Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI 2dr Car Review - March 2012

For an open top, the A3 has good stability and offers great handling and sharp responsiveness, with a refined engine.

The roof is fabric, rather than metal and the wind noise suffers as a result of this decision, although Sport models get a thicker roof and this keeps the noise down. With the roof down, the cabin is sheltered without too much buffeting.

The engine is 1984cc and uses unleaded petrol with a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres. There is a manual six-speed gearbox, whilst provides smooth acceleration.

The 2.0 TFSI has a 197bhp engine delivering 206lb-ft of torque at 1800-5000rpm and reaches 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 144mph.

The interior of the A3 is plush and elegant, although some of the features look a little cheaper than the rest of the cabin.

The roof comes down in a swift nine seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 19mph. The Sport models have a fully automated roof mechanism, but standard models are only semi-automated with the driver having to release the roof manually.

The 2.0 TFSI comes with power steering, air conditioning, stability control, alloy wheels and stereo as standard, with optional extras including climate control for £385, MP3 connectivity for £185, metallic paint for £510, cruise control for £220, rear parking sensors for £305, leather seats for £1040, Bluetooth for £250 and satellite navigation for £890.

The A3 received great feedback for reliability from the 2011 JD Power Survey.

The A3 comes with stability control, electronic brake force distribution, with twin front and side airbags as standard, although without the hatchback’s full-length curtain airbag. The immobiliser and alarm add to security, but the Audi’s fabric hood is never going to be as much as a deterrent as the metal folding roof.

The rear seats are a little tight, but the cabriolet still easily seats four. The boot is fairly sizeable at 260 litres with the roof up or down and the rear seats fold down to extend the boot size to 674 litres.

The A3 2.0 TFSI model costs £25,580 and has a combined economy of 39.2mpg and CO2 emission rate of 169g/km.

The 2.0 TFSI is a strange combination of a strong engine, but very basic kit and no sporty features to the open top. The running costs are higher than other models in the A3 cabriolet range which, when combined with the poor equipment level, comprimises value for money.

The S line version of the 2.0 TFSI is much better value for money, as it has the same great engine, but with the equipment that should come as standard in an Audi sports car.

The resale values on the A3 cabriolets are usually great (although the 2.0 TFSI might not resell as well due to it having such a basic kit), so it is a worthwhile investment, whilst Audi promise good service and reliability.