Is the Audi A3 capable of carrying the baton for the third time?
The German automobile giant, Audi launched the A3 Convertible or the A3 Cabriolet 2018 edition which is the 3rd generation line up for A3. With enhanced design and advanced technology, the cabriolet boasts pure thrill at the drop of a soft top roof in just 18 seconds. This compact model comes in 3 trims i.e. premium, premium plus and prestige with the base variant starting at $38,350. Every new Audi includes among other reassuring features, a 3-year Audi warranty with unlimited-mileage in the first two years, along with a full mechanical and electrical warranty up to 60,000 miles in the third year.
Audi does it again, extracts most out of its engines while keeping costs low
The A3 is powered by a range of the standard but updated mass-produced Volkswagen group engines and is also based on their modular MQB platform architecture. At its heart, lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI engine that whips up 186 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, going from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. An available Quattro all-wheel-drive model amps ups the acceleration, thanks to an extra robust 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Either way, the A3 family brings added performance and substance to its compact profile. The Audi Drive Select feature changes your car’s handling and response at the touch of a button to suit your driving, the throttle response, gear-shift characteristics (S Tronic only) and steering feel can be altered between four pre-set modes: ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Efficiency’ and an ‘Individual’ mode.
Germans know how to spoil you for luxury
The interior MMI Navigation is SD card-based and offers a 3-month subscription to Audi Connect Infotainment Services. The steering wheel sports a flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multi-function with or without the gear-shift paddles for S Tronic transmissions, as per the variant. An LED Interior Lighting Pack for ambient lighting, center console, footwells, reading lights, vanity mirrors etc. is standard along with Head-level heating, Front Knee Pads and door armrests finished in leatherette; matching interior color choice. Technology like MMI Navigation is standard in Audis, as well as innovative options like the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Impressive sound with 9 loudspeakers including a center speaker in the dashboard and 6-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 watts are on offer, for that luxurious setting. A comfort and sound pack for voice assist and Bang &Olufsen Sound System are some of the many appealing aspects of the A3 Cabriolet.
When form follows function, you have a good car
The 2018 Audi a3 convertible review reveals that exterior styling gives the A3 an impressive, sporty look. The exterior is fitted with Matrix LED headlights, Rear-view camera and a fully automatic acoustic hood which opens and closes in 18 seconds. The hood can be operated up to a speed of 31mph and controlled via a button in the center console, with optimized material thickness and additional insulation to significantly reduce the interior noise levels when the hood is shut. The 17” x 7.5J ‘5-arm’ design alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tires Space-saver spare wheel (excluding Quattro variants) lend a stylish look to the compact convertible. Front Sports seats and dual-zone electronic climate control are among the other highlights.
Safety is always a priority
With roads getting busier and traffic turning crazy, safety has become a real issue. The Driver Assistance pack especially the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go helps in Automatic distance regulation using radar sensors to maintain the required distance between vehicles in front by braking and accelerating while theStop&Go function brings the car to a halt and can restart automatically again (subject to certain system limits).
A 4-airbag system with knee airbag (driver) and Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), including ABS, ASR and EDL and Pre-sense Front with pedestrian recognition warns the driver of any imminent collisions, Audi Side Assist aids the driver while switching lanes, Camera-based traffic sign recognition (if MMI Navigation Plus is fitted) detects signs like speed limits and overtaking restrictions are driver assist packs that can put many a concerned mind at ease.
The Audi Parking System Plus, High-beam assist, Audi Pre-sense Basic, Traffic jam assist and Active Lane Assist are some of the multitudes of assist packs that come with the 2018 edition of the A3 Convertible.
Should you get one for yourself?
You can customize and choose to build your own Audi using the configurator which makes it easy to create and price your ideal Audi by simply choosing your favorite options which makes the buying experience quite exciting. Pick from an exciting array of paint shades with solid, metallic and pearl effects to make this fierce machine your own. Impeccable style coupled with awe-inspiring functionality is what this compact cabriolet offers, along with a much affordable price tag, the 2018 A3 is all set to match and overthrow its rivals and give them a run for their money.
