Fresh air for A3

Thailand News - Motoring - Friday December 07, 2007

AUDI / A3 CABRIOLET

Fresh air for A3

Cabriolets may sell in small numbers in Thailand. But Audi's latest cabrio could be seen as a quick-fix alternative to the Mini Cooper Convertible

- Wow, a concept turned into a production car in just two weeks...

You mean the Cross Cabriolet Quattro that was shown in LA last month? Yes, that was a concept car alright. But as we said, the Cross Cabriolet Quattro didn't preview this production A3 Cabriolet here. Instead, the concept car was meant to preview the face and engine of the forthcoming Q5 sport-utility vehicle.

- Oh, sorry. So this Cabriolet is merely a spin-off from the A3 hatchback...

Not exactly. If you look at the Cabriolet's design, it gets more distinctive headlamps and tail lights which are two design elements that are becoming more common in modern-day Audis. But the platform is basically the same with the three- and five-door hatchbacks.

- Ah, this is the same strategy used by BMW for its 1-series model line-up, right?

Precisely. But BMW is one version ahead by offering a fourth body variation in the guise of two-door coupe'. Both Audi and BMW are expected to enhance their compact family car (or premium C-segment car) range with SUV bodies in the future carrying the Q3 and X1 badges accordingly.

- Thanks. Tell me more about the A3 Cabriolet...

Highlights include a soft-top that can fold away in just nine seconds in which the process can be done at speeds of up to 30kph. Reinforcing certain body parts was also necessary which is a normal practice for cabriolets since they must provide better rigidity over fixed hard-tops in the interests of safety and dynamics..

- What about the engines...

Fairly academic. On the diesel front, there are 105hp 1.9-litre and 140hp 2.0-litre units; petrol motors include 160hp 1.8-litre and 200hp 2.0-litre. All four engines get turbo and direct injection, with the range-toppers being offered with the acclaimed twin-clutch semi-automatic transmission. The 2.0 TFSI is fastest with a 7.3sec 0-100kph time to its credit.

- Won't there be anything faster to, say, match the rapid 135i from BMW?

Ah, so you've already read about the 135i on the back page of this issue. Audi hasn't said anything yet. But the obvious answer would be the an S3 armed with a 250hp-plus 3.2-litre V6 that's already available in the hatchback model range. A storming RS3? That has been a rumour for ages. So let's just stick with the A3's current engine.

- Okay, will I be able to buy the A3 Cabriolet?

Hmm... that's a tough question. You see, the Thai Audi importer isn't keen on selling special models (its mainstream in Europe but utterly niche in Thailand). They are more interested in me-too saloons. Which is quite a pity, since the A3 Cabriolet could be a quick-fix alternative (the real rival though is the A1 due in 2009) to the Mini Cooper Convertible with prices around B3m.

- That means I must turn to the grey market for it..

Well, not necessarily. Audis, in the first place, have never really been attracting independent importers. But here's a solution. Ever heard of MTM Thailand? This particular company soups up special Audis hence the A3, S3, TT, RS4 and R8 which you can see at the on-going Motor Expo. So who knows, this cabrio may get some attention, if there's demand.

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