The new Audi S3 cabriolet will be available in Ireland this summer with on the road price of €58,950.
Audi says the open-top four-seater is unrivalled in its segment, boasting that the 2.0 TFSI engine develops 300hp and delivers 380Nm of torque but, with S tronic, consumes just 7.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average and 165 grams of CO2 per kilometre. And the ultra lightweight construction and a high-performance chassis complete the profile of the Audi S3 cabriolet.
The Audi S3 cabriolet certainly cuts a sporty figure with its proportions extended and balanced elegantly. The open-top four-seater has a soft top with an electrohydraulic drive. Magnesium, aluminium and high-strength steel keep its weight low. A highly insulating foam layer in the roof reduces the noise level in the interior. The top is available in three colours, and opens or closes in 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50km/h.
Many design details hint at the dynamic driving potential of this open-top. The single frame grille, surrounded by a chrome frame, features a platinum-grey insert and double cross-struts with an aluminium look. The air intakes are framed by powerful edges and filled with double ribs and honeycomb inserts. S3 badges adorn the front and rear.
The Audi S3 cabriolet is powered by a top-of-the-line 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 300hp between 5,500rpm and 6,200rpm and produces 380Nm of torque from 1,800 to 5,500rpm. With S tronic the open-top four-seater accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. The passenger compartment consists primarily of ultra-high-strength steel, and the hood is made of aluminium.
With its dynamic character, the four-cylinder offers a fascinating driving experience. When the standard Audi drive select dynamic driving system is operating in dynamic mode, it has a heightened throttle response, and the engine revs up briefly when the S tronic shifts gears. The sound flaps in the exhaust system open as the load and rpms increase. In the standard six-speed S tronic transmission, the bottom gears are close-stepped for a sporty effect, whereas the long gear ratio of the top gear lowers rpms and therefore fuel consumption.
During a starting manoeuvre at full throttle from a standstill, 'launch ontrol', another feature of the dual-clutch transmission, ensures the power of the engine is transmitted to the road with a defined tire slip.
And the S3 cabriolet also makes use of quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Audi says this makes for the perfect foundation for optimal traction and driving dynamics in all road conditions.
Only Audi offers permanent all-wheel drive in a compact-class convertible car. The powerful compact car is dynamic and stable at any speed, even in difficult winter conditions. When exiting a corner, it securely transmits its power to the road, while its two-wheel-drive competitors have to struggle for grip.
The chassis with its eager, precise response and high stability brings the dynamic quality of the Audi S3 cabriolet to perfection. The axle load distribution is superbly balanced at 56:44; the rear-inclined installation position of the engine contributes to this, as does the front axle situated far to the front. Both solutions are from the Group’s modular transverse platform. The sub frame and pivot bearing on the front suspension are made of aluminium, and a four-link structure is used for the rear axle.
Draped completely in black, the interior of the S3 cabriolet has a clean, elegant appearance. And Audi says in common with all its cars, operation is easy and the finish is of a superior quality.
The German carmaker also says the range of available options is also highly attractive and includes head-level heating in the front seats, LED headlights, and the convenience key, to name just a few.
