Audi reveals 2014 A3 cabriolet

The new Audi A3 cabriolet has been revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. The fourth variant of the A3 is bigger and lighter than the car it replaces.

The Audi A3 cabrio has grown 180mm in length to 4420mm for a more elongated and elegant profile, but weight is down 50kg to 1365kg compared with its predecessor, aided by the lighter new MQB platform and aluminium bonnet. Audi claims body stiffness has also increased.

The 2014 A3 cabriolet boasts a soft-top roof can be opened and closed in 18 seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 50kph. When folded, the roof has a “minimal” effect on luggage space, according to Audi. An ‘acoustic top’ will be offered to reduce noise in the cabin and ‘head level’ heating option for front seat occupants.At its launch early next year, 1.4 and 1.8 TFSI petrol engines developing 148 and 178bhp will be offered alongside a 168bhp 2.0 TDI diesel. Other engines, including a 296bhp S3 version, will follow. Continued..

 

Audi claims the engines are 12 percent more fuel efficient than before, citing cylinder on demand technology and a free-wheeling function integrated with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox option. A six-speed manual will also be offered. Quattro models will be introduced after launch.The S3 cabriolet will go on “shortly” after the standard car, which is slated for launch in the first quarter of 2014. The S3 will be powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that produces 296bhp and 38.71kgm of torque. With a six-speed S tronic gearbox, it will reach 100kph in 5.4sec. It will be equipped with four-wheel drive as standard and the ride height is reduced by 25mm. Large 17-inch brakes are fitted behind standard-fit 18-inch alloy wheels, while 19-inch wheels are available in conjunction with Audi Magnetic Ride.