2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet launched in Australia from $47,300

Kevin J Lee July 4, 2014 New Car Price, News 767 Views

Audi has launched the A3 Cabriolet in Australia, priced from $47,300 excluding on-roads for the entry-level 1.4 TFSI COD Attraction model. The new range also includes a quattro all-wheel drive model for the first time.

Read ForceGT‘s A3 Cabriolet Review here.

Boasting an electrically folding soft top that retracts in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h, the new A3 Cabriolet is based on the A3 sedan, thus giving it a coupé-like styling. The new model is longer, lower and wider than its hatch-based predecessor.

“The new A3 Cabriolet’s striking design makes it a ground-breaking car for Audi in this segment,” said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

“This type of car is an emotional purchase. With its coupe-like silhouette, the new A3 Cabriolet offers customers an entirely new design experience and we expect that it will attract new buyers to the Audi brand, as well as existing customers who are drawn to the new styling.”

“The great news for customers is that we have been able to position the new model extremely well. It’ll offer better value than its nearest competitors, and ahead of launch, we’ve secured 500 orders,” Mr Doyle added.

The A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI Attraction with advanced Cylinder on Demand fuel-saving technology is the entry-level model in the range, with an MLP of $47,300. It boasts a 1.4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 103kW/250Nm, yet sips a miserly 4.9 litres per 100km.

Alongside the ‘Attraction’ entry model are the three ‘Ambition’ models. The 2.0 TDI comes with 110kW/320Nm, and is said to offer outstanding fuel economy for buyers most concerned with class-leading efficiency and low emissions.

The 1.8 TFSI engine is also offered with quattro all-wheel drive – the first time that the A3 Cabriolet has been offered with quattro.

A S tronic dual-clutch transmission is standard on all models.

In the A3 Cabriolet, a new active rollover protection system protects occupants in the event of a rollover.

Like its A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan siblings, the new A3 Cabriolet features a generous list of standard equipment. Highlights include:

Attraction trim level (1.4 TFSI)

17-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke ‘dynamic’ design
Audi parking system: front and rear
Leather upholstery
Aluminium-look interior styling
Dual-zone automatic climate control with digital display and rear-seat vents
Audi Music Interface
Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
MMI radio system – electrically retractable, slimline 5.8-inch colour display monitor with 8 passive speakers
Cruise control
Driver information system
Dynamic suspension
Exterior electric mirrors
Light and rain sensor
Multi-function leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shift
Fully automatic roof

Ambition trim level (1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI)
Additional standard equipment on top of Attraction trim level:

17-inch alloy wheels in 5-spoke ‘star’ design
Front leather upholstered sports seats with height, depth and seat rake adjustment
Inlays in aluminium mistral with aluminium sill trims
Front fog lights
Full colour driver information system
Audi Drive Select
Multi-function leather-wrapped three-spoke sports steering wheel
with paddle-shift

Pricing (Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) – excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges)

Attraction specification level
A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic	103kW	250Nm	$47,300
Ambition specification level
A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI S tronic	132kW	250Nm	$51,900
A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S tronic	110kW	320Nm	$51,900
A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI quattro S tronic	132kW	280Nm	$54,900

Options:

Style package – $2,000

Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
Choice of 18-inch alloy wheel in 10-spoke design, 5-arm structured design, 5-arm rotor design or 10-spoke design in titanium look.
Sports suspension with a lowered ride height of 15mm

Technik package – $2,650