This is the new Audi A3 Cabriolet, it's bigger than the old model, faster and more fuel efficient.
Sounds good but let's take a closer look at those changes and see how it compares to its
hatchback counterpart.
The redesigned body looks neat and tidy with a sporty edge to it.
Although the side profile is very similar, the rear end is much more attractive with
its longer bodywork and distinctive boot ledge.
Talking of which, it's bigger than before and that's thanks to its larger dimensions.
What we really want to see though is how much space there is with the roof down and plus
I'm in a posing mood, I mean er it's sunny and we need to make the most out of it!
If you follow me I will show you just how easy that is.
The great thing about this car is that it takes just 18 seconds to put the roof down
and you can do it at speeds of up to 31mph, which is really handy with the constantly
changing British weather.
sometimes we struggle to keep our 5 minute videos in the same weather conditions because
it alters so much!
Now you can see that although it has eaten a bit of the space, there is still a decent
sized usable area for bags.
An Audi interior is a nice place to be, the chrome detailing adds a classy touch and it
just feels high quality as expected with plenty of soft touch materials.
Storage is decent with doorbins big enough to stow a large bottle of water, central cubbies
for useful bits and bobs, cup holders and bananas can go in the glovebox!
Now despite this car yielding a premium badge, Audi hasn't been stingy on the spec, even
the basic model gets a leather bound steering wheel, air conditioning, DAB digital radio
and an eight-speaker stereo.
The one we're in today has the Bang and Olufsen system and I'm telling you it's banging, even
with the roof down the sound from this stereo is sensational.
I won't demonstrate that though as I'm not sure you'd agree with my music tastes... let's
get comfy for driving, which is easily done and see how it drives.
Firstly, the choice of engines is between a 1.4 litre petrol which is nippy and returns
56.5miles per gallon and emissions of 114g/km.
The 1.8 litre is quicker, returns high 40's to the gallon and emits 133g/km of CO2, but
if it's all out economy that you're after go for the frugal 1.6-litre TDI diesel which
manages 72.4mpg and emits just 104g/km of CO2.
There's a 2.0 litre diesel too, but whichever you go for, all are improved over the outgoing
model in terms of fuel consumption because the new car is lighter.
Lighter also means faster because there is less weight for the engines to pull along.
For the real speed freaks out there though, the S3 cabriolet will be the pick of the bunch
because that will get to 60 in just 5.4 seconds.
Enough of facts and figures, another glowing quality of this car is its safety credentials.
Although this model hasn't been tested, the hatchback on which it was based was awarded
the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests and comes with plenty of airbags
and a piece of technology that stops the car rolling into oncoming traffic for example
after a collision.
Not only that, despite having a folding roof - talking of which I think we shall put it
back up -
it has a refined cabin that does an excellent job of keeping wind noise at bay.
Plus you can opt for an even better insulated acoustic roof, making it just as quiet as
the hatchback version.
A downside to having a having a convertible roof though does mean there is a bit of flex
in the body.
Which means it's not quite as fun to drive as the hatchback.
We've already established it's not slow but it's just not as fun as say a BMW 4 Series
or even a MINI convertible for example.
It's also rather pricey, I mean you can get an entry level Porsche Boxster for only a
little bit more than a top spec A3 Cabriolet.
I know it's unfair to compare different spec levels, but it puts it into perspective.
Okay admittedly you don't get these rear seats in the Porsche...
but unless you are very small you may find them a bit
cramped especially with the redesigned roof.
Having said that, lots of cars in this sector have the same issue.
With its improved styling, being faster and better on fuel and great engine choices it
may just tempt you.
Why not check out its competition by viewing the Volkswagen Golf video here and the Vauxhall
Cascada video here.
In any event don't forget to check out our latest video here and subscribe to the Carbuyer
Channel by clicking here.