New Audi A3 Cabriolet

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What is it?

A rag-top A3. Surprisingly, Audi has only now decided to offer its smallest model in open-top guise, late in the model's production run. In doing so it has instantly doubled the number of small, four-seat premium badged convertibles available to buyers. The other? BMW's recently introduced 1 Series Convertible. Like it, the Audi A3 relies on a folding canvas roof, fabric offering an easier solution for rear packaging and allowing those rear seats to remain. They're small, but useable - assuming of course you've not got the wind-deflector in place - the A3 offering better rear legroom than its Bavarian rival.

Initially only offered in front-wheel drive and with four, four-cylinder engines it's highly likely that Audi will offer quattro four-wheel drive and larger multi-cylinder units in time. As it currently stands the range-topping engine is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, joined by a 1.8-litre TFSI - that T in TFSI standing for turbocharged. The 2.0-litre offers 197bhp and the 1.8-litre 157bhp. Two turbodiesels are also available, a 1.9-litre unit with 103bhp and 2.0-litre with 138bhp.

Is it any good?

It's surprisingly enjoyable, the driving experience made all the better for being open to the elements. Tempting as the most powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine is it's the 1.8 TFSI that's perhaps the most rounded in the range. All feel rather nimble, the front-wheel drive layout not the dynamic disadvantage that you might think compared to its BMW 1 Series rival. Understeer is reined in well, traction is good and the engines are free-revving and deliver easy, exploitable performance. The six-speed manual transmission shifts quickly, though it's best to ignore the prompts for gear shifts suggested in the instrument panel, as they're pretty ill advised most of the time.

That information panel in the instrument cluster is now white lit, rather than Audi's traditional red, this small change giving it a fresh new look. As ever the dashboard and rest of the interior is ahead of its rivals for quality feel and style. Sadly, the same is not always true of the exterior regarding style. Overall it's a pleasing shape, particularly roof up, though with the roof down the rear-mounted roll hoops do rather upset the otherwise svelte lines. There's some shake apparent due to the removal of the roof too, and hood-down it's not the quietest, but with it up things are nicely hushed. Roof up or down rear visibility is hindered by those roll hoops and the small rear-view mirror.

Should I call the bank manager?

Not for a few weeks yet, as the A3 Cabriolet isn't on sale until mid February. If you're after a smart compact drop-top you could do a lot worse, and surprisingly there's not really that much in it between it and its obvious BMW 1 Series rival in the driver enjoyment stakes. Ultimately, it's down to which you prefer in the looks department, the convertible market the most style-orientated out there.

Summary

Audi might have left it rather late in the A3's life to introduce a Cabriolet, but the combination of a surprisingly enjoyable front-wheel drive chassis, good looks, fantastic build quality and decent equipment levels makes it an appealing choice in the small premium drop-top marketplace.

Kyle Fortune

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