – as well as adaptive xenon headlights.
The broad, flat tail lights use fibre-optic light sources to form two distinctive radiant rings while the coupé profile and striking wheel arches are the dominant elements when seen from the side.
The fabric hood is braced by a metal linkage and has a large, heatable, glass rear window; it folds in a Z-pattern with the rigid header section on top to form its own tonneau cover. It can be opened and closed at up to 30km/h – or remotely from the key fob
The A3 Cabrio will be available with either lowered standard or sport suspension
.
The A3 Cabriolet will be available with a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines – each with direct injection and a turbo.
The 1.9 TDI is rated at 77kW and 250Nm; Audi quotes 0.100km in 12.3sec and a top speed of 185km/h at a cost of 5.1 litres/100km, with a five-speed manual gearbox.
A new two-litre TDI has quad valves and two balance shafts for quiet, smooth running. A claimed 103kW and 320Nm from 1750 to 2500rpm take it from 0-100km/h in 9.9sec and on to 204km/h while burning 5.4 litres/100km.
A six-speed gearbox is standard; a semi-auto is an extra-cost option.
A new 1.8-litre TFSI produces a claimed 118kW and 250Nm (delivered from 1500-4200rpm) using variable-intake cam timing and 150-bar fuel-injection. Audi quotes 0-100km/h in 8.3sec and 218km/h on 7.3 litres/100km. Six speeds are standard, manual-sequential is available.
Audi’s numbers for the two-litre TFSI are 147kW and 280NM from 1800-5000rpm; with the optional S tronic transmission it claims 0-100km/h in 7.3sec, a 231km/h top sopeeed and an average of 7.6 lires/100km.
Electro-mechanical power steering is standard, as are Macpherson struts on a aluminium sub-frame and a four-link rear suspension.
Sports package
The A3 Cabrio will be available from launch with either standard or sport (lowered by 15mm) suspension, a sports package that includes sports seats and 17″ alloy rims shod with 255/45 rubber in place of the standard 16″ hoops and 205/55 boots.
The interior borrows its four round air vents and side knee cushions on the centre console struts from the TT, while the black-faced instruments have red needles. The Sport model comes with a three-spoked leather steering wheel.
Electric four-way lumbar support for the front seats is an option, as is heating for either the front or all four seats.
Power windows are standard for both trim levels; the sport package adds front fog lights, a driver information system, wind deflector, and special inlays, upholstery and door sill trim.
Prices will be announced when the A3 Cabrio goes on sale.
