2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet 40TFSi review : Bare Charm

Images : Chirag Mondal

India woke up to the idea of top-down, romantic drives into the sunset with the one’s hair fairly late – blame it largely on the scorching climate and the lack of a niche. In 1998, something called a San Storm brewed, but quickly fizzled out. People never saw it again. The Storm, unworthy of being a drop-top or not, was India’s first home grown convertible, and the only one till date.

The climate might have changed for the worse since ’98, but preceding a generous economic growth, exotic and luxury car makers started relinquishing their open topped gantries on Indian roads. At the top, the crazies get to drive the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, worth over INR 7 Crores of carbon fiber and V12, while, down the grapevine, the ladies get to hustle the Mini Cooper Convertible, retailing for a shade over INR 36 lakh. At 44.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Audi A3 Cabriolet, ironically, is one of the least expensive convertibles to be sold in India. Open top motoring is a wealthy game.

Quick facts:

The A3 Cabriolet, launched in India on 11 December 2014 is a topless spin-off on the trusty A3 brand. It is based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB platform architecture, with power coming from a range of updated, yet familiar VW Group engines. In India though, only one petrol engine is on offer, which is turbocharged, and is mated to a dual clutch automatic transmission.

At 4421mm long, this A3 soft-top is slightly shorter (by 35mm) than the A3 Sedan, but both sit equally wide (at 1796mm). However, with a two door profile along with a lesser height, the new A3 cabriolet somehow manages to look more squat and  purposeful-looking than the sedan, and has what Audi describes as a ‘coupé-like stance’.

The heart

In India, the Audi A3 Cabriolet only comes in 40TFSI guise, which translates into a 4 cylinder, 1798cc, turbocharged petrol engine, good enough for 180 bhp of maximum power, and 250Nm of twist. Mated to the tried and tested, butter smooth 7-speed automatic dual clutch box, 0 to 100kph comes up in a claimed 7.8 seconds. But we’re not here to smoke its tires off – the A3 Cabriolet is more of a car that you’d take out to the hills and drive fast – yet in control, or head out for a spirited, late night, urban spin, with neon glinting off its lustrous paintwork. It’s meant to be piloted with ease, with the wind chuffing up your coiffure, while your lady friend in the passenger seat basks in the mellow sunlight, or streetlights.

The stroke

And the drive-train is here to do just that. Performance is adequate for all intents and purposes.  The 7 speed DSG box learns to flatter, and things get a little more playful with the on-board paddle shifters.  Downshifts are followed by an assuring blip in the throttle, reminding you of the exhaust note, which is there for pleasant aural company. With the top down and let loose, the Cabriolet sounds perfect for its pedigree – neither too intrusive, nor too soft. Upshifts are separated by a quick bark from the twin pipes. Power is tractable and there’s no perceptible lag in spite of forced induction – these modern day, VW Group turbo petrol motors are quite effortless in their power delivery and linearity. Refinement levels are alarmingly good, and you know that you’re at the helm of an automobile that has been thawed to perfection.

Thanks in part to the new MQB architecture and aluminum-hybrid body construction (which includes an aluminium bonnet), and also to revisions to the range of engines, the body-in-white weighs 30kg less than before, and the entry-level A3 Cabriolet has a kerb weight of just 1440kg – lack of Audi’s fabled Quattro system also contributes to that figure.

Now the A3 sedan is quite a planted car when changing direction, and the cabriolet, despite weighing 180 kg more, is similarly poised. No Quattro means less complications, but less confidence too. Scuttle shake is exceptionally well contained and spirited drives threw minimal bad vibes across the body shell. The steering is on the lighter side, overly so in our opinion. Its synthetic feel gives no meaningful feedback, and doesn’t titillate the enthusiast’s palms. But this isn’t a sports car. It’s meant to charm, and that job it does rather well. The ride is exemplary, and carries forward the A3’s usual compliance on the road. The Cabriolet takes on patchy roads with measured body confidence and aplomb. After all, it’s the alter ego of a hatchback, as well as a sedan. There aren’t any vicious thuds, judders or squeaks – it could be an excellent corporate convertible for indulgent weekends.

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