Following the recent launch of the BMW 1 Series convertible, Audi presents its own compact cabrio to rival the market. The new Audi A3 Cabriolet represents the traditional European convertible city car, with a canvas top, compact dimensions and four seats.
The exterior design of the cabrio maintains all the features and proportions of the A3 Hatchback. The front incorporates the same grid and optics that gives the trait of belonging to each product of the brand. It should be noted that the optics have subtle aesthetic differences and large differences inside, adopting LED technology.
Differences from the A3 Hatchback are in the rear section. The Audi A3 Cabriolet presents a new design of rear optics similar to those of the Audi A5 coupe. It also maintains the high waist line present in all models of the brand.
As for its dimensions, they are the same as the A3 Hatchback: 4.238 mm long, 1.765 mm wide and 1.424 mm high. Meanwhile, its wheelbase of 2,578 mm gives it an acceptable interior habitability, especially for the occupants of the rear seats.
Technically, the merit in this car lies in the high degree of structural rigidity. This was achieved thanks to the use of steel structure, which includes reinforcements on the back and the “anti-roll” arches located behind the rear head rests. Emphasis was also placed on reducing the total weight of the car.
Referring to comfort, we can note that a good job was performed in the search for interior space and luggage carrying capacity. For the latter matter is that it was decided that the hood folds in the form of Z. This makes it more compact and takes less space from the 260 litre trunk.
Returning to the canvas top, which has a heat-assisted rear glass to prevent fogging, the mechanism that drives it takes just 9 seconds to raise it or, on the contrary, to store it. The hood poses acoustic insulation and will be offered in three colors, blue, black and red.
Customers will be able to choose four engine options, two naphthons and two diesel engines, always with 6-speed manual transmissions or optionally Triptronic. The engines offered will have powers between 105 and 200 hp.
The European market will be able to purchase this Audi A3 Cabriolet from 2008 onwards.
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