Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI 2dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.2 litre petrol engine has a decent power output of 104 bhp at 5,000 rpm with torque figures of 129 lb-ft at 1,550-4,100 rpm. The car has good fuel economy of 49.6 mpg and good performance with a top speed of 118 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds.

The car gives the driver good control and handles nimbly. The steering is accurate and has a good grip. Seats are supportive and there's a wide-range of adjustment to help drivers make themselves more comfortable. However, over-the-shoulder vision for the driver is poor with the roof up.

The car's controls are accessible and easy to handle but some of the switchgear on the centre console is a little awkward to operate. Wind and road noises while driving are audible but not excessive.

The A3 Cabriolet 1.2 is a very stylish open roof sports car with a beautifully designed exterior and a well crafted cabin. While the dashboard looks advanced, it is a little disorganised and there may be some difficulty telling the buttons apart. The car’s tech includes stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, an advanced stereo system and Bluetooth connectivity.

The front seats have ample room for average sized adults but the rear is much more limited, making it uncomfortable for adult passengers on long journeys. The car is equipped with a good sized boot even when the seats are in place, making it ideal for long travel purposes.

Essential for family cars, the 1.2 TFSI Cabriolet comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit and a five out of five NCAP rating. It consists of standard twin front, side and curtain airbags along with electronic stability control and electronic brake force distribution. Additionally, all A3 models come fitted with deadlocks, central locking and a theft alarm.

The car comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs lower running costs compared to the Technik - coming under the more affordable road tax band D and insurance bracket 14. The 1.2 TFSI also has better fuel economy than the Technik and benefits from good green credentials, holding a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 127 g/km.

The 1.2 TFSI is priced at £17, 400 making it marginally more expensive than the Technik. However, with better mileage and performance and lower running costs the 1.2 TFSI is a smart investment.

The car is marketed as a stylish yet practical convertible, and as a safe and proficient car ideal for families and first time buyers. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs and grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays.

The 1.2 TFSI is well-crafted and the reliable engine gives years of trouble-free service. The car continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services and benefits from Audi’s excellent quality and reliability. The combination of the car’s popularity, the Audi brand and the performance profile give it excellent resale values.