FIRST Audi announced the S1, the hottest version of the A1 hatch – now just a few days later there’s another new S car, the first open-topped Audi S3 based on the A3 Cabriolet.
The Audi S3 Cabriolet boasts a 300PS 380Nm 2.0-litre TFSI engine, paired with a self-shifting six-speed S tronic gearbox and a quattro all-wheel drive system. 0-62mph comes up in 5.4 seconds, although the top speed is limited to 155mph. Combined fuel consumption is 39.8 mpg and CO2 emissions are 165g/km – not especially wallet-saving values for tax-conscious company car drivers, but pretty good considering the amount of performance on offer.
The Audi S3 Cabriolet rides about an inch lower than the standard open-topped A3 and shares a similar look to the S3 hatch – that means lots of aluminium detailing, Xenon plus headlights and LED tail lamps. The boot-lid has a spoiler edge and the bumper has been redesigned as well.
There’s more aluminium inside, and the instrument dials are in S-specific dark grey metallic; the digits and needles are white. The nappa leather S sports seats have embossed S3 logos, and combinations of Alcantara and leather can be ordered as alternatives.
The S3 Cabriolet will debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. Order books open in April and the first cars will arrive in the UK in July.
