Road test: Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Cabriolet/ Audi S3 Saloon manual
Another week, another new Audi — or in this case, two. The A3 Cabriolet and S3 Saloon bring the model range to 48 and counting.
The cabrio is a logical addition to the latest A3 range of hatchback, saloon and sportback, plus hot S3 variants, and feels no less rigid than the hard-top versions.
Engines are 1.4 and 1.8 petrol units and a 2.0 diesel (plus a 1.6 diesel later) and pick of the bunch and likely top seller is the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol model. Longer, wider and lower than the outgoing A3 cabrio, it feels a little lighter than the 1.8 TFSI and the 140PS engine is both quiet and willing. Going topless costs around £3,000 more than the equivalent tin-top model, and the roof raises or lowers in 18 seconds and at speeds of up to 31mph. With the roof up, the effective soundproofing makes it feel like a saloon, and with it down, buffeting is well-controlled. The tidy cabin with its low button count is a given with any A3, and quality touches such as real metal trim boost the premium feel.
The lightweight S3 saloon looks understated considering it packs 300hp, the four tailpipes being the biggest giveaway. Open the taps and the car makes impressive pops and bangs between its rapid gear changes, sprinting to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited maximum of 155mph.
Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Cabriolet
Top speed: 135mph;
MPG: 56.5;
Emissions: 114g/km;
Price: £25,790
Audi S3 Saloon manual
Top speed: 155mph;
MPG: 40.4;
Emissions: 162g/km;
Price: £33,240