The handsome Audi A3 Cabriolet completes the A3 model line-up for the ‘Four Rings’ as it makes its Frankfurt International Motor Show debut. Based on the versatile Volkswagen MQB platform, the newest addition to the Ingolstadt family already joins the A3 Hatch, the A3 Sedan and five-door A3 Sportback models. The MQB platform also carries with it inherent weight saving benefits that will hold the A3 Cabriolet in good stead as far as efficient and response for the driver are concerned.
In keeping with the dimensions of its Volkswagen Golf underling, the second-generation A3 Cabriolet has grown up and is now a fairly substantial 120 mm longer end-to-end. It is also lower, wider and sits on a longer wheelbase too. This affords occupants more space in the cabin, rear seats that you can actually use and a more practical boot area when the soft top roof is in place or folded away. Crucially though, it gives the Audi A3 Cabriolet a longer, sleeker stance compared to its forebear.
Audi also says the increased body size allows for a wider range of wheels to be fitted, thereby further enhancing the mature appeal of the second-generation convertible. Wheels ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch sizes can be accommodated across the different models.
Styling-wise the 2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet is a huge improvement on the somewhat boxy, upright, outgoing model, which despite the awkward styling, still managed to find favour across the markets it was sold. The subtle rear spoiler gives it that added feeling of maturity.
In profile it is broadly similar to other A3 models, but from the A-pillar back the design lines make a divergence. If anything it looks more like a conventional four-seater cabriolet, (i.e. Audi A5 Cabriolet) than a compact, entry-level offering. Despite the size, and thanks to its new underpinnings, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is said to weigh in at just 1 345 kg, a pretty impressive figure considering the extra strengthening required to reinforce a convertible.
The soft-top roof is fully automated of course and requires 18 seconds to go up or down, which can also be done at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The awkward rollover hoops of the current generation Audi A3 Cabriolet are gone and are replaced by a glass rear window and an active rollover protection system that only deploys in case of an accident.
The spartan cockpit interior looks common place for any Audi and you’ll find similarities between it and all other Audi A3s in the range. Loads of leather and accented airvents are the order of the day in this drop top, as is Audi’s latest MMI interface with either 5.8- or 7-inch display and 4G LTE broadband connectivity (in Europe, anyway).
As far as propulsion under the bonnet goes, the Audi A3 Cabriolet sticks with the same 1.4- and 1.8-litre TSI engines you’ll find across the regular range of A3s and will be front-wheel drive only. That sounds like it’ll signal the end of the road for the moderately-powered 155 kW 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which you could get in the previous A3 Cabriolet. That’s a shame, but the 104 kW and 134 kW petrol derivatives will be more than ample for the soft top. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
Audi do claim to be preparing a high-performance S3 Cabriolet model. This will apparently use the same 2.0-litre found in the S3 and be good for 220 kW and 380 Nm of torque, channeled to the road via Quattro all-wheel drive for maximum traction. If it looks anything as good as these images of a regular A3 Cabriolet, we can only look forward to it. Take a look at Audi’s promotional video of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet below.