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Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008-2013)

The Audi A3 Cabriolet was launched in direct competition to the BMW 1-Series Convertible. It promises versatility with a range of engines and clever folding rear seats increasing the luggage area to 674 litres. The Audi A3′s fabric folding roof opens in just 11 seconds and keeps the price competitive while leaving excellent luggage space. The convertible Audi A3 has sleek understated lines and the with the soft-top, the traditional look of a convertible car. The suspension is supple but taut enough to keep you feeling in control while the optional Sport version has a firmer set up which is a pleasure to drive while not being at all harsh. Unusually the A3 had competition from the same Manufacturer – the VW Golf Cabriolet – a car with which it shares many components.

The small proportions make it easy to live with around town and when you get the chance to escape from the city and drop the roof it surprises with entertaining handling and plenty of grip. Quattro all-wheel-drive was not available on this model, but it seems to do very well without it.

The power-operated fabric roof works effortlessly and does a good job of keeping road noise and weather out.

Audi A3 Cabriolet Details

Production Dates2008-2013
Luggage Capacity 260 litres / 9.18 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 litres / 14.5 US gal
Warranty 3 years or 60,000 miles
Service Intervals 9000-19000 miles

Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI

The small engine in the base model Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI is an improvement over the lacklustre old 1.6 but still feels a bit pedestrian next to the more capable 1.8. It does, however, benefit from plenty of torque which makes short work of overtaking slow traffic. It cruises along quietly on the open road and its light weight means that it can be fun when thrown around a few bends. The main benefit of this model, however, is the fuel economy which is very impressive for this premium feeling small convertible.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1197 cc
Power 105@5000 bhp
Torque 129@1500-4100 lb.ft
UK Retail Price from £21,435
UK Insurance Group 8/18

Performance

Max speed (manual) 118 mph / 190 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 12.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 49.6 mpg / 5.7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 132 g/km

Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI

The Audi 1.8 litre TFSI engine is an excellent performer that is so smooth and quiet it is hard to believe there is a turbo-charger tucked away giving the extra boost when needed. There is ample power on tap and the convertible Audi A3 feels eager to have fun on a windy back road.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1798 cc
Power 160@5000-6200 bhp
Torque 184@1500-4200 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 7-spd S tronic
UK Retail Price from £24,350
UK Insurance Group 14/28

Performance

Max speed (manual) 135 mph / 217 kph
Max speed (auto) 135 mph / 217 kph
0-60mph (manual) - seconds
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (manual) 8.2 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 8 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 42.2 mpg / 6.7 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 42.8 mpg / 6.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 156 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 154 g/km

Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI

While many european buyers of the Audi A3 Cabriolet opt for the more economical diesels the most entertaining engine is the 2 litre turbocharged diect fuel injection engine more commonly seen in the Golf GTI. With 200 horsepower available it can boast hot-hatch performance while keeping Audi's elegance and refinement. Once up to speed and heading out on a long run the A3 settles down and comfortably munches up the miles with the capable engine making overtaking easy when required. The clever engine technology also allows it to be careful when it comes to economy and emissions.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1984 cc
Power 200@5100-6000 bhp
Torque 206@1800-5000 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd S tronic
Kerb Weight 1435 kg / 3163.6 lb
UK Retail Price from £25,850
UK Insurance Group 16/31

Performance

Max speed (manual) 144 mph / 232 kph
Max speed (auto) 144 mph / 232 kph
0-60mph (manual) - seconds
0-60mph (auto) - seconds
0-100kmph (manual) 7.4 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 7.3 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 39.2 mpg / 7.2 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 38.2 mpg / 7.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 169 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 171 g/km

Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6 TDI

Specifications

Fuel type Diesel
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1598 cc
Power 105@4400 bhp
Torque 184@1500-2500 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual
UK Retail Price from £22,885
UK Insurance Group 10/21

Performance

Max speed (manual) 114 mph / 183 kph
0-60mph (manual) - seconds
0-100kmph (manual) 12.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 65.7 mpg / 4.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 114 g/km

Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI

The VW Audi Group have built a huge quantity of these 2-litre diesel engines and for good reason. It is a great compromise between performance and economy performing well on both counts. Many drivers will still struggle with the idea of a diesel engine in a convertible car but as fuel prices continue to increase it is easy to warm to them. The Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI does feel a little bit too sensible when you drive it, but many drivers will consider this as the only option for their lifestyle.

Specifications

Fuel type
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1968 cc
Power 140@4000 bhp
Torque 236@1750-2500 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd S tronic
UK Retail Price from £24,690
UK Insurance Group 12/26

Performance

Max speed (manual) 129 mph / 208 kph
Max speed (auto) 129 mph / 208 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 9.8 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 9.4 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 61.4 mpg / 4.6 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 55.4 mpg / 5.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 119 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 134 g/km

Information last updated

2 Owner Reviews

Do you drive an Audi A3 Cabriolet? Would you recommend it to others? Join the conversation and let us know what you think of the car. This Audi currently has 2 owner reviews.

  1. Avatar for Karthik Karthik says:

    There are no comments because i love Audi

  2. Avatar for Mark Valentine Mark Valentine says:

    Love the car, great drive, modern feel inside and out, but very disappointed with the ill fitting roof causing wear damage to the outer fabric. This is something I didn’t expect from Audi. They should have had a recall on this, but fail to recognise it, which leaves the customer with a huge on cost and underminds confidence which may have built up in the past! Would I buy another?
    Not when the main dealer fails to put right a common fault that even when operated properly (not wet or cold weater conditions) causes obvious damage to the outside of the car. If this was a metal door, it would be rectified immediately, but because it is a vinyl roof it is not. Why should a vinyl roof be different to any other panal on the car? Not Good!

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