The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet global premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi, the luxury car manufacturer is all set to unveil the all new Audi A3 Cabriolet at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The compact class open-top will become available for UK buyers on ordering in late October, and will reach its first customers in March 2014. To achieve its sleeker profile and provide the capacity for complete soft-top concealment when in open mode, the new compact class cabriolet is bigger compared to the previous mode. The length of the vehicle has increased from 4.24 to 4.42 metres, its wheelbase from 2.58 to 2.60 metres and its width from 1.77 to 1.79 metres. Only its height (1.41 metres) is down on its predecessor, by 15 millimetres. Luggage capacity has also grown by 60 litres (2.12 cubic ft), and access to that space has been improved.

The front of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is characterised by the single frame radiator grille, which is flanked by flat headlamps that can light the way using either halogen or xenon bulbs depending on version, or using optional LED headlamp technology. The rear overhang plays a key role in the balanced proportions of the two-door car. The windscreen frame is made of aluminium – and an aluminum-look trim strip runs around the roof aperture. On the flanks, the design features a taut tornado line and contoured surfaces that take full advantage of light and shadow. The new A3 Cabriolet has a soft fabric roof that is stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium-steel, and it complements the car's design perfectly. At the press of a button, the top opens or closes electro-hydraulically in less than 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph (50kmph). When retracted, the top – folded into three layers – rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity, which is 287 litres (10.14 cubic ft).

The new Audi A3 Cabriolet interior features elegant lines, clean surfaces and uncompromising quality. The instrument panel is lean and low, with a gently curved frontal section and a centre console angled slightly towards the driver. The large, round air vents with their ‘jet design’, the electrically retractable 5.8-inch colour monitor complemented by the Driver’s Information System with efficiency and rest recommendation assistants, the control panel for the air conditioning system and the three-dimensional trim strips help to maximise the air of premium class sophistication.

The cabin offers enough space for four adults, and the seatbacks of the two rear seats can be folded down to create a wide through-load area. The steering wheel and seats are new designs, and the new electro-mechanical parking brake is operated by a button on the centre console. Depending on which of the three trim levels – SE, Sport and S line – is chosen by UK customers, the seats are finished in either cloth or a combination of cloth and leather, with full leather and an Alcantara/leather mix available on the options list. The all new A3 Cabriolet sports various driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, camera-based traffic sign/speed limit recognition, park assist with selective display and various feature levels of the Audi pre sense safety system. The vehicle has an extremely attractive infotainment components, which is headed by the Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI Navigation plus.

The new Audi A3 Cabriolet will be available with three newly developed engines. The two TFSI engines produce 140PS and 180PS from 1.4 and 1.8 litres of engine displacement, respectively, while the 2.0 TDI develops 150PS; other engines will follow – ranging from the 1.6 TDI with 110PS to the 2.0 TFSI, which will power the Audi S3 Cabriolet with 300PS. All engines in the new Audi A3 Cabriolet employ direct injection and turbo-charging and are backed up by a start-stop-system.

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