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WORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLET

WORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLET

New soft top to join the A3 line up in the UK next spring

Four engine options planned for Audi’s new segment model
Deliveries in UK anticipated to start in late Spring 2008
First ever compact cabriolet from Audi
Third soft top arrives in Audi model range expansion plan
The new Audi A3 Cabriolet makes its World debut on Friday (30 Nov), the first ever premium compact class “open top” from Audi which will offer four engine options when it arrives on British roads next Spring.

Audi’s latest convertible lines up alongside established soft tops in the A4 and TT ranges. The exciting addition to the much in demand A3 range will be available with either a semi or fully automatic hood specification while crucially for an open car, its advanced body structure features a high proportion of high-strength steel reinforcing measures that provide maximum rigidity and optimum crash safety.

The A3 Cabriolet comfortably seats four occupants while the rear seat backs can be folded down for optimum practicality. The normal uncompromising Audi build quality, subtle and understated exterior design as well as exemplary driver ergonomics combine to create a prestige and elegant new contender inside and out.

Four engine versions – two petrol and two TDI – combine ample power with impressive efficiency. All of them are direct injection units with turbo charging. The performance range extends from 77 kW (105 PS) to 147 kW (200 PS). As an option, the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox is available. At launch transmissions will be limited to front wheel drive.

The excellent agility and handling response that has made the A3 range enormously popular is maintained in the A3 Cabriolet, which is equipped as standard with responsive electromechanical power steering. Strong steering response and a compliant ride are achieved with the advanced four-link rear suspension. The car is launched with both “standard” suspension, or the option of “sports” suspension.

Specifications at launch - Standard or Sport - can be chosen for the Audi A3 Cabriolet. In both cases its equipment specification is generous and extensive; the Sport model includes 17-inch aluminium wheels, sports suspension and sports seats. An S line exterior package and S line sports package will also be available later in the year to UK customers from quattro GmbH.

The exterior design

Thanks to the hood's compact folding design, Audi's designers were able to create a comfortable four-seater with subtle lines measuring up 4,238 millimetres in length, 1,765 mm in width and 1,424 mm in height. The car is shorter than the A3 Sportback (4,286mm) but longer than the existing 3 door A3 (4,214mm).

Easily identifiable as an Audi, the exterior design creates strong presence making the A3 Cabriolet visually typical of current Audi family of models. The “face” of the A3 Cabriolet is dominated by the large single-frame grille while the headlights are also an eye-catching, distinctive feature. They can be supplied optionally with xenon plus lights, which can operate in tandem with the dynamic adaptive (steering) light technology. Within the headlamp lenses the "wing" – a chrome vapour-coated wing-shaped contour – has become established as a characteristic Audi element; its form varies depending on the type of headlight.

The optional daytime running lights in the form of an integral light strip – an important safety feature at Audi – comprise seven white light-emitting diodes in conjunction with the xenon plus units. Similarly to the headlights, the rear lights of the A3 Cabriolet are of a flat, broad design. Their technology is based on fibre optic rods, but the visual effect is of two radiant rings that clearly distinguish the car as an Audi even after dark.

When viewed side-on, the unique but subtle pr

WORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLETWORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLETWORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLETWORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLETWORLD DEBUT FOR THE ALL NEW AUDI A3 CABRIOLET