Audi A3 Cabriolet 2014 review

There’s nothing like a drive in the country on a sunny Sunday afternoon, especially in a sports car with the top down.

The destination is unimportant, it is the journey that lifts the spirits and helps you forget about your problems for a while.

Audi’s A3 Cabriolet is capable of delivering that experience in a car that feels larger and more refined than before - it’s better looking too.

VALUE

Prices for the cabrio start from $47,300 for the entry level 1.4-litre model. Our test vehicle with all-wheel drive and all the fruit will set you back $54,900 plus.

That’s plus $4200 for the desirable S-Line pack which brings 18-inch wheels and a sportier appearance. 

Metallic or pearl paint adds $1150 and if you want navigation that is part of the Technik pack that is $2650.

It starts to add up and our test vehicle with a long string of accessories topped out at $62,350.

At those prices you might like to consider the offerings from Volkswagen which are also pretty good?

DESIGN

The cabrio is larger and more comfortable than before, weighs 75kg less and has a 17mm longer wheelbase with a new electrically controlled fabric roof that retracts in 18 seconds - a feat that can be achieved at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Despite the increase in size there is still not much room in the back and with four adults aboard it could be a bit of a squeeze.

Leather and climate control are standard, along with automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and MMI radio system with an electrically retractable, slimline 5.8-inch colour display monitor with 8 passive speakers.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

It is the first time that the A3 Cabrio has been offered with quattro.

It adds another level of safety to the car particularly in wet weather and also delivers high levels of traction in corners.

The 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 132kW and 280Nm from a low 1350rpm.

Drive is delivered to all four wheels via a twin clutch style, S-tronic automatic, with paddle shifts.

In contrast to the two wheel drive version, it puts out another 30Nm of torque and features a wet clutch with six speeds instead of seven - to cater for the higher output.

SAFETY

With seven airbags and a full complement of driver assistance systems, including electronic traction and stability control, the A3 scores a full five stars for safety from ANCAP.

A new active rollover protection system protects occupants in the event of a rollover.

DRIVING

The cabrio is as sporty as it is green, scoring 4.5 out of a possible five stars from the Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.

Cruising out on the open road it all feels pretty good but we found the transmission a little harsh and jerky in other situations.

Putting the car in sport mode smooths out the changes, but the delayed changes are a bit manic.

Twin clutch boxes generally don’t cope well with rapid changes of speed.

In terms of performance the dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.6 seconds and Audi drive select is standard on this model which means you can dial in the way you want the car to behave, either sporty or comfort.

It changes the way the throttle responds, the feel of the steering wheel, the gear change points and even the air conditioning.

With the roof down we were surprised to discover this car now features an airscarf system that blows warm air around the base of your neck through vents in the seat (but it’s a $1250 option).

The optional 7 inch navigation screen slides safely away into the dash when not in use.

Fuel consumption is rated at a low 6.6 litres/100km using premium unleaded fuel. We were getting 8.5 litres/100km after just over 500km.