Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 T FSI Sport

Making its debut to coincide with the summer, the A3 Cabriolet is the first drop-top version of Audi’s compact hatch. So, unlike its competitors in our test, there’s no previous generation to compare it to. And, thanks to the brand’s strong image, plus the popularity of recent models, the convertible is sure to be a hit with fashion-conscious buyers.

The designers have done a great job of transforming the A3 into a convincing drop-top. Our 2.0-litre T FSI Sport model looks particularly fetching with its bold combination of white paint and red roof. The theme continues inside, with the pricey £1,200 optional leather trim.

It’s hard to fault the fundamentals of the interior, with a driving position that’s spot-on and four proper seats. Large side windows give the cabin an airy feel even when the roof is in place, although the twin roll hoops restrict the driver’s view out of the rear screen. Practicality is boosted by the 260-litre load capacity and split/fold back seats. Only the narrow boot opening limits the car’s versatility.

The useful luggage space has been made possible by Audi’s persistence with the fabric hood. The soft-top folds neatly on top of the rear deck, leaving the storage area unaffected. Lowering the roof is a fully automated operation, and the hushed electric motors do their work to provide open-air motoring in less than 10 seconds.

It isn’t perfect, though, and gaps around the side of the stowed hood make it less tidy than the BMW or Jaguar’s lid. One benefit of a fabric cover is the silhouette – the A3 has smoother lines than the metal-topped Peugeot with its bulbous rear end.

The Sport model comes as standard with Audi’s acoustic roof, which is designed to reduce noise. But with it in place, our meter read 63dB and 73dB at 30mph and 70mph respectively, so the A3 is 3dB louder in both cases than the hard-roofed BMW.

The Audi doesn’t have the structural rigidity of the 3-Series, either. Although modifications have been made to the sills and bulkhead to increase stiffness – adding 100kg in the process – the A3 is prone to vibrations through the A-pillars and steering wheel from rough roads. Add a fidgety ride, and comfort is compromised.

Otherwise, the dynamics are impressive. It’s not especially sporty, but that’s unlikely to limit the Audi’s appeal in a market where style counts most. The engine is smooth and punchy, while the optional S tronic gearbox provides slick shifts.

A speedy yet simple fabric hood, practical packaging and excellent quality combine to make the Audi a hugely desirable overall package... and one that’s sure to open the lid on the convertible market for the A3.

Details

Price: £26,910
Model tested: Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 T FSI Sport
WHY: All-new A3 Cabriolet turns far more heads than its hatchback stablemate.

Economy

The A3 isn’t cheap to buy, and our car was equipped with pricey options. But residuals of 56.4 per cent and fixed-price servicing should take the sting out of annual running costs. Emissions of 181g/km place it in the 24 per cent bracket, and higher-band fleet users pay £2,583 a year to run one. With average economy of 29.5mpg, petrol costs, based on 12,000 miles a year, would be in the region of £2,152. We would, however, expect economy to rise on longer journeys.