2015 Audi S3 Cabriolet Review

Fed on a diet of high-octane V8s for generations, Australia is fertile ground for high-performance machines. Our un-quenching thirst for kilowatts and horsepower means we are consistently one of the highest consumers of RS’s, M’s and AMG’s per capita in the world.

Not surprising, then, that there’s a hi-po variant for almost every model in the lineup from the three big Germans; and lately, even Lexus.

The new Audi S3 Cabriolet you see here is the first time the A3 drop-top has been given the sporty ‘S’ treatment and follows the launch of the brilliant S3 Sedan.

Like its less flamboyant four-door counterparts, at the heart of the canvas-top S3 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI petrol engine that churns out serious firepower – 210kW at 5,300-6,200rpm, and 380Nm of torque at 1,800-5,200rpm. It features both direct and indirect injection systems, aluminium pistons, high-strength connecting rods and twin balancer shafts.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a standard six-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. As with most modern cars today, there’s launch control to take care of perfect launches every time.

It’s one of the easiest to execute where even your 80-year-old grandmother is capable of accomplishing, while knitting a scarf.

All you need to do is disable the electronic stability control, flick the stubby gear-level into ‘Sport’, stomp on the brake pedal with your left foot, and floor the accelerator with your right. The engine speed will hover around the 3,000rpm mark. Then, release the brake and with hardly a hint of wheel spin, you’ll be slingshot towards the rapidly closing horizon while the rev and speed climb in unison.

Roughly 5.5 seconds later, you would have completed the century sprint.

And because you’re in a convertible, the fireworks that goes on behind the car is much more intense and intimate. A raspy exhaust note that pops and crackles at the crescendo of each gearshift accompanies the rush of acceleration as the sound flaps in the exhaust system open.

It’s exceedingly intoxicating and makes you want to do it all over again. And again. And again. To us, this alone is enough to justify the S3 Convertible over its conventional siblings.

However, its extra 170kg of weight compared to the S3 Sedan means the convertible never feels as fast as the numbers suggest.

Despite its impressive acceleration, out on the road, it’s surprising how comfortable the new S3 Convertible feels with the Drive Select system and optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive dampers in Comfort mode. The throttle response is relaxed; the dual-clutch gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, while the exhaust note is restrained.

Throw a road joint or pothole at the Audi, though, you will still know all about it. Our test car also has the annoying habit of protesting its displeasure in the form of a loud creak coming from the joint between the roof and the top of the windscreen whenever we hit a crack in the road.

The suspension firms up further in Dynamic mode, giving the S3 Convertible impressive cornering ability. There’s copious amount of grip from the all-wheel drive system and the car stays almost perfectly flat in corners, with none of the chassis wobble generally associated with drop tops. Like the Sedan, the S3 Cabriolet sits 25mm closer to the ground compared with the A3 Cabriolet.

Its standard progressive steering is well weighted and responsive, but ultimately, lacks proper feedback.

Like most front-wheel biased all-wheel-drive systems, the S3 Convertible has a tendency to understeer if pushed but its attitude can be easily modulated by backing off on the accelerator.

The brakes offer good pedal feel and adequate stopping power, contributing to the S3’s surefooted character.

From a visual standpoint, the S3 Cabriolet is no doubt head turning – especially in striking Sepang Blue metallic paint with black canvas roof. With excellent proportions and muscular arched surfaces, it is the best-looking S3 in the range, too.

Its soft-top is electro hydraulically operated and can be opened or closed at speeds up to 50km/h. To keep the added weight to a minimal, the roof frames are made of magnesium, aluminium and high-strength steel. And thanks to an insulating foam layer, interior noise level is well contained.

Standard features are inline with the sedan and hatch. They include stainless-steel pedals, aluminium door sills with S3 logo, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, xenon plus headlights and keyless entry.

The test car is also equipped with the $1,800 Assistance Package and $4,990 S Performance Package. The former brings adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist, Audi pre sense and high-beam assist, while the latter adds diamond patterned S sport seats, Audi magnetic ride, LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, S design red brake calipers and 19-inch alloys.

Inside, the dashboard is carried over from the sedan and hatch with a clean, if unimaginative, design. The S3-branded dark grey dials with white needles, flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports seats are the S3 Cabriolet’s only distinguishing difference with the A3 Cabriolet.

There is room for two in the rear but they are mainly only suitable for kids. Because the A3 Cabriolet is 28mm wider and 183mm longer than its predecessor, boot space has increased significantly. There are 285 litres of luggage space roof up, and 245 litres roof down in the S3. The rear seats can also be folded to free up more room. Up front, headroom is surprisingly good even with the roof up.

As expected, the extra weight means fuel consumption is going to take a hit. On test, NBQ 03H returned an average combined consumption of 10.5L/100km – 0.6L/100 more than the S3 Sedan we tested a few months ago.

Verdict

While buying a convertible often involves compromises in terms of practicality, performance and handling, the S3 Cabriolet’s dashing good looks and breath of talent makes it the pick of the S3 trio.

Its intimate fireworks of pops and crackles is enough to put a silly grin on your face every time you pull away from the lights.

Competitor: BMW 2 Series M235i Convertible