Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI Sport review
by David Finlay (3 September 2008)
When, earlier this year, Audi launched its smallest-ever open-topped car, the A3 Cabriolet, it provided enthusiasts of this sort of vehicle with a premium alternative to similar models such as the Ford Focus, Peugeot 307 and Vauxhall Astra, as well as a rival to the BMW 1-Series.
I don't think it would be too controversial to suggest that if you parked all these cars in a line, the A3 would be the one that caught your eye last. Audi operates on the basis that its customers prefer subtle styling, and if that's true they certainly get it here.
There are four engines in the range, and the 1.8 TFSI turbo petrol is second from the bottom in terms of price (only the 1.9 TDI is cheaper) but second from the top in the power stakes (at 158bhp it produces more power than the two diesel options, but 40bhp less than the 2.0 TFSI).
Our car was also in mid-range Sport trim, which Audi reckons will be the most popular. You don't get the styling goodies of the more expensive S line, but you do get larger wheels (17"), sports suspension, sports seats, an upgraded radio and a wind deflector in return for the £1850 premium over the standard car. Officially the 1.8 TFSI Sport costs £24,150, but with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a still further improved audio set-up, folding door mirrors and a host of other options the test car was actually worth somewhere north of £28,000.
Sport and S line models also have a more sophisticated roof than the standard ones, in that it raises and lowers itself at the single press of a button and has extra acoustic insulation. Like the one fitted to the BMW 1-Series, though, it's still just a fabric roof; the curious fact is that if you want one of those coupé-convertible folding metal jobs you're going to have to buy a car from a more obviously mainstream manufacturer.
If you do that, you'll lose out on the A3's premium feel. With the exception of the tiniest amount of scuttle shake in the most extreme conditions (well within acceptable limits for a car with no solid roof), the Cabriolet feels absolutely like a regular Audi, with nicely modulated pedal actions, smooth steering and a precise gearchange.
I must say, though, that I was expecting it to feel sportier than it actually did. It's quick enough, performing solidly at all engine speeds and almost kidding you that it's not turbocharged at all thanks to the amazing lack of lag, but it feels capable rather than nimble through corners. The driving experience simply isn't as interesting as I thought it would be.
Still, that's probably of little concern to potential customers, who are more likely to be impressed by the car's roof-down behaviour. At this point I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of convertibles, but even I enjoyed driving the A3 in alfresco form - the swirl of air round the cabin is acceptably moderate, and is presumably yet more subdued when you use the wind deflector. The only reason I didn't find this out for myself is that I didn't find the deflector until the last day of this test, by which time it was raining so hard that I wasn't going to fold the roof down for anyone.
In case you're wondering, the deflector was in the boot, which is of typically moderate size for a car of this type. In fact, at 260 litres with the roof down, it offers exactly the same amount of space as the BMW 1-Series Convertible.
The main problem with fabric roofs is that they are mostly opaque, which generally leads to large blind spots at the rear. The A3 is a devil for this, and may in fact break all known records, partly because the small rear window is almost totally obscured by the headrests and rollbars designed for the comfort and safety of back-seat passengers. Apart from the visibility issue I can't really argue against these, though at the same time I can't imagine that there will often be passengers to comfort and protect, since - in the usual way of things - there is very little room for them.
As it's customary to mention at this point, though, few buyers of a small convertible will be concerned about transporting more than two people, so rear space isn't really an issue. And that leaves the A3 as a pleasant if undramatic car of its type, and no less practical than any of its rivals.
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