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Audi S3 Cabriolet 2014 review

EXPERT RATING
7
f you think an Audi A3 convertible is a hairdresser's car, here's a version that makes a mess of any salon sculpture.

If you think an Audi A3 convertible is a hairdresser's car, here's a version that makes a mess of any salon sculpture. The range-topping S3 Cabriolet brings the full-on S engine and quattro all-wheel drive.

PRICE / FEATURES

Due here in October, a few months after the standard A3 drop-top, its pricing will have eyebrows heading toward the hair line - try $75,000. Audi's habit is to bundle options so as to make selection easier and slightly less expensive.

Various packages will include 18-inch alloys, drive select system with optional magnetic ride control, variable-ratio steering though a sports wheel, xenon lights and a pop-up infotainment screen. The roof's a softie, though alloy-framed and foam-insulated cloth roof that takes 18 seconds to open or close and is operable up to 50km/h.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The S3 droptop gets the same 2.0-litre turbo that's powering the Sportback and will appear soon ion sedan shape, with direct and indirect fuel injection feeding the turbocharged intercooler four-cylinder, which here will be detuned (due to climate, says Audi) to 206kW/380Nm.

The alloy powerplant's outputs go to ground via quattro all-wheel drive, which has its clutch pack at the rear for more even weight distribution and is assisted by torque-vectoring brake inputs on the front wheels.

DESIGN

Sitting 25mm lower than the standard A3 cabriolet, the S model has a more purposeful stance, getting the more aggressive honeycomb grille and air intakes, as well as the alloy trim extras on the windscreen pillars and mirrors.

Luggage space is at a premium — measuring somewhere between 250L and 300L depending on the position of the roof. As crash tests go, Audis perform pretty well, so expect the five- star rankings to continue.

DRIVING

A cabriolet is not first choice of vehicle when the ambient temperature display — we're on a track graded on ice — is well into the minus range. However, even when the Swedish weather outside is indeed frightful, the cabin is anything but, kept in check by climate control and the well-insulated cloth roof.

Taking studded ice-driving tyres into account, the cabin noise isn't atrocious and neither is the ride quality, something that seems to be on the improve in Audis. It's difficult to form a definitive judgement on handling when the surface is a cocktail of snow and ice, but drifts of snow and other alteration to the road surface fail to impede or annoy the S3.

VERDICT

A more aggressive look and the punchy powerplant widens its appeal beyond professional scissor-wielders.

Audi S3 Cabriolet
Price: from $75,000
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 206kW/380Nm
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWD
Thirst: 7.1L/100km, 95 RON

Pricing guides

$31,973
Based on 23 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$23,990
Highest Price
$37,980

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
2.0 TFSI Quattro 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP $30,360 – 36,520 2014 Audi S3 2014 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs
2.0 TFSI Quattro 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP $32,890 – 39,160 2014 Audi S3 2014 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs
Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP $29,150 – 35,090 2014 Audi S3 2014 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Stuart Martin
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$23,990

Lowest price, based on 23 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.