2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet arrives

Audi's new A3 Cabriolet has grown up. The third model in the A3 range after the sportback hatch and sedan, the convertible is bigger, more sophisticated, sharper looking and more economical than before – and dips under $50,000 for the first time.

Launching this week from $47,300, the German style-meister comes loaded with goodies – a dual-clutch automatic transmission, leather seats, pop-up high-res colour screen and dual-zone automatic climate control are all standard – but the headline act is an electronically-operated cloth folding roof that takes 18 seconds to completely open or close. 

The A3 Cabrio can perform the roof gymnastics while in motion, at up to 50km/h, giving the car even more swagger.

Offered in four model types each with a different drivetrain – three petrol, one diesel – including one quattro all-wheel drive version for the first time, Audi says 500 customers have pre-ordered the new small convertible, an indication of the new generation A3 Cabriolet's popularity.

"It'll offer better value than its nearest competitors, and ahead of launch we've secured 500 orders," said Andrew Doyle, Audi Australia Managing Director.

The German marque's second-generation small drop top is the first A3 convertible based on the premium version of Volkswagen Group's modular MQB architecture, making the new model longer, wider and lower. Measuring 4.42 metres long, up from 4.24 metres, and wider by 20mm at 1.79 metres, front occupants benefit most from the increased room. 

The hatchback look of the previous model has also been replaced by a more mature exterior that brings it in line with the new A3 sedan and also its bigger, more expensive siblings, thanks to a sportier coupe-like profile.

Check out our upcoming review for the hands-on experience.

Likely to be cross-shopped by customers against other small convertibles such as the Peugeot 308CC ($52,990) and even the Volkswagen Eos ($49,990), the new entry-model A3 Cabrio Attraction's $47,300 price tag is just $20 more than the Mazda MX-5 and is likely to pique interest from first-time Audi buyers.

"This type of car is an emotional purchase. With its coupe-like silhouette, the new A3 Cabriolet offers customers an entirely new design experience and we expect that it will attract new buyers to the Audi brand, as well as existing customers who are drawn to the new styling," posited Doyle. 

Audi expects the new Hungarian-built drop-top will account for around 15 per cent of total A3 sales, and says that it will attract more male buyers via its aggressive new image. Previously the ratio was skewed 55:45 in favour of female buyers, but Audi says that'll level out at 50:50.

The new model is lighter by around 60kg and stiffer too, adding to driver involvement and improving fuel economy, and all models are fitted as standard with automatic transmissions, Audi's S tronic dual-clutch jobbies. Pricing is as follows:

Audi A3 Cabriolet Attraction
A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI COD $47,300

Read our review of the Audi A3 Cabriolet

The four-model range starts with the 1.4 TFSI Attraction model, which is expected to be the top-selling variant. It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine worth 103kW/250Nm running on premium petrol (95 RON), and with cylinder on demand (COD) and engine start technology, posts fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km and low CO2 emissions (114g/km). It scoots from 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds.

Power finds its way to the road by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, or S Tronic in Audi speak, and gear changes can occur automatically or manually via traditional gear knob or steering wheel paddles. 

The Attraction model comes standard with plenty of fruit, including front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Audi Music interface with an electrically retractable 5.8-inch colour screen and MMI controller system. Bluetooth streaming for phone and audio is gratis, piped through an eight-speaker stereo, and automatic lights and wipers are matched with electric windows, mirrors, and of course roof.

The interior boasts aluminium-look accents, and like all models has 320 litres of boot space expanding to 680 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down. Exterior highlights on the base Attraction model include 17-inch alloy wheels and sporty 'dynamic' suspension.

Until the pulse-pounding Audi S3 Cabriolet arrives in October 2014, a trio of Ambition variants will top the range. They gain sportier, contoured front leather seats with more adjustment, real aluminium interior accents in the dash and side sills, a prettier instrument cluster, sports steering wheel, Audi Drive Select (which alters steering, throttle and gear settings), different 17-inch wheels, front fog lights and a leather steering wheel with paddle gear shifters.

The Ambition models come with bigger, more powerful engines, the 1.8TSFI ($51,900) pumping out 132kW/250Nm, which translates to a higher top speed than with the 1.4-litre engine (242km/h), and faster acceleration, now 7.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash.

The extra mumbo comes at the expense of fuel consumption, which rises by almost a litre to 5.8L/100, equating to CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

Step up to the 1.8 TFSI quattro ($54,900) and the same 1.8-litre engine pumps torque up to 280Nm. It gets a six-speed S Tronic cog-swapper and fuel use takes another hit, rising to 6.6L/100, but the all-wheel drive model is faster, firing to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.

There's also a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine available ($51,900), the 2.0 TDI model generating 110kW/320Nm and drinking fuel at a rate of 4.7L/100km, making it the most efficient model in the range. It too is bolted up to a six-speed S Tronic gearbox.

Safety systems include stability control, five airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard, and several optional 'packages' are available to spruce up the cars looks or add technology. The Style Package ($2000) adds xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Assistance Package ($1800) brings advanced sensors to the car, providing radar cruise control along with lane departure warning, pre-sense and side assist systems. Automatic high-beam headlights are also added.

S line ($4200), Comfort ($1990) and Technik ($2650) packages are also available, as are options such as seat heaters ($600) and hot air neck vents ($1250).

Strong initial demand for the Audi A3 Cabriolet comes on the back of record Australian sales, 9660 Audi's finding homes in the first six months of 2014, a rise of 18 per cent. June 2014 was also the company's best-ever sales month, with 1806 vehicles registered.

Read our review of the Audi A3 Cabriolet