Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI (118 kW) Ambition
Ingolstadt tried hard and this year offered its windy customers the smallest model with a folding roof. But more than that, what is interesting, this is not metallic, as it is fashionable today, but canvas. Such as we once got used to. Well, almost like that.
If we look at Audi's decision in terms of space utilization in the rear, it is undoubtedly the right one. The awning does not affect the size of the luggage compartment. And this is certainly reassuring. The trunk is always the same size (the roof automatically folds into a special “box” above it), two-stage expandable (the left and right parts of the backrest fold separately) and with a doorway large enough to store a little more items. The good side of the Audi A3 without it is also that it offers four seats. And that's exactly the size. If you're willing to pay extra for the Ambition equipment, they're also leather-wrapped, shell-shaped at the front, and yet comfortable to sit in nicely in all driving conditions.
But back to the roof. The fact that this is a canvas is not bad at all. Audi engineers put their heads together and brought it to the point where it can compete quite adequately with similar metal ones. In terms of thermal insulation (thermal and acoustic), we can say that there are almost no differences, although the fact that you are sitting in an A3 convertible cannot be hidden. But Audi didn't plan that either. After all, why would a man buy a convertible? The rear window is glass and heated, which is another encouraging fact. Although it is true that you can't really see through it because of the relatively small area and the safety arches and pillows in the back. But Ingolstadt tackled this problem from a different angle: with the help of large rear-view mirrors and an acoustic parking assistance system, which we highly recommend.
The big advantage of a tarpaulin roof is the time it takes to open or close. It will take you ten or 12 seconds maximum, and that's it. However, it is true that you cannot do this while driving, but only when the car is completely stationary.
The word "ride" already alludes to the sentence you read in the title. And also to the next one in the introduction. It has long been known that gasoline engines are much more adaptable to winter conditions than diesel ones. On a cold morning, they wake up faster, run calmer and quieter, and warm up faster. However, this is not the reason why we added an exclamation mark at the end of the title. It lies in the superb engine built into the Audi under test.
If it is true that the base engine (1.9 TDI) in this convertible is already obsolete among diesel engines, then the opposite is true for petrol engines. 1.8 TFSI is a very modern engine. Lightweight construction (135 kg), direct injection (150 bar), six-hole injectors, turbocharger and more. The four-cylinder engine impresses even more than its power (118 kW / 160) with the enormous torque it offers over an extremely wide range (250 Nm at 1.500–4.500 rpm). There is so much torque, in fact, that if you're in a relaxed mood and a little more careful, you can start to soothe your souls in second gear, shift to 3.000 rpm (and not third, but fourth!) And repeat it again in a few moments when you engage the shift lever in sixth gear.
Fear not, the engine and transmission make these jumps easy, they just accelerate better and smoother. If you want more dynamics, just use the old and tried-and-true way of using the gearbox. The 1.8 TFSI engine does not hide its liveliness and at 2.500 rpm, when the turbocharger breathes in full breath, it even comes alive in a shade (as is typical for turbocharged engines!), And on top of that, although the red field on the rev counter starts from 6.100 rpm ... minutes, happily spins up to 7.000.
Yes, the A3 convertible with this engine in the bow is designed for all kinds of pleasure. However, you will only need to deduct € 1.500 more than the base diesel requirement.
Matevz Korosec, photo: Aleш Pavleti.
Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI (118 kW) Ambition
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 32.823 € |
| Test model cost: | 39.465 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 118kW (160 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,3 with |
| Maximum speed: | 217 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,3l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.798 cm? – maximum power 118 kW (160 hp) at 5.000–6.200 rpm – maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500–4.200 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front-wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 225/45 R 17 W (Pirelli P Zero Rosso). |
| Capacity: | top speed 217 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 8,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,0 / 5,7 / 7,3 l / 100 km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.425 kg - permissible gross weight 1.925 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.238 mm - width 1.765 mm - height 1.424 mm - fuel tank 55 l. |
| Box: | trunk 260 liters |
Our measurements
| T = 20 ° C / p = 1.130 mbar / rel. vl. = 40% / Odometer Condition: 23.307 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,6s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,3 years ( 141 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 29,4 years ( 180 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 7,4 / 10,1s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 10,6 / 12,8s |
| Maximum speed: | 217km / h (WE.) |
| test consumption: | 9,3 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 40,1m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
Audi doesn't really make a difference between their models. Even when it comes to the smallest member in the line, they put in the effort and put as much effort into it as they put into their biggest or sportiest products. Carefully selected and high-quality materials, the interior is thought out to the smallest detail, the speed of the roof mechanism and the sealing of the roof can be a model for others ... There is only one drawback - all this is known in the end.
We praise and reproach
modern engine
amount of torque
widely used engine range
front seats, steering wheel
expandable trunk
roof mechanism speed
rooftop crickets (23.000 trial km)
long clutch pedal movement
rear visibility
did not wear seat belts
price
