Audi India will launch the A3 cabriolet in December, four months after the sedan was launched here. Unlike the sedan, the cabriolet will not be assembled in India as it is not expected to sell in large Numbers.
It will brought to India as Completely Built Units (CBU) and thus priced higher than the A3 sedan.
Audi had showcased the A3 cabriolet alongside the sedan, which came as a bit of surprise to most people. The convertible does not have any direct competition in India, it is a unique compact-convertible with high-end features, sorted-dynamics and the assurance of exclusivity.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet may be new to the Indian automotive market, but many other markets are familiar with the moniker. It has been on sale since 2008 and has seen since three revisions since. The latest model is based on the Volkswagen group’s MQB platform. The new A3 cabriolet is longer, wider, lower and lighter than the outgoing model.
The obvious differences between the A3 cabriolet and sedan are that the cabriolet gets two doors instead of four, it gets a fully-concealable roof, it comes equipped with roll-over hoops and it is strictly a 2+2 seater. Subtler changes include the redesigned front bumper, a silver cabin surround etc. Similarities include the headlights and tail-lamps, alloy-wheel design, design elements on the side of the car which include the deep line running parallel to the windowline and the contour along the lower end of the door which continues onto the rear bumper.
The interior of the A3 Cabriolet is broadly the same, except for the sport steering wheel, the control on the lower centre console for folding or unfolding the roof and the rear seats. The flat-bottom, multi-control steering wheel adds a sporty character to the car, while the rest of the dashboard design remains the same including the 3.5-inch multi-media screen connected to the MMI system. The roof can be folded or unfolded in 18 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. As with any convertible, the roof-storage eats into cabin space and rear passenger space is seriously compromised unless the rear passengers are kids. Adults could bear sitting at the rear if they have to be there for a very short trip.
The Audi A3 cabriolet is available internationally with either a 1.4-litre TFSI engine or a 1.8-litre TFSI engine and a 2.0-litre TDI engine. The 1.8-litre TFSI has a maximum power output of 180PS and 250Nm of maximum torque and is mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox. Meanwhile the 1.4-litre TFSI has a maximum power output of 125PS and 200Nm of maximum torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A more powerful variant of the 1.4-litre TFSI engine is also on offer internationally, this engine features cylinder deactivation technology for better fuel-economy and is tuned to produce 140PS and 250Nm. The lone diesel engine, a 2.0-litre TDI, produces 150PS and 340Nm which is also mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It is not known which of these engines will be offered in India.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet will most likely be offered in the Ambiente trim with all the bells and whistles and is expected to feature sport steering, acoustic fabric roof (which is quieter at higher speeds), LED headlights, wind-deflector, front neck-heater, MMI with wireless-LAN connectivity and navigation, park-assist, interior lighting package, Audi drive select system etc.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is expected to be priced around Rs. 45-50 lakh, ex-showroom.
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