Audi S3 Cabriolet first drive review

Are convertible sporty cars are for posers?

Audi's decision to add the S3 Cabriolet to its line-up of compact performance models raises the question of just what the drop-top brings to the party.

On paper the S3 Cabriolet doesn't do much wrong. It's got the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan which, in line with 2015 model updates, gets 206kW of power and 380Nm of torque.

That helps it race from zero to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds and to a top speed of over 250km/h, yet it still manages to use just 7.1-litres per 100km.

It also possesses the same stylish proportions as the A3 Cabriolet it is based on.

But driving the S3 Cabriolet on the Gold Coast hinterland this week quickly raises the question this article began with.

The S3 Cabrio is certainly fast and the engine is excellent, with its broad spread of torque helping to accelerate effortlessly and with good response out of the bends.

The six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (there is no manual option) shifts quickly on the move and makes a delightfully racy bark when it swaps cogs, to ram home the car's sporty pretensions.

But when you really push it hard the Cabrio lacks the same precision that you get with both the sedan and Sportback. That is because, like most convertibles, losing the roof for open-air motoring introduces extra weight and complexity that dilutes the driving experience.

In this case, the Cabrio weighs an additional 175kg over the Sportback (1695kg v 1520kg) and you can feel it when you push the S3 to its dynamic limits.

That's because it's is a big part of the appeal of the S3. If not, and if you just want a compact Audi convertible there is an entire range of A3 Cabriolets to choose from.

That's not to say the S3 Cabrio is a bad car, or even unappealing. It certainly looks more aggressive than any of the A3 drop-tops with its standard S Line bodywork and S3 specific 18-inch alloy wheels giving it a genuine sporty stance.

It also gets standard S sports suspension, which means it sits 25mm lower than the regular A3 Cab. Coupled with the standard Audi Drive Select system, which allows you to alter the responsiveness of the engine and steering, it gives the S3 a very different character to the A3 on the road.

Our test car was also fitted with the optional adaptive dampers, which means you can change the firmness of the suspension. The trade-off though to all those performance orientated suspension options, which help endow the S3 Cab with impressive cornering grip, is a ride that can be jarring at times. Certainly over larger bumps the S3 Cab jars sharply, which doesn't fit with its stylish appearance.

Other standard features include MMI navigation plus, Bluetooth, Xenon plus headlights, dual-zone climate control, sports seats with fine Napa leather, heated front seats and a 10-speaker stereo.

An acoustic roof is also standard and does a good job of cutting out road noise when it is in place. It's not quite as quiet as a folding metal hard-top but it's not far off either.

Customers can also choose between black, grey or brown for the roof fabric, depending on their preference.

Like the A3 Cab, with the roof stowed there is adequate boot space and the buffeting is well suppressed until you hit highway speed limits.

But therein lies the rub with the S3 Cabriolet. As a performance car it isn't as sharp as the S3 Sportback and Sedan, and as a convertible it doesn't offer huge additional benefits over the already stylish A3 Cabriolet other than its sportier stance and more power.

When you factor in the S3 Cab's starting price of $69,300 plus on-road costs, more than $14,000 more expensive than A3 1.8 TFSI Quattro, you have to ask yourself what do you really want – a performance car or a convertible?

You can get both in the S3 Cabriolet but it comes with compromises.

 

Audi S3 Cabriolet pricing and specifications

On sale: Now

Price: $69,300 plus on-road and dealer costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 206kW at 5300-6200rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 1800-5200rpm

Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch transmission, AWD

Fuel consumption: 7.1L/100km