Roof opening and detailed infos from Thomas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyINa6gH1ao

Audi S3 Cabriolet video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUCJH7tGUM

This video index:

00:21 General
02:46 Exterior design
04:48 Interior design and features
08:56 Static beauty shots outside/inside
09:50 Driving commentary
13:34 Conclusion

We are showing you the new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet in our test drive review. This time, we combined a TDI, so the Audi Turbodiesel, with a convertible. Does that work?

So far, you often have to choose between large, expensive and beautiful convertibles and small, affordable ones that lack design and emotion. Well that might come to an end now, as the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is indeed a great looking car at a compact size and a still affordable price.

It is indeed called Cabriolet in every markt, and Audi wants to set it to a global success. For the first time, such a compact convertible is also available in the US - starting just below 36.000 Dollars with a him trim level and a 1.8 litre turbo.

Here in Germany, we start at 30.000 Euros with a low trim level and also have a small petrol engine available as well as Diesels. We have already shown you the top version Audi S3 Cabriolet -  you find a link to that one in the video description. We have also driven the usual petrol engines, and today we want to compare them to the Diesel.

And what is especially interesting: Can this car replace bigger, more expensive ones, being equally or even more fun? We’re going to find out for you.

The exterior design is dominated by the stringent side profile which follows the basic concept of a greatly designed car: as little design lines as possible. The new Audi A3 convertible is 18 centimeters longer than its predecessor, so the rear end doesnt end with the rear windscreen, but continues in a classic sedan and true convertible style right until the end. This is so important for the design.

Looking at the front, we see the dynamic headlights in the current Audi Design language as well as the single frame grill which gives the car a rather powerful apperance. Very important for a compact convertible are always the alloys, because if they are too small, the car could look clumsy. In this case, we got the 17 inch alloys.

The interior is also very interesting here, as this is one of the first cars where Audi tried a new concept of controlling the functions of the car. You can see that it looks very clean, because most of the functions are controlled by the central multimedia unit. Only those functions you often need very quickly, for example adjusting the temperature, are found with separate buttons still. We think that this is one of the best compromises so far. Because nowadays, you often find too many buttons or the other extreme that there is only a big ipad left in the middle.

As usual for Audi, the manufacturing quality is flawless, we can also see that in the interior.

The trunk does not have a good access - and you see, the space is limited. However, you are definitely more flexible than in a hardtop convertible. Audi is still all about the soft tops. And I think, its not a bad choice as you got less weight, a good durability due to modern materials and more space in the trunk. And: the opening and closing process is faster and can also be done until a speed of 50 kilometers an hour or 30 miles an hour. That is very important, e.g. if you suddenly get in the rain.

Driving the Audi A3 Convertible, you immediately realize the great suspension. You got a very comfortable ride, and some Audi TT owners might even considers switching here if they search a more relaxing ride. Also Audi A5 convertible customers might consider this new one here and step down a segment, because the Audi A3 Cabriolet is the more modern car, is more practical in the city and offers you more agility when driving. So it can also be a decision for more sportiness and more fun to step down a class here.

The consumption of this Diesel is after same more testing 6 litres. The 1.8 turbo had about 9 litres on 100 kilometres by the way, so about 3 litres more than officially stated.

So to conclude: The Audi A3 Cabriolet is one of the best overall convertibles at the moment. Of course, Audi is never cheap, but if you consider that you can easily step down a segment from a bigger convertible, you get the more modern car with a better deal and a sportier attitude.

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