First Drive
Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI
Test date 25 April 2008
Price as tested £24,975
What is it?
The range-topping version of the new A3 cabriolet in the UK, which we’re driving for the first time in right-hand drive form an on British roads. The 2.0 litre TFSI motor is familiar from other applications in the VW Group, most notably the Golf GTI, and it drives the front wheels through an optional six-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox.
What’s it like?
Pretty decent. Despite the fact that it’s ‘only’ got a cloth roof and ‘only’ costs £25k, this car offers an upmarket-feeling driving experience that’s well up to Audi’s high standards, and much more premium-feeling than that of a Volvo C70 or Ford Focus CC.
The cabin’s well-appointed, well-equipped and expensive-feeling, the driving position is good (if a little too high to offer much shelter from the wind to taller drivers), and the car’s a surprisingly peppy performer on the road too.
The familiar 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor is a flexible and willing powerplant, and though it feels a little less potent in this 1560kg convertible than it does in a lighter hot hatch, it’s still capable of better-than-average performance. The car steers lightly but accurately, and although it runs out of traction sooner than a rear-driven BMW 1-series rag-top would, it’s got better body control than the BMW, and feels more agile too.
You can tell from the very occasional momentary body shudder, scuttle wobble or steering column shake that you’re driving a cabrio, but only on choppier-than-average surfaces, and seldom with the roof up. Most of the time the A3 Cabriolet just exudes an air of rich, quiet, well-resolved imperviousness.
Should I buy one?
If a VW Eos just isn’t quite desirable enough for you, definitely. This car’s cheaper than the equivalent BMW 1-series, it’s quicker, it’s more practical, it feels marginally more upmarket, and it should be stronger from a residual value standpoint too.
Most will go for one of the cheaper diesel options, but we’d say this petrol is worth its premium.
Matt Saunders
First drive data
How much?
- Price as tested £24,975
- Price as tested £25,510
How fast?
- 0-62 mph 7.4 sec
- Max speed 144 mph
How big?
How thirsty?
- Combined 37.1 mpg
- CO2 emissions 181 g/km
Engine
- Layout 4 , 1984 cc
- Max power 197 bhp at 5100 rpm
- Max torque 207 lb ft at 1800 rpm
Your Say
Comments: 1 Join the discussion