Audi’s new A3 2.0 TDI Cabriolet drops its top twice as fast as all its competitors – from the forthcoming BMW’s 1-series cabriolet to metal tops like the VW Eos.

For the record that’s 9.0 seconds compared to 22 seconds for both its rivals.

The reason for the swiftness is that Audi has dispensed with a separate metal cover and changed the way the fabric roof folds to a ‘Z-shaped’ pattern where the stiffer front roof part becomes the final ‘cover’. It works well – no surprise when you learn the A3 cabriolet shares its roof supplier with Bentley.The A3 Cabriolet is classically good-looking, too; much less awkward than the BMW 1-series cabriolet and pleasingly hatchback-esque in profile compared to its more saloon-like metal-top rivals. The front has new, curvaceous light cluster details and daytime LED running light ‘eyebrows’ to soften the bold grille. Inside, it’s all standard ‘Audi upmarket’, but aim your drivers towards the higher Sport and S Line trims (the latter due later this year) for what it does best.The rear has good extra functionality with rear seats that fold 50:50 flat to stow longer items, and Audi claims 674 litres of luggage space to the car’s waistline.

Out of the engine range only the base 1.9 TDI was unavailable to drive. The others, from the 160PS 1.8 and 200PS 2.0 petrol to the 140PS 2.0 diesel are all good fun to drive with plenty of power, decently responsive steering and a comfortable ride. The petrol with S Tronic paddleshift semi-auto is particularly good for fun or lazy driving, but the best tax and comfort bet will be the six-speed manual 2.0 diesel Sport, which also has a lower list price than the petrol. With the fully automatic and acoustic roof as standard raised up, noise at cruising speed is negligible. Even top down, things stay quiet until you reach higher motorway speeds.

With sales predictions modest, RVs should stay very tidy so contract hire should be competitive.

We expect interest to be high- So register your interest in the A3 Cabriolet  now and contact us  today!  Read the full write up by Guy Bird here.