Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI 2dr

For This version is punchy and refined. A few details are missing but you have the same classy cabin, comprehensive safety kit and strong residual values as pricier models.

Against This is a strong engine, but so is the 2.0 TDI, which costs only a fraction more and is cheaper to run. Unlike on higher-spec models, you unclip the roof before it folds away electrically.

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

It's hard not to be impressed by this model's strong performance, smart image and classy cabin, but a few of the finishing touches that make the A3 Cabriolet so chic are missing.

Reader review rating

4.5

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.2 secs
Top speed: 135 mph
Average mpg: 42.2
Tank range: 511 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Audi A3 Cabriolet range

Cheaper

Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI 2dr
£21,180
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 2dr
£22,635
Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI Sport 2dr
£23,070
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI 2dr
£24,090
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI Start/Stop 2dr
£24,440
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 2dr
£24,525
Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI S line 2dr
£24,655
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI 2dr
£25,580
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI Sport 2dr
£25,980
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 S line 2dr
£26,110
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI Sport Start/Stop 2dr
£26,330
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Sport 2dr
£27,470
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI S line 2dr
£27,565
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S line Start/Stop 2dr
£27,915
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line 2dr
£29,055

More expensive

Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI 2dr
£21,180
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 2dr
£22,635
Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI Sport 2dr
£23,070
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI 2dr
£24,090
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI Start/Stop 2dr
£24,440
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 2dr
£24,525
Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI S line 2dr
£24,655
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI 2dr
£25,580
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI Sport 2dr
£25,980
Cabriolet 1.6 TDI 105 S line 2dr
£26,110
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI Sport Start/Stop 2dr
£26,330
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Sport 2dr
£27,470
Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI S line 2dr
£27,565
Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S line Start/Stop 2dr
£27,915
Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line 2dr
£29,055

The Audi A3 Cabriolet full review Read in full

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Most engines are strong and smooth
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Some body shake, but good to drive
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Civilised whether the roof is up or down
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Pricey to buy; should hold its value well
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Classy cabin feels built to last
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
No curtain airbags, but otherwise good
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Lots of adjustment; some controls fussy
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Room for four and folding rear seats
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Reasonably equipped, but no beter

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Chopping the roof off Audi’s A3 hatchback doesn’t make it a better car, but somehow the Cabriolet version just feels ‘right’. Many rivals have a metal roof, but the A3’s fabric hood gives superb refinement, steals less boot space and drops down around three times quicker.

Admittedly, the A3’s body wobbles a little more than rivals with a hard top, but it drives well enough and most of the engines give good pace. For us, the 1.8 TFSI is the cream of the crop, blending decent pace with reasonable running costs.

Entry-level trim keeps the price down, but you have to unclip the roof manually and you’ll probably want to add a couple of choice options. Sport trim is our favourite; it features a fully electric roof and wants for little.

Extras on S line models include a bodykit, but prices are rather high. It goes without saying that a car this desirable will hold its value spectacularly well.