I can recall clearly when Audi launched the A3, that was way back in 1996 and it has since become one of the company‘s top sellers.
The arrival of the A3 opened up its own market segment, that of premium, compact vehicles for individual, demanding customers.
Then seven years on and the second generation model dawned, one year later a five door version hit the motoring scene- named Sportback.
In 2003, Audi launched the second generation of the three-door A3; one year later, this was followed by the five-door Sportback and at the end of last year.
In the best traditions of the A3 brand, Audi just had to bring to market a cabriolet version, after all the A4 soft top proved to be a huge seller and since the launch of the A3 Cabriolet, the A5 Cabriolet has taken on the role of the A4 version.
My first taste of the A3 Cabriolet came in the sunshine abroad, but you only get the real feel for a car when you drive it on your own patch; okay not a lot of sunshine in Northern Ireland at the best of times, but we have always favoured soft tops despite what the weather might deliver, I suspect it is the sporty nature that lurks within us all.
So it was with great pleasure I had the loan of an S-Line variant for one week, the other trims available are, Standard and Sport, the S-Line being the top of the line version.
One of the more pleasing facts regarding this very attractive Audi is the roof, it can be lowered or raised in the region of 11 seconds, so when the sun decides to favour us, you can quickly lower the roof, then should the clouds roll over, the roof is equally quickly back in place and even with the roof stored cleverly above the boot, you have reasonable boot space.
Trouble parking the A3, then you can have it with Parallel Park Assist, this is available right across the cabriolet range, and of course other carmakers have similar systems, so it is not unique to Audi, but many will feel it is a worthy investment.
Power for the A3 Cabriolet comes courtesy of five responsive petrol engines, including the 1.6 litre 102PS four-cylinder petrol.
You might think this to be a gutless unit - no way, a good engine and one which serves well for those who might be on a limited budget but fancy the Cabriolet.
Other engines include, the 160PS 1.8 TFSI petrol and the 200PS 2.0 TFSI petrol, and in the diesel camp the 105PS 1.9 TDI and the 140PS 2.0 TDI with common rail piezo fuel injection.
These are combined with either a five or six-speed manual gearbox, depending on version, or the option, for all models bar the 1.6 and 1.9 TDI, of the acclaimed six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
The one thing that is very true of Audi throughout the range is uniformity. Climb onboard and immediately you know you are in an Audi, a quality of finish, excellent layout of instrumentation and controls and above all, each and every one is a driver’s car.
I tend to think that he fairer sex will favour the A3 Cabriolet, but for one minute I do not think hast any male would be ashamed to be seen behind the wheel of this very attractive small cabriolet.
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