First Audi S3 Cabrio lands

Audi's first ever S3 Cabriolet has arrived in Australia just in time for summer, priced just under $70,000.

At $69,300 plus on-road costs, the drop-top S3 is $14,400 pricier than the $54,900 A3 1.8 quattro Ambition convertible on which it's based.

Of course, chief among the upgrades is the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the S3 Sportback and the S3 sedan. The Sportback especially is in hot demand, accounting for 25 per cent of A3 sales. The S3 sedan represents 20 per cent of A3 sales its May launch.

Like all MY15 S3 models in Australia, the S3 Cabriolet receives a power hike from 206 to 210kW (peak torque remains the same hefty 380Nm), but still falls short of the 221kW output of European models because of our 'hot climate' status.

Matched exclusively to a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission in the four-seat S3 drop-top, the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5sec, a 250km/h top speed and Combined fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km.

Apart from its more menacing S bodykit and quad exhaust outlets, the convertible S3 comes with a sports-tuned chassis featuring a 25mm lower ride height and firmer springs and dampers. The S3 cab is equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard and static weight distribution is quoted at 56/44 per cent front/rear.

The magnesium/aluminum-framed soft-top — fitted with a noise-reducing acoustic lining in this case — can be opened or closed in 18sec at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Ten exterior paint colours are offered and the soft-top itself is available in a choice of three hues: black, grey or brown.

Other extra standard features over the top-spec A3 Ambition cabrio include Fine Nappa leather trim, heated front seats, xenon headlights, MMI navigation plus, MMI touch and dual-zone climate-control.

As with the two other S3 models, there's an S performance pack option priced at $4990. This includes full LED headlights, S sport front seats with diamond-stitched Fine Nappa leather trim, magnetic ride dampers ($2200 separately), a Bang & Olufsen 705-Watt 14-speaker 15-channel surround sound system ($1750 separately), red brake callipers and, in this case, 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 20th Audi Sport model (including S, R and RS models), the cab is expected to attract just 10-15 buyers a month in Australia, where its closest competitor will be BMW's new 2 Series Convertible.