Deep down every driver wishes their car were a convertible. But definitely not all the time, especially here in Malaysia where our monsoon weather and erratic rainfall plague most people. It is just at that certain moment, the moment when driver and car feel in synced and with the cool breeze blowing, you just want more than windows, you would want a convertible.
That made cars such as the Mazda MX-5 so popular and with that popularity, car makers tend to offer a convertible series in their range of cars. I always say that I would love a BMW M6 Gran Coupe convertible as the greatest long distance traveler, but hey, I digress.
Audi has released the Audi S3 Cabriolet because if power isn’t enough, then you can show off a bit more with the top down. With a 2.0 TFSI turbo charged engine delivering 300bhp and 380Nm, this car is no slouch off the line. The problem with most cabriolets is that the automatic folding roof mechanism is heavy, such as, in the BMW E93 series, the retractable roof itself is an extra 100kg.
Boasting a 18 second time to open and close the roof, the S3 can do it whilst traveling at 50km/h. Thanks to the roof, the car now weighs 1,620kg but still manages to achieve a 0-100km/h in 5.4 secs. Like I said, it is no slouch. To achieve those figures, Audi has fitted the S3 with a 6-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox. Of course, let’s not forget about the Quattro (permanent all-wheel drive) magic that the car has as well.
The Audi S3 Cabriolet is fitted with 225/40 R18 tires, on 8Jx18 aluminum wheels in five-parallel-spoke design with a machine-polished silver finish. To reduce weight, the wheels are made using an aluminum flow forming process. Audi also offers optional 18- or 19-inch wheels in various designs.
Draped completely in black, the interior of the S3 Cabriolet has a clean, elegant appearance. As with every Audi, its operation is easy and the finish is of superior quality. There is room for two adults in the rear, and the easy entry feature makes getting in easier. The 285 liter (10.06 cubic ft) luggage compartment can be expanded by folding down the rear seat backs; its volume is 245 liters (8.65 cubic ft) when the top is down.
Fine details emphasize the dynamic character of the open-top four-seater. The standard inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum, and many of the controls gleam in an aluminum look. The instrument dials are in S-specific dark gray metallic and the digits and needles are white. A three-dimensional S3 logo and a boost pressure indicator complete the tachometer. The color driver information system is standard; the power-retractable on-board monitor (standard with the MMI radio and above) powers up to display a special S3 screen.
The sport seats guide and support the body. The seat surfaces can be pulled out, and the backrests have embossed S3 logos. The upholstery is a mix of Pearl Nappa leather and fabric. Combinations of Alcantara and Pearl Nappa leather or Fine Nappa leather and Velvet leather are available as options. Contrasting stitching adds visual touches. Other alternatives include the S sport seats with integrated head restraints and shoulder panels with diamond stitching and the Audi design selection in parade red. A special color pigment on all leather trim prevents seats from heating up too much in the sun.
The standard package for the Audi S3 Cabriolet also includes a sport leather steering wheel with the S3 emblem. A leather multifunction sport steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim is available on request, also with optional shift paddles. Other standard features are the pedals and footrests made from brushed stainless-steel. In combination with the optional convenience key, a red ring adorns the start-stop button. The aluminum door sills bear S3 logos. Other standard features include the anti-theft alarm, deluxe automatic air conditioning, Xenon plus headlights and the storage and luggage compartment package.
