The All-new Audi A3 Cabriolet Arrives in Australia

• All-new sophisticated design language for Audi’s stylish compact cabriolet
• Entry-level 1.4 TFSI COD Attraction model starting from $47,300*
• Four all-new drivetrains, including quattro all-wheel-drive for the first time

Australia, July 4, 2014 – The stunning new Audi A3 Cabriolet has arrived in Australia, boasting an all-new design, powerful and efficient new engines, the dynamic quattro drivetrain and a new electrically folding roof that retracts in just 18 seconds, at speeds of up to 50km/h.

A clear departure from the previous hatch-based A3 Cabriolet body style, the stylish new coupe-like design has been specifically modeled from the ground-up to take advantage of Audi’s coupe-inspired design language. It features sporty proportions and strong lines, like the prominent shoulder line that extends along the entire length of the car. The new model is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor.

“The new A3 Cabriolet’s striking design makes it a ground-breaking car for Audi in this segment,” said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

“This type of car is an emotional purchase. With its coupe-like silhouette, the new A3 Cabriolet offers customers an entirely new design experience and we expect that it will attract new buyers to the Audi brand, as well as existing customers who are drawn to the new styling.”

“The great news for customers is that we have been able to position the new model extremely well. It’ll offer better value than its nearest competitors, and ahead of launch, we’ve secured 500 orders,” Mr Doyle added.

The A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI Attraction with advanced Cylinder on Demand fuel-saving technology is the entry-level model in the range, with an MLP of $47,300. It boasts sporty performance, endowed with 103kW/250Nm, yet sips a miserly 4.9 litres per 100km.

Alongside the ‘Attraction’ entry model are the three ‘Ambition’ models. The 2.0 TDI offers strong performance, with 110kW/320Nm, and it offers outstanding fuel economy for buyers most concerned with class-leading efficiency and low emissions.

The 1.8 TFSI engine is also offered with quattro all-wheel drive, offering drivers even more sporty, confident road-holding. It is the first time that the A3 Cabriolet has been offered with quattro.

The sporty S tronic dual-clutch transmission is standard on all models.

In the A3 Cabriolet, a new active rollover protection system protects occupants in the event of a rollover.

Like its A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan siblings, the new A3 Cabriolet features a generous list of standard equipment. Highlights include:

Attraction trim level (1.4 TFSI)

• 17-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke ‘dynamic’ design
• Audi parking system: front and rear
• Leather upholstery
• Aluminium-look interior styling
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with digital display and rear-seat vents
• Audi Music Interface
• Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
• MMI radio system – electrically retractable, slimline 5.8-inch colour display monitor with 8 passive speakers
• Cruise control
• Driver information system
• Dynamic suspension
• Exterior electric mirrors
• Light and rain sensor
• Multi-function leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shift
• Fully automatic roof
• 

Ambition trim level (1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI)
Additional standard equipment on top of Attraction trim level:

• 17-inch alloy wheels in 5-spoke ‘star’ design
• Front leather upholstered sports seats with height, depth and seat rake adjustment
• Inlays in aluminium mistral with aluminium sill trims
• Front fog lights
• Full colour driver information system
• Audi Drive Select
• Multi-function leather-wrapped three-spoke sports steering wheel
  with paddle-shift

Pricing (Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) – excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges)

High-value option packages

To make it easier than ever for customers to combine highly desirable features together in exceptional value packages, the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is offered with the following:

Style package – $2,000

• Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Choice of 18-inch alloy wheel in 10-spoke design, 5-arm structured design, 5-arm rotor design or 10-spoke design in titanium look.
• Sports suspension with a lowered ride height of 15mm

Technik package – $2,650

• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, including 7.0-inch colour display monitor
• Audi parking assist with rear view camera
• Audi sound system

Comfort package– $1,990

• Electric lumbar support for the front seats
• Heated front seats
• Convenience key
• Auto dimming interior mirror
• Exterior mirrors electric fold, heated with kerb view

Assistance package – $1,800

• Adaptive cruise control including pre-sense front
• Lane departure warning
• High beam assist

S line sports package – $4,200

• S line exterior package
• S line sports package
• 18-inch alloy wheels (optional 19-inch alloy wheel package price is $5,200)
• Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.