Our spy photographers have caught the A3 Cabrio, design-wise based on the A3 concept that debuted in Geneva 18 months ago and Audi’s second cabrio derivative of the A3. The low, sporty convertible will be built off the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which is the basis of the A3 hatchbacks, the VW Golf, the Seat Leon, and the Skoda Octavia. Down the road, a number of further derivatives will be offered, such as the next-gen Audi TT and Q3, and the next-gen Volkswagen Tiguan. With its modified layout compared to the current model, it’s clear that this new cabriolet will directly target BMW’s topless 1-series. The soft-top silhouette of the A3 Cabrio hides a truly premium interior that will be nearly as spacious as the A4’s. The A3 Cabrio will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing roughly 220 hp; the TDI will get a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel making around 140 hp. In addition to the standard A3 Cabrio and TDI, there will be performance models. An S3 Quattro Cabrio with a 2.0-litre four producing 300 hp and the RS3 Quattro Cabrio with a 2.5-litre turbocharged straight-five should round out the lineup nicely. Expect the RS3 to make 380 to 400 hp and likely outperform the competition. All versions will come with a six-speed manual; there will be optional dual-clutch automatics: six-speeds in the A3 and the S3, and a seven-speed in the RS3.
