Audi’s new A3 is a good car and now there is a spicier Cabriolet version as well. We were thrilled by its zestful nature
Story: Ravi Chandnani
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
Open-top motoring is an exhilarating experience, one that lifts your spirits, makes the chin rise up with pride, while keeping the heart, completely humble. Well, this new convertible from Audi, called the A3 Cabriolet, does exactly that. It induces perennial happiness. It elevates you from being just another luxury car-owner to someone really special and important. Well, almost, because it certainly made me feel like a celebrity when I drove it for the first time. This small convertible from Ingolstadt was launched recently in the country and we were the first magazine in India to drive it. Here is a brief report.
Happy? I certainly was, firstly, to see how beautiful and simple the car looks. With the subtle fascia of the saloon leading the cabriolet body, this new A3 is, perhaps, the most elegant of all the A3 variants. Brilliant touches such as the aluminium trim around the shoulder-line instead of a dreary black one enhances the youthful appeal of the Cabriolet. Plus the novelty of opening a door that has no window frame makes you feel special.
The most striking feature of the A3 Cabriolet is, indeed, the joy of travelling with the roof down. The fabric roof folds away into the boot in less than 18 seconds, suddenly making the A3 so much more attractive. You can also do that while travelling at speeds up to 50 km/h. Do so and you will witness the awe in other people’s stare as you cruise down the street.
Every element of the exterior gels together so well that you wonder what nit-picking you can actually do. A simple yet sophisticated body, dynamic front end and elegant rear, plush fittings, beautifully finished paint and 17-inch wheels, all of which shout top-notch quality, give the A3 Cabriolet a sophisticated persona, reminiscent of its cousin, the new TT roadster.
And the showing-off doesn’t stop there. Since most of the Indian buyers will be travelling with the top down, passers-by will get a chance to do some peek-a-booing. That is the charm of this convertible; it allows the audiences to indulge in appreciating the minimalistic and high-quality cabin of the A3 Cabriolet. The spacious cabin features incredible fit-and-finish. Comfortable seats, modern and minimalistic centre console and a pop-up infotainment screen testify to the superlative quality of this little convertible. And for the youngsters, the Cabriolet comes loaded with all the connectivity options they have become accustomed to.
