What is it?
This is the entry-level Audi A3 Cabriolet, the elegant four-seat BMW 1-series rival that has done much to wow buyers looking for something a bit more upmarket than a Ford Focus coupe-cabriolet, Vauxhall Astra TwinTop or Volkswagen Eos.
The base petrol engine has 101bhp and 109lb ft of torque. It averages 40.4mpg and pumps out 167g/km of carbon dioxide, putting it in VED road tax band H.
What’s it like?
Slow. Getting from 0-62mph takes 12.5sec, but it feels even longer – possibly because the Audi A3 is such a sporty-looking car in the metal. It’s clean, uncluttered look deserves to be complemented by a modicum of performance, and it just doesn’t get anything remotely sprightly with this engine.
It is, however, a refined unit, quiet to all but the highest revs, smooth throughout the range and, as you would expect, reasonably frugal – although the 1.8 TFSI achieves greater economy and the 2.0 TFSI isn’t far behind.
Elsewhere, the A3 continues to impress in most areas. The cabin is well appointed, there’s a decent level of equipment and the driving position is good, adapting to most shapes and sizes of drivers (although taller drivers do get a good buffeting when the roof comes down).
Join the debate
cheshire_cab
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
Isn't this the same 8 valve engine that powered late Mk III and early Mk IV Golfs?
A good example of very cynical marketing - put four rings on the front and the punters will buy anything. Bet there's a group of VAG marketing and finance people laughing their socks off at the gullibility of the buying public...
Lee23404
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
[quote cheshire_cab]A good example of very cynical marketing [/quote]
I would agree, it's all about keeping the entry level price down. I would expect most people to go for the new 1.6tdi or 1.4tsi as a minimum.
beachland2
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
8v? i havent heard of 8v engines being in new cars since the 1980's.
but i do think this engine is far too old to be in new VAG cars, it not economical or powerful and its heavy. it is cheap, but cheap for VAG not for the buyer. still i'm suprised they use it as it bumps up there average co2 emissions, considering a base 120bhp 1.4tsi could be used instead.
J400uk
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
Although the 1.4 TFSi is a much better engine, for its intended market (i.e. people who want a premium convertible and don't really care about performance) this 1.6 is perfectly adequete. Its probably a better buy than the agricultural 1.9 TDI which although marginally more powerful, costs more and makes a hell of a racket.
beachland2
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
thats true many people buy a car not knowing or caring what the engine is, or probably knowing where it is in the car. they go on looks and sound.
RSkoda
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
I think this engine will soon be replaced accross the VAG range by the new 1.2TSI already seen in the Polo and Skoda Yeti. It has similar power, more torque and importantly pumps out far less CO2 and gives better MPG than this 1.6. I would imagine this is just filling a gap in the A3 until availability on the 1.2TSI increases.
Lee23404
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
[quote J400uk]Its probably a better buy than the agricultural 1.9 TDI which although marginally more powerful, costs more and makes a hell of a racket.[/quote]
The 1.9 has already been replaced by the new 1.6tdi. No idea how good that engine is because I haven't seen a road test yet.
Topkat
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
This is for people who prefer to drive a badge rather than a car!
beachland2
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
and for those who just wantr a good cheap open top.
J400uk
Re: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6
[quote RSkoda]I think this engine will soon be replaced accross the VAG range by the new 1.2TSI already seen in the Polo and Skoda Yeti. It has similar power, more torque and importantly pumps out far less CO2 and gives better MPG than this 1.6. I would imagine this is just filling a gap in the A3 until availability on the 1.2TSI increases.[/quote]
Correct, 1.2 TSI should be pretty good. VAG are well ahead of the game as far as small petrol engines are concerned.
[quote Lee23404]
The 1.9 has already been replaced by the new 1.6tdi. No idea how good that engine is because I haven't seen a road test yet.
[/quote]
Good point, forgot about that. Again in theory should be pretty good.
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