So what’s the A3 cabrio like in the metal?
Not bad. It gets the latest Audi family face, though you’ll have to pay extra for the outta-my-way LED daytime running lights. The rear lights are nice, too, but to make sure the A3 doesn’t shake itself to death there’s lots of extra reinforcement which will stunt performance figures.
You’ll also have to pay to get a fully automated roof on your A3, but it will fold away in nine seconds, and at speeds up to 18mph.
The Cabriolet is halfway between the three- and five-door hatchbacks in length, while the roof cuts boot space from 350 litres in the three-door, to 260 litres.
So why is Audi making an A3 Cabriolet so late in the car’s lifecycle?
The cynic in us says because BMW has made a 1-series convertible. And that’s the reason. Audi’s current blitz to fill every conceivable niche means a sub-A4 drop-top is a must, and the A3 fulfils that roll. And the A3 isn’t actually that old – a facelift will appear next year.
And the A3 Cabriolet will continue for a good few years into the next A3’s life, much like the previous Audi Cabriolet.