The Audi A3 Gets Folding Soft Top for Frankfurt

In a year since launching the third generation A3Audi A3 Gen.3 [Typ 8V]Germany, 2012 > present275 versions
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, AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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has added three-door, five-door and the S3 versions. For the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi is revealing the new A3 Cabriolet that Audi says completes the model family.

The platform and mechanicals are identical to the standard car. The A3 Cabriolet seats four people but with an electrically folding, fabric soft top replacing the standard roof.

The roof consists of fabric stretched over a magnesium and steel frame. It opens and closes in 18 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h (31mph). It folds in three layers into a tray in the rear. The rear window is made of glass. Cargo capacity is the same with the top up or down at 287 liters (10.14 cubic feet).  A wind deflector comes standard with the Ambiente trim. For added safety, there are two plates in the body that deploy during a rollover.

The A3 Cabriolet will be on sale in the first quarter of 2014

© photo courtesy of: Audi

The standard A3 cabriolet weighs 1,365kg (3009lb), which is about 50kg (110lb) lighter than the previous generation.

The engine range for the A3 Cabriolet consists of the 138hp (140ps) 1.4 TSI, 177hp (180ps) 1.8 TSI and 148hp (150ps) 2.0 TDI. Later, Audi says that it will add a 109hp (110ps) 1.6 TDI and 296hp (300ps) 2.0 TFSI that will be exclusive to the S3 Cabriolet. All of the engines have stop/start.

The fuel economy leader among them is the new 1.4 TSI, which deactivates two cylinders in some conditions to improve economy, with 5.0l/100km fuel use and 114g/km of CO2 emissions.

All of the cars will be front-wheel drive at introduction, but Audi will add all-wheel drive options later.

It is offered in three trim levels – Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente.

Luxury features include optional self-leveling, LED headlights and a thicker, acoustic top that adds a layer of foam into the roof to lower interior noise further. The acoustic top is available in black, gray or brown with either black or silver headliner colors. There is also an optional head and neck heating system for the front seats. An optional safety package adds adaptive cruise control, side traffic monitoring, active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and park assist. There is also an upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo, MMI Navigation Plus and Audi Connect Internet connectivity. Audi’s magnetic suspension system is also optional.

The first deliveries of the A3 Cabriolet will be in the first quarter of 2014 for a base price of €31,700. The S3 will launch somewhat later, and Audi has not disclosed the price yet.