Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013) Review
Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013) At A Glance
Neat cloth-topped, four seater A3 based convertible with decent boot and fold-down rear seats. Best with 2.0 TFSI engine.
Early 1.9 TDI engine noisy, slow and doesn't suit convertible image. Some problems with early convertible tops and window mechanisms.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet introduced in 2008 was a good looking, essentially Golf based convertible sharing its running gear with the contemporary Audi A3 and VW Golf Mk V.
We tested the 2018 A3 Cabrio on a perfect day. Half way through our drive the skies opened and it rained cats, dogs, frogs and fishes. Ideal weather to check Audi's claim that you can get the roof over your head in 9 seconds flat.
Audi made some interesting claims about that roof. The advantages of fabric compared to the folding tin tops we have been seeing from almost everyone else.
Status is one. A coupe convertible with the top up doesn't look like a convertible. It can look like you are driving something as mundane as a saloon.
Trunk space is another. Most coupe convertibles rob you of almost all of it with the top down, but the Audi hood sits on top of the trunk, leaving a very useful 260 litres of space into which to post your luggage.
And it's lighter, so, combined with the strengthening of the structure at floor level, it gives the car a lower centre of gravity than a folding tintop.
Reviews for Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TFSI to 2.0 TFSI S tronic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 26–58 mpg
You can get a 160PS 1.8TFSI, a 200PS 2.0TFSI, a 105PS 1.9TDI and a 140PS 2.0TDI. (That's the old PD engine rather than the new piezo injected 2.0TDI in the A4 B8.)
We drove a white one, which happened to be a 2.0T FSI S tronic. Though, on the basis of pre-orders, Audi expects the sales split to be only 30% petrol compared to 70% diesel.
It drives like an A3 2.0TFSI, or a Golf GTI 2.0TFSI, for that matter. Sporty, yet secure, with a very pleasant power delivery through the seamless 6-speed S tronic.
There's not a lot of legroom in the back, of course. Best to think of it as only an occasional four seater. The kind of car you and someone else could go on holiday in with all your luggage, then, when you got there, could pick up a couple of friends. The optional windbreak works well, and with the windows up even the rain stays off you until you have to slow down or stop.
When you get wet for the 6 seconds or so it takes to get some roof over you, then, after another 3 seconds, are snug as a bug in a rug. That's a very fast top.
So what's it to be? £20,750 only buys a basic, fairly slow, 1.9 diesel. The kind of car for older couples who won't exactly give the A3 convertible the sort of image Audi is seeking.
You'll need £23,660 for the most basic quick one. Though I can also see the £22,300 160PS 1.8 TFSI selling quite well.
The 2.0TFSI S line S tronic we drove comes to all of £28,460, and that's before you add satnav or a windbreak.
But white with a red top has to be the colour combination to have. In a metallic grey the car just doesn't get noticed.
Need a sports car with four seats? It has to be the A3 Cabrio or the 1-Series convertible. Battle of the beach roads commences this summer.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TFSI | 50 mpg | 12.2 s | 132 g/km |
| 1.6 | 40 mpg | 12.5 s | 167 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 66 mpg | 12.2 s | 114 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI | 42–43 mpg | 8.0–8.2 s | 154–156 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI S tronic | 43 mpg | 8.0 s | 154 g/km |
| 1.9 TDI | 55 mpg | 12.3 s | 134 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 61 mpg | 9.6 s | 119 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI S tronic | 55 mpg | 9.4 s | 134 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI | 39 mpg | 7.4 s | 169 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI S tronic | 38 mpg | 7.3 s | 171 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
80%
Real MPG
26–58 mpg
MPGs submitted
88
Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4238 mm |
| Width | 1765 mm |
| Height | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1330–1495 kg |
| Boot Space | 260–674 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £20,540–£32,105 |
| Insurance Groups | 17–31 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–H |
| Official MPG | 38.2–65.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until September 2013
On sale until April 2011
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TFSI S tronic 2dr Auto | £26,780 | 38.2 mpg | 7.3 s |
On sale until July 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 TDI Technik | £22,420 | 65.7 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.8 TFSI Technik | £23,840 | 42.2 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 1.8 TFSI Technik Auto | £23,840 | 42.8 mpg | 8.0 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| £20,540 | 40.4 mpg | 12.5 s | |
| 1.6 S line | £23,940 | 40.4 mpg | 12.5 s |
| 1.6 Sport | £22,390 | 40.4 mpg | 12.5 s |
| 1.6 Technik | £21,240 | 40.4 mpg | 12.5 s |
On sale until May 2009
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 TDI | £20,670 | 55.4 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI S line | £23,995 | 55.4 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI Sport | £22,480 | 55.4 mpg | 12.3 s |
Model History
March 2008
A3 Cabriolet launched
Standard versions of the A3 Cabriolet have 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors, a Chorus radio with single CD drive and semi-automatic hood operation the hood is attached to and released from the windscreen rail manually but retracts and raises at the touch of a button.
On top of this, the Sport specification, costing an extra £1,850, combines features such as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with fully automatic hood operation, which adds automated hands-free detachment from, and attachment to, the windscreen rail, plus a wind deflector. The hood also incorporates additional acoustic insulation, maximising the potential for enjoyment of the upgraded Concert radio.
The S line specification supplements the Sport equipment list externally with larger 18-inch 7 twin-spoke alloy wheels and S line body styling including exclusive front and rear bumper design. Inside, it adds extras such as leather and Sprint cloth combination upholstery embossed with the S line insignia, an S line multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shift controls (where automatic transmission is specified), a perforated leather gear knob and matt brushed aluminium inlays. S line specification carries a premium of £1,550 over the price of a Sport model.
Launch Price List:
1.8 TFSI 6-speed manual £22,300 Sport £24,150 S-line £25,700
2.0 TFSI 6-speed manual £23,660 Sport £25,510 S-line £27,060
1.9 TDI 5-speed manual £20,750 Sport £22,600 S-line £24,150
2.0 TDI 6-speed manual £22,760 Sport £24,610 S-line £26,160
August 2008
New Parallel Park Assist system available now for all A3 Cabriolet models uses ultrasonic sensors to seek out suitable parking spaces, alerts the driver via the in-dash Drivers Information System (DIS) and then steers the car automatically into the space in one manoeuvre. Priced at £725 for Sport and S line versions fitted with DIS, and £925 for standard models which also require upgrade to DIS.
A3 Cabriolet range now priced from £19,995 OTR for the new 1.6 model to £27,060 OTR for the 2.0 TFSI S line. Three specification levels Standard, Sport (£1,850 premium over standard) and S line (£1,550 premium over Sport)
Standard specification includes alloy wheels, semi-automatic hood, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors and a CD audio system. Sport and S line models incorporate a fully automatic acoustic hood and wind deflector which can be lowered in just 9 seconds and raised in 11 at speeds of up to 19mph.
July 2009
New 1.6-litre TDI engine for A3, A3 Sportback and A3 Cabriolet, cabrio priced from £20,645 OTR
replaces 1.9-litre TDI engine in A3 TDIe and A3 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI. Features high pressure common rail injection and offers up to 68.9mpg with the help of start-stop and energy recuperation systems. Linked to five-speed manual transmission only.
A3 Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds, top speed 118mph, 65.7mpg combined, 114g/km CO2 output
November 2009
A3 2.0 TDI Cabriolet gains start-stop and recuperating alternator of 1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI models. A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI with start-stop - 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, top speed 129mph, combined mpg 61.4 (previously 53.3mpg), CO2 119g/km (previously 139g/km)
January 2013
Audi A3 Cabriolet reached its 'Final Edition' at prices from £23,775 OTR to £30,615 OTR and various attractive enhancements.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition replaces cloth upholstery with supple Vienna leather. It also adds front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface. These are in addition to existing Sport trimmings such as 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, dual-zone climate control, a Concert CD audio system with auxiliary iPod/MP3 socket and a fast-acting fully automatic acoustic hood.
