Audi launches pint-sized soft-top for sun-lovers
First BMW, now Audi's bringing to market a small convertible based on a volume-selling hatch
BMW has narrowly beaten Audi to market with its 1 Series Cabrio. But Audi is striking back immediately, before the tiny, soft-top Bimmer can establish itself as the front-running car of its type.
The secret weapon is the A3 Cabriolet, a vehicle based on the A3 hatch, but with additional reinforcing and a rapid-deployment folding roof that doesn't encroach on boot space whatsoever.
Boasting a fabric roof, rather than the increasingly popular folding steel roof, the A3 uses a 'Z-fold' process for the top to retract snugly and compactly. It also folds up or down within nine seconds -- substantially faster than the 22 seconds it takes BMW's 1 Series Cabrio to achieve the same end.
The new Audi model range starts from $49,990 for the 1.8-litre Attraction variant with six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission (Audi's version of DSG). A 2.0-litre engine in the Ambition grade is priced from $54,990 with a six-speed manual transmission. Those opting for the S tronic transmission with the 2.0-litre engine will need to find $57,500.
Both engines are turbocharged, direct-injected petrol four-cylinder units and despite substantial differences in power and torque yield the same fuel figures -- 7.6L/100km in accordance with ADR81/01 combined cycle testing. CO2 emissions are broadly similar, 180g/km for the 1.8, 182 for the manual 2.0 and 181 for the S tronic 2.0.
The base 1.8-litre engine produces 118kW of power between 5000 and 6200rpm. Peak torque of 250Nm occurs between 1500 and 4200rpm. The 2.0-litre engine develops its maximum power of 147kW in a range of engine speeds from 5100 to 6000rpm and torque plateaus at 280Nm from 1800 up to 5000rpm.
Audi's acceleration figures from a standing start to 100km/h are: 8.0sec for the 1.8, 7.4 for the 2.0 manual and 7.3 for the 2.0 S tronic.
Standard features for the 1.8 Attraction include: 16x6.5 alloy wheels in a seven-spoke design with 205/55 tyres, dual front airbags, dual side-impact airbags (protecting head and thorax), ESP/ABS/EBD, Electronic Brake Differential, semi-automatic folding roof, remote central locking, space-saver spare tyre, cruise control, electro-chromatic interior mirror, auto-on headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, electric windows/mirrors, multi-function four-spoke steering wheel, cloth trim, split-fold rear seat and MP3-compatible single-disc CD audio system.
The 2.0-litre Ambition model additionally features: 17x7.5 alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 225/45 tyres, rear reverse-parking sensors with acoustic guidance, front fog lights, three-spoke sports-style multi-function steering wheel, wind deflector, sports front seats, leather trim and an MP3-compatible six-disc CD audio system.
Watch out for our launch review of the new car soon.
To comment on this article click here
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
