I wonder what cars would feature in the world’s favourite open top tourers list. Sure there would be some expensive metal that would find itself in the list. Perhaps an M3 convertible or SLK convertible, or even a Lexus SC430 and a Boxster might feature. But for those who go a little more conservatively on the number of dollars they are prepared to sign over at the car salesman’s desk are likely to take a close look at the delightfully agreeable Audi A3 Cabriolet.

From any angle, the little A3 Cabriolet is elegant and beautiful. The car’s smaller proportions are cleverly designed to give the maximum interior dimensions for plenty of space and comfort on the road. Wander around to the back of the squat A3 Cabriolet, and you find a very tidy, energetic notchback style rear-end. Peek inside with the fabric top down, and a high quality dashboard, soft touch plastics and expensive looking instruments with nicely finished switchgear are on display. The seats look very appealing from the outside, and to sit in they are truly gorgeous.

From a practical point of view, the front seats offer a great level of adjustment and provide a good deal of leg and shoulder room as well. Yes, the boot is on the smaller side, however open it up and a handy 260 litres of luggage space is revealed. This is extended to 674 litres when the rear seatback is folded down. Audi fit and finish is exemplary, and I can’t think of a more delightful way to get around and see Australia (via the tarmac) than in the classy Audi A3 Cabriolet. A number of nice touches like electric windows, a powerful audio system, air con, optional leather seats, Traction Stability Control, a car alarm, and the biggest sunroof you could ever have provide the ingredients for a great day out in the sun. Cleverly designed storage compartments and cup-holders make the journey a relaxed affair.

On the road and underway, the Audi A3 Cabriolet Attraction is a sparkling performer. Certainly, when matched to a 1.6 litre petrol unit the car is very willing and pleasant to drive. With 75 kW of power and a maximum of 148 Nm you are not going to break any speed records, but the way in which the little 1.6 litre ,motor can apply the power smoothly at any engine speed is fun to say the least. Fuel economy adds up to being brilliant for a petrol motor, so you can expect no more than 7 litres/100 km of fuel, on average, to be slurped. And for under $46,000 new – it’s a steal!

Got a little more cash to play with? – Then the extra 43 kW of power that the Audi A3 Cabriolet TFSI Attraction offers might be well worth the extra five-or-so Grand spent. Under the hood is a 1.8 litre turbo, petrol engine that is tremendously effective at passing slower traffic. The 0-100 km/h can be dispatched in eight seconds.

Spend another five-or-so Grand and the gruntiest A3 engine this side of the S3 is fitted inside the A3 cabriolet body. Ambitions are well and truly fulfilled with the sporty Audi A3 cabriolet TFSI Ambition. A turbo 2.0-litre motor pumps out an aggressive 147 kW of power that when unleashed in the small A3 body is a recipe for very quick transport. A six-speed manual or six-speed sequential gearbox is offered – both of which can hurtle the A3 Cabriolet Ambition from 0-100 km/h in only a little over seven seconds. Audi’s smallest chassis is more than up to the task, making fast and furious driving exciting and extremely satisfying.

So, with the top down, fresh air filling the lungs and sun warming the skin, motoring doesn’t come much better. Prod the accelerator in any of the quicks, and the suspension has been set to provide premium levels of roadholding and ride comfort. The Audi A3 Attraction, in 1.6-litre guise, impresses with its blend of comfort and suppleness that few small cars of the same class can match. Wind roar and buffeting are kept well in check by a deflector that erects itself over the rear seats. And one of the best bits about the Audi A3 Cabriolet is its high level of rigidity.

Safety levels are excellent. An Electronic Stability Programme provides sharp management of the A3 Cabriolet’s braking systems and will intervene to restore traction to individual wheels when the need arises. A reinforced, high strength structure creates an efficient safety cell that provides maximum protection and a high level of rigidity for agile handling. The flanks of the A3 cabriolet boast high-strength side intrusion beams and side airbags.

For a lot of class and quality in a small open-top package, there is really no alternative – unless you want to pay a lot more. The Audi A3 cabriolet – a highly recommended.

The current model series includes the:

• A3 Cabriolet Attraction
• A3 Cabriolet TFSI Attraction
• A3 Cabriolet TFSI Ambition

For any more information on the Audi A3 Cabriolet, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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