Audi A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition models replace original 18-inch S line alloy wheel with a new five-segment spoke design, add full Vienna leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and leather combination, and also include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVD-based satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and a BOSE sound system.
The premium for the new A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition model is £2,340 over the standard A3 Cabriolet, which also continues in this final production run. Compared with the cost of specifying its additional equipment individually, this premium represents a saving of £1,605. The step up to the S line Final Edition from the Sport Final Edition costs an additional £2,435, effectively saving £3,640 compared with choosing its additional equipment separately.
Power options for standard Cabriolet models, and both Final Edition variants, include three turbo charged and directly injected petrol units – the 1.2 TFSI with 105PS, the 1.8 TFSI with 160PS and the 2.0 TFSI with 200PS or two turbo charged direct injection diesels – the 1.6 TDI with 105PS and the 2.0 TDI with 140PS. The 1.6 TDI offers EC economy potential of up to 65.7mpg with CO2 output of as little as 114g/km.
Prices for the final Cabriolet range start from £21,435 OTR for the 1.2 TFSI standard model. Sport Final Edition versions start from £23,775 OTR, and S line Final Editions from £26,210 OTR.
A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI Sport Final Edition £23,775 OTR
1.8 TFSI Sport Final Edition £26,685 OTR
2.0 TFSI Sport Final Edition £28,180 OTR
1.6 TDI Sport Final Edition £25,225 OTR
2.0 TDI Sport Final Edition £27,030 OTR
A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI S line Final Edition £26,210 OTR
1.8 TFSI S line Final Edition £29,120 OTR
2.0 TFSI S line Final Edition £30,615 OTR
1.6 TDI S line Final Edition £27,660 OTR
2.0 TDI S line Final Edition £29,465 OTR
February 2016
Haynes manual now available for Audi A3 diesel 2008-2012, price £22.99.
What to watch out for
Rear side windows sometimes do not close properly. Fault with the electric motors not being powerful enough. New motors fitted from October 2008 production.
Roofs fail badly at the folds. The top has been redesigned but still starts to fail at the creases.
11-01-2013:Warranty on s-tronic 7 speed dry clutch DQ200 gearbox extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China.
19-02-2014:Seems that the wiring for the rear lights and boot lock of early Audi A3 cabrios can get severed. Quite well known and Audi has issued a Flexi wiring fix which is also standard on later A3 cabrios.
01-05-2016:Report of failure of timing chain of 2011 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI cabrio at just over 60,000 miles. Estimate of £3,000 by Audi independent to rebuild engine.
03-04-2017:Report that 200 miles after NOx emissions fix a 2010 Audi A3 1.6TDI cabrio broke down and needs a new EGR valve, but these are on back order and after 2 weeks owner has no idea when he will get my car back. Dealer has suggested that he could give a good deal if owner wanted to buy a new car, but his 2010 cabrio has only done 20,000 miles.
19-06-2017:248mm rainfall in one month penetrated the rear wondow surround of an Audi A3 convertible in Australia, leading to extensive electrical damage from water slopping around inside the floorpan of the car.
11-07-2017:Report of high oil consumption of 2011 Audi A3 1.8TSI cabrio, using 1 litre per 1,500 miles (4 litres from 45k miles to 51k miles).
09-02-2018:Report of timing chain failure of 1.8TSI engine of 2011 Audi A3 cabrio at 45,000 miles. Engine rebuild quoted at £4,900 and local Audi dealer is offering to cover 30% as goodwill.
22-02-2018:Report of failure of clutch of 2013 Audi A3 2.0TDI cabrio, leading to total failure of clutch, DMF and transmission at 51,000 miles. The circular spring on the clutch mechanism broke and a section of the spring protruded and rubbed against the casing of the gearbox, wearing a hole in it. Gearbox then lost its oil and self-destructed, taking the clutch and DMF with it. Repairs estimated at £3,000. This same problem must affect Audi Q3s, VW Golfs, SEAT Leons and Skoda Octavias fitted with the same DMF, clutch and transmission.
