Frankfurt preview: 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet

Audi has published the first official images of the 2015 A3 Cabriolet ahead of its scheduled debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show

As expected, the new A3 Cabriolet is a careful evolution of its predecessor.  The changes to the drop-top include crisper lines adorning the flanks, Audi’s hexagonal grille up front and more angular headlamps that resemble those on the 2014 A4 and the latest A6.  A black cloth soft top stretched over a magnesium-steel frame opens or closes at the touch of a button in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph.  Buyers can order a fully acoustic soft top that reduces cabin noise at an extra cost.

Like the A3 hatchback and the new A3 Sedan, the Cabriolet’s cabin gains a significant upgrade in technology, adopting the same general MMI system used in Audi’s A6 and A8 models.  That means a familiar touchwheel located in the center console accompanied by a new touchpad that allows drivers to “write” characters with the swipe of a finger. Â

In Europe, the A3 Cabriolet is offered with three four-cylinder engines that feature a turbocharger and fuel-saving start/stop technology.  The entry-level mill is a 1.4-liter TFSI rated at 140 horsepower, next up is a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter oil-burning TDI and the range-topping offering is a 1.8-liter TFSI that churns out 180 horsepower.  Additional diesels and a 300-horsepower S3-badged variant capable of sprintint from zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds will be added to the lineup later in the production run.

Following its debut in Frankfurt, the A3 Cabriolet will go on sale in Europe next year with a base price of €31,700 (roughly $42,000).  Audi has not announced if it has earmarked the car for the United States market. 

In addition to the A3 Convertible, Audi will unveil the potent Sport quattro concept and the facelifted variant of its range-topping A8 and S8 sedans in Frankfurt.  Stay tuned to Leftlane for live images straight from the show.<![CDATA[
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