- Responsive turbocharged engines
- Body feels solid
- High retail prices
- Poor rear seat space
- Limited boot space
Overview
Released in July 2008, the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet was a two-door, soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the front-wheel drive Audi A3 Cabriolet range consisted of the 1.6, 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI variants, which were also available in Attraction and Ambition editions. Transmission choices consisted of a five- or six-speed manual or a six-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’). The full range is given in the table below.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | Attraction | 2008-10 | 1.6-litre BSE petrol I4 |
5sp man. | 75 kW at 5600 rpm | 148 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 1.8 TFSI | Attraction | 2008-13 | 1.8-litre CDAA turbo petrol I4 | 6sp DCT | 118 kW at 5000-6200 rpm | 250 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI | Ambition | 2008-13 | 2.0-litre CAWB/CCZA turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp DCT |
147 kW at 5100-6000 rpm | 280 Nm at 1800-5000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Audi 8P7 A3 on which it was based, the 8P7 A3 Cabriolet was 80 mm longer (at 4283 mm), the same width (1765 mm), 52 mm lower (1369 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2578 mm). To compensate for the loss of rigidity inherent in its cabriolet body, 45 per cent of the A3 Cabriolet bodyshell was made from high-strength steels and a further nine percent from ultra-high-strength steels. Furthermore, the A3 Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension with triangulated lower wishbones and four-link rear suspension.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted head/thorax airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt load limiters for all seats
Features: A3 Cabriolet
Standard features for the Audi A3 Cabriolet Attraction included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker 140 watt stereo with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and an immobiliser. Models with the S-Tronic transmission were also equipped with steering wheel gearshift paddles.
The semi-automatic soft-top roof could open or close in nine seconds once a central handle located on the windscreen header was unlatched or latched respectively. A fully automatic soft-top roof was available as an option, accompanied with an additional layer of insulation.
Compared to the Attraction, the Audi A3 Cabriolet Ambition was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, a six-stack CD player, Vienna leather upholstery, contoured front seats, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors and rear fog lamps.
December 2011: Audi A3 Cabriolet update
From December 2011, the Audi A3 Cabriolet was fitted with Bluetooth connectivity and the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system as standard.
Related links
- Press Kit: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet (July 2008)
- Brochure: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet (July 2008)
- Technical Specifications: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI Attraction (July 2008)
- Technical Specifications: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Ambition (July 2008)
- Wikipedia.org: Audi A3
