Achieving Weight Reduction While Expanding the Body

The full lineup of the new "A3" is finally complete. Following the 3-door hatchback "A3", the 5-door hatchback "A3 Sportback", and the 4-door sedan "A3 Sedan", the "A3 Cabriolet" is the fourth model in the Audi A3 series, a two-door, four-seater with a traditional soft top.


The body has been enlarged compared to the previous model, with dimensions now measuring 4,420mm in length (up from 4,240mm), 1,790mm in width (up from 1,770mm), and a wheelbase of 2,600mm (up from 2,580mm). Conversely, the height has been reduced by 15mm to 1,395mm (from 1,410mm), creating a sporty, wide-and-low appearance. The ability to fit up to 19-inch wheels further enhances its sporty profile.


The notable soft top, featuring a glass rear window, comes in black as standard. It incorporates magnesium components, achieving a lighter weight than previous systems. Operation is electro-hydraulic, controlled by a single switch. The top can be opened or closed while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h, taking just 18 seconds. An optional "Acoustic Top" is available to improve cabin quietness, offered in black, gray, and brown.

The "Active Roll-Over Protection System," designed to protect occupants in the event of a rollover, is standard equipment. A wind deflector is standard on the "Ambiente Trim Line." Additionally, an optional head-level heating system can be fitted to the front seats, ensuring comfortable driving enjoyment regardless of the season. The luggage space has been expanded by 60 liters compared to the previous model, offering 287 liters of capacity even with the top down. The rear seats are foldable, allowing for the storage of long items.


The engines offered are consistent with the rest of the "A3" lineup, including a 1.4-liter TFSI engine producing 140 hp and a 1.8-liter TFSI engine producing 180 hp for the "A3 Cabriolet," along with two diesel engine options.


The top-tier model, the "S3 Cabriolet," is equipped with a 2-liter TFSI engine generating a maximum output of 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Combined with the "quattro" all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed S tronic transmission, it achieves an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.


All these engines feature direct injection, turbocharging, a start-stop system, and some incorporate cylinder deactivation technology ("Cylinder on Demand") to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.