Audi India has launched the A3 Cabriolet at Rs. 44.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The competitive pricing makes it the lowest cabriolet in the country ahead of the Porsche Boxster and the MINI Cooper.
The soft top fabric roof can be opened or closed within 18 seconds at vehicle speeds up to 50km/h, and the A3 Cabriolet also comes equipped with a wind deflector for open roof driving. The A3 Cabriolet is loaded with features like ESP, active rollover protection, traction control and ABS. The interiors of the Cabriolet are reminiscent of the A3 sedan and share a lot of its components. However the A3 sedan costs almost half as much as the drop-top cabriolet version since it is manufactured locally and the cabriolet will be sold via the CBU route.
Internationally, the car is sold with a host of engine options. These include the petrol 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI and the diesel 1.6 TDI. The domestic version will be powered by the 1.8-litre TFSI which puts out 180 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This 1.8-litre mill is mated to a twin-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. The car crosses the 100 km/h mark in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 242 km/h.
Commenting on the occasion, Joe King, Head of Audi India said “The launch of the Audi A3 Cabriolet, the first compact luxury convertible in India, is yet another example of our Customer-Centric approach. Skilfully blended with a unique body style and distinct design cues, the Audi A3 Cabriolet makes a perfect lifestyle statement. Sporty and dynamic with everyday practicality – this open top four-seater with its powerful engine, ensures an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise on fuel efficiency. First showcased at the Auto Expo 2014, the car received an overwhelming response from customers and fans alike, which prompted us to introduce this exciting car into our already robust product line-up in India. The Audi A3 Cabriolet perfectly embodies ‘Vorsprung durch technik’ and truly reflects ‘luxury without compromise’.”
Story: Aniruddha Mulgund
Images: Gaurav Nagpal
