Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S line S tronic 2dr Car Review - January 2012

The Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S line S-tronic is an automatic transmission front-wheel drive with a 4-cylinder and 16-valve engine geared with a sporty 6-speed S tronic for fast transmission. It tops the speedometer at 129 mph and hits 62 mph in less than 10 seconds. Its combined mpg of 55.4 is indicative that this sports car is great for motorway miles.

Its 1968 cc engine can produce 142 bhp at 4200 rpm and transmit a torque of 236 ft-lb at 1750-1500 rpm. The open car lacks rigidity and therefore wobbles a bit on bumps. Though the suspension is quite flexible the ride is still stiff. Handling could have been keener and the steering, though accurate, would have been better if weighted down at speeds. The Cabriolet has plenty of grip despite its heavy “nose”. The fabric roofing does keep road noise down.

The A3 is a compact convertible that has good ratings from critics. Whether you’re after something not as pricey or as fast, there is a Cabriolet engine for you. The A3 Cabriolet is clearly similar to the hatchback editions but a standout in the former are the lamp cluster, the rear deck and the seemingly large roof which makes the A3 look not only nose heavy but also top heavy.

The dashboard’s instrumentation is neat and efficient. The centre console is familiar and is quite traditional in an A3. The adjustable seats are supportive but the rear seats could do with a bit more space. Over-the-shoulder visibility is not so good when the roof is up.

Standards for this model are the alloy wheels, air conditioning, daytime running lights, electric and heated windows, climate control, MP3/IPod and CD connections and a fully electric hood. For additional cost, option such as cruise control and rain sensing wipers are available.

The S line models come with a fully-automatic hood which means that the roof folds flat in less than 10 seconds even when driving at under 19 mph. The boot is a tad awkward but the Cabriolet’s split-fold rear seats mean the 260-litre boot can expand to 674 litres.

The standard safety features are airbags and an electronic brake distribution system to quickly and safely stop the car. Remote alarm and central locking, roll-over bars and Isofix seat anchor for a child are also available. Security for Audi cars is tight with its alarm and deadlock but the fabric roof is a potential weak spot for security.

The A3 has not been rated by the Euro NCAP. However the A3 hatchback has a 4/5 rating and the Cabriolet could very well be in the same league. CO2 emission rating is 134g/km.

A Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S line S tronic has a price tag of £29,395 which reflects the status of an Audi as a premium car. The excellent build quality of the Cabriolet translates to fewer visits to the dealer for repairs. The mpg and CO2 emissions are notable and could very well indicate that this sports car is fuel efficient and cost effective.

The A3 Cabriolet falls under insurance group 26 and Road Tax E. It has better residual values than the VW Eos, BMW 1 Series Convertible and the VolvoC70. There is a great demand for upmarket compact convertibles. The Audi badge is a favorite and there will be no shortage of buyers for this model. The 1.6 TDI model is the most fuel efficient.