The Audi A3 Cabriolet has an acoustic folding roof with a unique space-saving system. This allows it to be stored almost seamlessly in an elegant, aluminum-trimmed compartment, with a simple touch of the button.
It takes approximately 18 seconds for the roof to fully open or close at speeds up to 31 mph. Now when the roof is up it provides great acoustic isolation, smothering any unwanted sound from outside.
When Audi designed the A3 Cabriolet, a new class of vehicle was created. The ingenious technology and level of luxury make this a special car. It is roomy and progressively designed, allowing for a great ride and a fun drive.
The 4-cylinder 2.0 L cast-iron/aluminum alloy motor provides a maximum of 220 hp in the band of 4,500-6,200 rpm, and a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft in the band of 1,600-4,400 rpm. A 6-speed “S tronic” dual-clutch automatic transmission with Audi’s famous “quattro” AWD assists the engine in deliverance.
A3 Cabriolet delivers 23 mpg city and a stately 32 mpg highway. My average for the week of driving was 28 mpg.
The A3 interior is designed to be your very own mobile control room. The wrap-around dash design with three-dimensional decorative inlays and horizontal design lines make the entire interior feels like a larger, spacious environment.
Supple leather seating surfaces and heated front seats blend athletic styling with comfort and support. Front sport seats feature upper shoulder, thorax, and seat bolsters, plus extendable thigh supports.
The seat leather is treated with Thermocool reflecting pigments that reduce surface temperatures up to 20-degrees even in direct sunlight.
The center console is designed with a minimalist style. Slim-line control buttons add to the clean, spacious, and uncluttered looks.
The A3’s “S line” package features a styling upgrade, which includes the S line front and rear bumpers, LED headlights, and 17-inch spoke-star design wheels.
The audio component of the infotainment system supports AM/FM radio, single CD player with MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and HD Radio. For hands-free phone calls and music streaming there is standard Bluetooth connectivity.
A3 Cabriolet has an active rollover protection system, plus a whole assortment of driver-front passenger and backseat airbags covering the head, knees, thorax, and sides.
Audi has a whole galaxy of advanced safety options. Audi Active Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Parking System Plus with rear view camera, and Side Assist that uses radar sensors and two different visual warnings to help keep the driver informed about what is approaching from hard to see angles and to the side of the vehicle.
Whether you like sunny days with spots of clouds or night sky with sparkling stars, A3 Cabriolet provides an outstanding atmosphere with the top down. With the top closed, it gives you an isolated and enclosed atmosphere as the quiet soaks into your pores with only the music invited to invade your privacy.
Audi holds the road superbly, as you snuggle down satisfied with the feel of luxury. Allow yourself the experience of feeling the road while serviced by the harbinger of technology.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $39,800.
Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
12-year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation
1-year/5,000-mile No Charge First Scheduled Maintenance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
