The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a stylish four-seater that is offers sporty performance coupled with strong design characteristics and is being brought in via the CBU route.
Having successfully launched its most affordable offering the A3 sedan in the country, Audi India has launched the new A3 Cabriolet priced at Rs. 44.75 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The company had first showcased the A3 Cabriolet alongside its sedan version at the Auto Expo earlier this year and the model was sure to attract quite a lot of attention. While the A3 four-door sedan is being brought via the CKD route from day one, the A3 cabriolet comes via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route in the country. The Ingolstadt based manufacturer will follow up the A3 range with a hatchback version as well that is scheduled to hit the market in the coming months.
Design – The 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet shares its design details with the sedan version. In terms of front fascia, the car gets no changes and retains the simple yet elegant design with the single grille and wide headlamps that get the trademark Audi LED daytime running lights. The A3 cabriolet model however comes as a two-door drop-top with elongated doors that adds to a very smart looking side profile. Being the cabriolet, the hard roof has been replaced by a lighter fabric folding roof instead which can open or close with driving speeds up to 50 km/hr within 18 seconds. The boot capacity has been limited to 320-litres.
Interiors – The Cabriolet’s cabin continues with the same layout as seen on the sedan version of the A3. You continue to get the pop-up heads-up display with the updated Audi MMI as well as the Bang & Olufsen sound system. In addition, the German automaker has also provided wind deflectors and neck warmers for the front seats. You continue to get multi-function power steering, electrically adjustable front seats, dual zone deluxe auto air-conditioning with spot/diffuse function, Milano leather upholstery as well as LED interior lights.
Engines – Sharing its engines with the sedan version, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is powered by the 1.8-litre TFSI petrol motor (40 TFSI) producing 180 HP and 250 Nm of torque paired to a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox. The cabriolet is considerably heavier though due to the absence of the roof and does the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 240 km/hr. For now Audi is offering the A3 Cabriolet only in petrol guise.
Safety – In terms of safety, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is no different from its sedan version and is pretty well loaded, equipped with 5 airbags, ABS, ESC, traction control and Electronic Limited Slip Differential. You also get an Active rollover protection system that protects the occupants in case of rollover.
Certainly one of the most affordable convertibles on sale in the country. The Audi A3 Cabriolet brings together form and function with much ease and exuberance. The company has commenced bookings for the cabriolet version which will see limited buyers across the country as compared to its well selling sedan derivative. At present there is no direct competitor to the A3 Cabriolet in the country, but its success could definitely encourage more luxury car makers to launch convertibles in the sub-continent. The company hasn’t promised CKD assembly of the model anytime soon.
