2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet

The Audi A3 has gone topless in Australia, just in time for – winter, actually – after making its Australian debut earlier this year at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet boasts best in class fuel efficiency and carbon emissions from two turbocharged direct injection TFSI engines, with prices starting from $49,990.

The 1.8 TFSI engine produces 118kW and maximum torque of 250Nm is delivered at just 2,000rpm, sprinting the A3 Cabriolet from 0 to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds.

The 2.0 TFSI unit has been crowned “Engine of the Year” in its class for four consecutive years from 2005 – with peak power of 147kW and 280Nm.

It is available with a choice of two transmissions including a six-speed manual or an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox which can accelerate the A3 Cabriolet to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.

Sports suspension is also included as standard to complement the nature of the 2.0 TFSI unit.

Fuel economy for both engines is just 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

The compact convertible features a semi-automatic soft top which opens in an apparently class-leading 9 seconds following the activation of a hood release, however an optional fully-automatic soft top is also available and offers an additional layer of acoustic material.

Whether the roof is open or closed, the luggage area in the A3 Cabriolet remains unchanged, offering a usable 260 litres, swelling to 674 litres with the rear seats folded down – the largest luggage area in its class.

Head restraints, airbags for driver and front passenger, together with head and thorax side airbags, are all fitted as standard.

An electronic stability program with anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock and brake assist is fitted to both models.

Recommended retail pricing for A3 Cabriolet:

• 1.8 TFSI Attraction (S tronic) $49,900
• 2.0 TFSI Ambition (6-speed manual) $54,900
• 2.0 TFSI Ambition (S tronic) $57,500

These prices are calculated at 25 percent LCT, with Audi Australia covering the extra 8 percent LCT on behalf of its customers following a Senate Economics Committee inquiry into the the proposed LCT increase.