| Pricing announcement | Audi A3 Cabriolet |
Audi's new
A3 Cabriolet will cost from £20,750 when it reaches the UK in May. This is the starting price for the 1.9 TDI model.
We expect most buyers to opt for one of the three other engine choices, which are the 138bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and turbocharged 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols with 157 and 197bhp respectively. These three units come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the 1.9 TDI makes do with a five-speed manual. Audi also offers its S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox for all but the 1.9 TDI model.
There are three trim levels for the A3 Cabriolet, which cover standard, Sport and S-Line. The standard car comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a hood that is semi-automatic - the driver has to work the latch that secures that hood to the windscreen rail.
Sport models cost an extra £1,850, have a fully automatic roof and also come with sports suspension that has been lowered by 15mm. There are also 17-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded stereo. The S-Line version has the same suspension as fitted to the Sport, but with 18-inch alloy wheels, different front and rear bumper styling and leather interior as standard for an additional £1,550.
The A3 Cabriolet's hood folds down in just nine seconds to make it one of the world's fastest operating convertible roofs. It raises in 11 seconds and can be worked at speeds up to 19mph while driving.
Click here for our First Drive of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet.
Alisdair Suttie - 14 Mar 2008