A drop-top will join the Audi S3 line-up at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. As with its hatch, Sportback and Saloon stablemates, the S3 Cabriolet is powered by a 296bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo, which drives all four wheels. Initially, the Cabriolet will be offered only with a six-speed S tronic transmission.
The S3 Cabrio weighs around 200kg more than the other models. This means the 0-62mph sprint takes 5.4 seconds, rather than the hatch’s 4.8 and Sportback and Saloon’s 4.9. Economy falls to a claimed 39.8mpg and the car emits 165g/km of CO2; every other S tronic S3 claims 40.9mpg and 159g/km.
As with the standard A3 Cabrio, the top drops electronically in 18 seconds at up to 31mph. However, the S3 is marked out by 25mm lower sports suspension, bi-xenon headlights, a subtly beefed-up bodykit and 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s a similar story inside, with sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and S3-specific dials included.
The new A3 Cabriolet uses the saloon body style as its base rather than the hatchback, which means it's bigger and there's more space in the boot as well. The standard A3 Cabriolet gets a 320-litre boot with the roof up, which reduces to 275 litres with the roof down.
There's lots of insulation in the roof as well, which will keep noise out of the cabin when the S3 Cabrio is driving at high speed. There are optional hot air blowers to keep your neck warm in the winter on the A3 Cab, which will likely be standard on the top-spec S3 model.
First UK deliveries will take place in September. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but the car should cost around £4,000 more than the S3 Saloon S tronic, which starts at £34,720.
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