WORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLET

The new Audi A3 Cabriolet made its World debut on Friday 30th Nov 2007, the first ever premium compact class “open top” from Audi which will offer four engine options when it arrives on British roads next Spring.Audi’s latest convertible lines up alongside established soft tops in the A4 and TT ranges. The exciting addition to the much in demand A3 range will be available with either a semi or fully automatic hood specification while crucially for an open car, its advanced body structure features a high proportion of high-strength steel reinforcing measures that provide maximum rigidity and optimum crash safety.The A3 Cabriolet comfortably seats four occupants while the rear seat backs can be folded down for optimum practicality. The normal uncompromising Audi build quality, subtle and understated exterior design as well as exemplary driver ergonomics combine to create a prestige and elegant new contender inside and out. Four engine versions – two petrol and two TDI – combine ample power with impressive efficiency. All of them are direct injection units with turbo charging. The performance range extends from 77 kW (105 PS) to 147 kW (200 PS). As an option, the innovative S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox is available. At launch transmissions will be limited to front wheel drive.
The car is launched with both “standard” suspension, or the option of “sports” suspension.At launch a Standard or Sport can be chosen for the Audi A3 Cabriolet. In both cases its equipment specification is generous and extensive; the Sport model includes 17-inch aluminium wheels, sports suspension and sports seats. An S line exterior package and S line sports package will also be available later in the year to UK customers. The exterior designThanks to the hood’s compact folding design, Audi’s designers were able to create a comfortable four-seater with subtle lines measuring up 4,238 millimetres in length, 1,765 mm in width and 1,424 mm in height. The car is shorter than the A3 Sportback (4,286mm) but longer than the existing 3 door A3 (4,214mm).Easily identifiable as an Audi, the exterior design creates strong presence making the A3 Cabriolet visually typical of current Audi family of models. The “face” of the A3 Cabriolet is dominated by the large single-frame grille while the headlights are also an eye-catching, distinctive feature. They can be supplied optionally with xenon plus lights, which can operate in tandem with the dynamic adaptive (steering) light technology.
The optional daytime running lights in the form of an integral light strip – an important safety feature at Audi it comprises of seven white light-emitting diodes in conjunction with the xenon plus units. Similarly to the headlights, the rear lights of the A3 Cabriolet are of a flat, broad design. Their technology is based on fibre optic rods, but the visual effect is of two radiant rings that clearly distinguish the car as an Audi even after dark.When viewed side-on, the unique but subtle profile of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is clearly in evidence. The striking wheel arches accommodate large wheels: in the case of the Standard model, 16 inches in diameter. The Sport model has 17-inch alloy wheels, 18-inch wheels from quattro GmbH are available as an option. Audi supplies the A3 Cabriolet in 15 paint colours that can be combined with three hood colours – black, blue and red.

The hood and body.

The fabric hood keeps its shape thanks to the mechanically moved metal linkage, which assures an excellent close fit, perfect tightness and the silhouette of a coupé. A large, heated glass rear window provides a good view to the rear.
Audi can supply the fabric top in two versions – the semi-automatic soft top and the fully automatic acoustic hood. In both cases the hood is moved by a high-pressure pump with two hydraulic cylinders. They open the large soft top in an extremely rapid nine seconds.When lowered, the hood is folded up in a Z-pattern which takes up a minimum amount of space. The header – a rigid section at the roof’s front edge – comes to rest on top, basically flush with the body. The folded hood is set down in a compact sheet steel compartment that only very slightly reduces the luggage compartment capacity.The clever design enables the acoustic hood to be opened and closed while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h – a big advantage in terms of convenience when driving in urban traffic. The process is controlled by a switch on the centre console; the hood can also be opened and closed conveniently from outside the car, via the ignition key in the door lock.The fully automatic soft top takes the form of an acoustic hood. Between the outer skin and the inner lining there is a synthetic fibre mat that further improves thermal insulation and soundproofing – at a speed of 140 km/h it is only 1 dB (A) louder inside the Audi A3 Cabriolet than in the hard top A3. If only the front seats are occupied, a wind deflector can be erected above the rear bench seat in a few simple steps for optimum comfort.

The interior

The interior of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is immediately recognisable as a modern Audi; its materials, Audi’s familiar uncompromising build quality and its elegant design accentuate the premium character of this new convertible. Elegant lines border its large surfaces. The four round air vents and the side knee cushions on the centre console’s struts are reminiscent of the Audi TT.
The two navigation systems available use an operating logic adopted from the superior MMI concept as familiar from Audi’s larger cars.
Audi offers a broad range of options for the seats; on the Sport model, both front seats are sportily contoured. An electric four-way lumbar support is available as an option, as well as heating for the front seats or for all four seats.Another of the Audi A3 Cabriolet’s major strengths in everyday use is its variable luggage compartment. The rear seat backs can be split 50:50 and released to fold flat to expand luggage compartment capacity. The wide, high through-loading space that is created increases the luggage capacity to 674 litres and the load area length to 150 centimetres – ample even for large items of sports equipment. In the standard arrangement the luggage compartment has an ample capacity of 260 litres, whether the hood is open or closed.

The equipment

The Standard Audi A3 Cabriolet already comes with a semi-automatic hood. Four electric windows round off the specification. The A3 Cabriolet Sport will be available in the UK with a fully automatic and acoustic hood and has the distinguishing features of 17-inch aluminium wheels, front fog lights and sports suspension. Inside, the sumptuous equipment includes sports seats, a driver information system, a 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel, a wind deflector and special inlays, upholstery and door sill trims.The range of options for the A3 Cabriolet includes multifunction steering wheel, dual zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, leather upholstery, heated seats and a parking aid. Xenon plus headlights and the adaptive light for cornering illuminate the road effectively in the dark. The storage package for the interior and luggage compartment and a ski and snowboard bag further add to the practical utility of the A3 Cabriolet.Typically for Audi, the A3 Cabriolet too features a broad range of multimedia technologies. This extends from the chorus CD radio, with four speakers, to the Bose sound system. All audio systems from the concert radio upwards include an interface on the centre tunnel for connecting up an iPod or MP3 player. Two navigation systems – with monochrome or large colour monitor – help with providing directions. For mobile telephony, Audi offers a mobile phone preparation in combination with the audio systems. Those who are fond of bespoke specification features will appreciate the equipment options on offer from quattro GmbH. The S line comprises an exterior package for the body and a sports package.Prices will be confirmed later this year.

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