Audi reveals S3 convertible

Audi has released images and details of its first S3 convertible, which will join the A3 range after its global unveiling at Geneva motor show on March 4.

In keeping with the rest of its S (sport) line cars, the S3 gets visual cues to its performance focus, with more imposing bumpers, a gunmetal grille insert, metal-look side mirror housings and a chrome windscreen bezel. The cabin features aluminium accents and a mix of fabric and nappa leather on the sports seats. Happily, the 285-litre boot loses only 40 litres when the roof is folded.

Under the bonnet is the same engine as the current S3 hatch and the S3 sedan arriving mid-year: a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 221kW of power from 5500-6200rpm and 380Nm of torque from 1800-5500rpm. However in keeping with the strategy for the other local S3 variants, to cope with our hotter climate the engine will be detuned to 206kW.

While the current S3 hatch has the choice of a six-speed manual, Audi is so far only talking about a six-speed dual-clutch auto to feed to the convertible's quattro all-wheel drive system.

The chassis has been revised, with a 2.5cm lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers and bigger anti-roll bars, and the standard 18-inch wheels with larger 340mm front disc brakes can be optioned up another inch.

Being heavier than the five-door hatch (1620kg to the hatch's 1445) it's also slower to get to 100km/h, with its time of 5.4 seconds being 0.4 behind the hatch. Audi claims a combined fuel figure of 7.1L/100km.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott