IRELAND - AUDI remains #1 premium brand for 5th year.

Audi is Ireland's most popular premium brand for the fifth consecutive year

Audi Ireland today announced total sales figures for 2013 of 3,687 units ensuring a record Irish market share of 5%. An increase in both sales volume and market share year-on-year cement Audi as Ireland’s number one premium car brand for the fifth year running.

Despite the total car market being down 7% in 2013, Audi’s unrivalled product development and continued investment in its dealer network has ensured sustained growth of 1%.

Christian Gussen, Managing Director of Audi Ireland commented; “2013 was another successful year at Audi Ireland and we are delighted that Audi remains the number one premium car brand of choice for Irish motorists for the fifth year in a row and we sold over one third of all premium cars in Ireland last year.

“Our continued success can be attributed to the strength of our product portfolio. For example look at the strong performance of the sleeker, sportier and more fuel efficient Audi A3, the new saloon and sportback models playing a significant role in our success this year with an increase in sales of over 60% for this model. Great product is supported by unrivalled customer service and flexible finance solutions.

“2014 will be another challenging year for the Irish motor industry but our early signs are positive and we look forward to starting the new 141 registration period with increased momentum behind us.”

USA - AUDI reveals sales for December and Year end, all good here !

• With December 2013 coming in as 36th consecutive record sales month, Audi concluded its fourth record year in a row
• December 2013 sales of 17,013 stand as the first time Audi sold more than 15,000 vehicles in any month
• Audi Q5 finishes as the best selling model for Audi in the US in 2013; strong demand seen throughout product lineup in 2013

Audi achieved its fourth-consecutive year of record U.S. demand by recording full-year sales of 158,061, a 13.5% increase over the previous annual record set a year earlier.

In addition, Audi set an all-time monthly sales record in December 2013 with sales of 17,013 new models, a 14.6% improvement over the previous monthly sales record set in December 2012. The most recent month also stands as the first time Audi monthly sales have ever topped 15,000 vehicles. December 2013 was also established the 36th consecutive monthly sales record for Audi in the U.S. market.

“After 36 consecutive record sales months, 2013 was another year to thank America for embracing Audi,” said Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “These record results show the payoff from our longstanding strategy to build the Audi brand through exciting products, committed dealer partners and a sustainable business model.”

December results were bolstered by sales of Audi luxury SUVs, with a record month for the Audi Q5 crossover posting a 32.2% gain in December with 4,794 units delivered for the month. Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 52.6% to 2,279 vehicles sold for the month. Year-to-date sales for the Audi Q5 increased 40.8% to a total of 40,355 vehicles sold for the year, while YTD sales for the Audi Q7 increased 45.1% to a total of 15,978 vehicles.

Through December, sales of the Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7 made up one of every three models the brand sold. That compares to a 19% mix for the most exclusive models just four years ago.

Luxury sedan sales remain strong as the Audi A6 increased 43.3% to 2,686 vehicles sold for the month, while YTD sales increased 18.1% to 22,428 vehicles sold.

There has been high demand for the updated 2014 Audi R8 models, including the Audi R8 V8, Audi R8 V10 and Audi R8 V10 plus. Customers have responded well to the changes in the vehicle’s transmission showing an increase of sales to 37.3% MTD.

December 2013 was also the top sales result for Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles sales with an increase of 21.1% for the month, to a total of 4,022 vehicles. For the full year, Audi CPO sales increased 10.2% to a total of 40,190 vehicles, also an all-time record for Audi of America.

Highlights:

• • Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, and Audi Q7) increased 19.2% YTD, representing 33.7% of total Audi sales year-to-date and 46% of the Audi year-to-date sales gain.
• • Sales mix for Audi S performance variants finished the month at 16.1% for the S4 sedan; 39.7% for the S5/ RS 5; 4.6% for the S6; 26.1% for the S7 and RS 7; 10.2% for the S8; 27% for the TTS / TT RS and TTS Roadster, and 8.6% for the SQ5 crossover. 
• • Sales of Audi A6 increased 43.3% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 18.1% compared to previous period.
• • Sales of the Audi Q5 increased 32.2% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 40.8% compared to previous period. 
• • Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 52.6% compared to December 2012; YTD sales grew 45.1% compared to previous period.
• • Audi R8 sales up 37.3% compared to December 2012.
• • Sales mix for Audi A6 TDI finished the month at 12.5%, for the Audi A7 TDI at 11%, for the A8 TDI to 12.8%, the Audi Q5 TDI at 16%, and for the Audi Q7 TDI at 28.7%.
• • Audi Certified pre-owned sales increased 21.1% to 4,022 vehicles in December; YTD increased 10.2% to 40,190 vehicles sold. 
• • The Audi A3 is being phased out in advance of the all-new A3 sedan arriving in the U.S. market next spring.

USA - VW/AUDI sells 100,000 clean diesel in the USA in 2013.

Volkswagen Group of America reported today that it has sold 100,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles from the Volkswagen and Audi brands this year. This is the first time it has reached this milestone in a calendar year. Volkswagen and Audi currently offer 12 different TDI Clean Diesel powered models in the United States.

Audi and Volkswagen pioneered TDI® Clean Diesel engines and, as a result, the Volkswagen Group of America is the current market leader in Clean Diesel. Today’s Clean Diesel engines deliver more torque, better highway fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions compared with equivalent gasoline engines. As a result, Audi and Volkswagen deliver remarkable performance and impressive fuel economy.

“Selling more than100,000 TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is a significant milestone for Volkswagen Group of America,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “We’re excited to see the increasing numbers of customers able to enjoy the reliability, durability, fuel-efficiency and power of the clean diesel engine.”

“The past year has shown that American consumers clearly recognize the benefits of clean diesel TDI vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America.  “They understand now more than ever that this is a technology delivering real answers to society’s concerns about fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromises.”  

More than 75 percent of the diesel engines sold in the passenger car and SUV segments in the United States can be found under the hoods of Volkswagen and Audi models. Ever since 1977, when Volkswagen first offered a diesel in the Rabbit, the company has sold more than one million cars and SUVs powered by these engines in this market. High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel Volkswagen models accounted for 21 percent of sales in November and 24 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record.

In 2013, Audi showed it intends to remain at the forefront of clean diesel expansion in the U.S. by dramatically enhancing its lineup with the new Audi Q5 TDI, A6 TDI, A7 TDI and A8 TDI models. Those premium models joined the Audi Q7 SUV in the market, and next summer Audi will introduce its most fuel-efficient model, the all-new A3 TDI sedan.

The TDI models in the Audi and Volkswagen lineup deliver up to 30% better fuel economy and 12%-30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines and there is no need for driver behavior change except to move from one pump to the other and no need for big infrastructure changes.

Volkswagen offers Clean Diesel technology in seven different models, six of which get an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or more on the highway. The models include the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat and Touareg.

New AUDI A3 ready to order now for Spring

Advanced premium compact range adds another string to its bow as soft-top versions open for order in time for April 2014 deliveries

• A3 Cabriolet available to order now, priced from £25,790 to £32,420 OTR
• Engines include the ultra-efficient 1.4 TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand, the powerful 1.8 TFSI and the frugal 2.0 TDI
• SE, Sport or S line specification available
• First customer deliveries expected in April 2014

Thoughts of spring 2014 may be fleetingly sprung this week by the news that the all-new A3 Cabriolet has just become available to order in readiness for first deliveries next April. Priced from £25,790 OTR, the latest soft-top A3 takes the recently introduced A3 Saloon as its foundation, meaning that its proportions are now not only more beautifully balanced, but also make provision for complete concealment of the fast-retracting powered fabric hood within the sleek new body. A comprehensive choice of engines and an array of technological innovations adopted from the larger Audi models also transfers from the four-door A3.

A soft but extremely hard-wearing fabric roof stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium-steel opens the new Cabriolet to the elements fully automatically in a little under 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and complements the design of the A3 perfectly. When retracted at the touch of a button, the top – complete with heated glass rear window – rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity, which amounts to 275 litres.

A second, even more sound-absorbent acoustic soft top with three-layer inner padding is fitted as standard to UK Sport and S line versions of the new A3 Cabriolet and offered as an option for SE models. It is available in black, grey and brown, and its roof liner can be specified in black or lunar silver. In all versions, an active rollover protection system consisting of two spring-loaded plates that are recessed into the body protects occupants in case of a rollover accident.

In entry level form, the A3 Cabriolet weighs just 1,365 kilograms – around 50 kilograms less than its equivalent predecessor despite its increased dimensions and improved comfort. Even taking into account special reinforcements to maximise torsional rigidity, the body-in-white weighs 30 kilograms less than previously, helped by its aluminium bonnet. Weight has also been significantly reduced in the interior and in the engines.

In common with A3 hatchback models, the new Cabriolet will be available with a choice of SE, Sport or S line specification. Standard equipment at entry level includes the fully automatic hood finished in black, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, the MMI radio incorporating an 11 millimetre-thick powered folding screen, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, DAB digital radio, a Bluetooth interface, preparation for SD card-based navigation and a light and rain sensor package.

Three no-cost suspension options

Sport and S line versions upgrade to the acoustic hood and sit 15mm lower on their respective 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels thanks to sports suspension. Both can also be equipped at no extra cost with the SE version’s more comfort-oriented standard suspension, while S line models can be taken to the other extreme with S line sports suspension lowered by 25mm and also available at no cost.

Shared Sport and S line features also include sports seats, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with five operating modes to fine-tune driving characteristics, dual-zone climate control and a high-resolution colour driver’s information system.

Interior highlights of the S line specification include part-leather-upholstery embossed with the S line logo and an S line sports steering wheel with perforated leather grips and shift paddles where S tronic is fitted.  Outside, 18-inch alloy wheels, S line body styling and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps set the top model apart.

Cylinder-on-Demand technology

In the first phase, the petrol engine range powering the new A3 Cabriolet kicks off with the highly efficient 140PS 1.4 TFSI linked to six-speed manual transmission. It powers the new premium compact soft-top to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, yet achieves up to 56.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 114 g/km. A key contributor to this impressive efficiency is Audi Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) technology, which imperceptibly deactivates two of the engine's cylinders under part-load.

The next step up is the 1.8-litre TFSI, which features impressive headline figures including a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 150mph and a 180PS peak output. Despite the robust performance, state-of-the art technologies including dual injection into the combustion chambers and induction manifold help to maintain a high level of efficiency.

This engine is initially linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which can make further fuel savings by switching into a free-wheeling mode during coasting where the Audi drive select system is fitted and its efficiency mode is selected. According to the combined cycle test this engine and transmission combination is capable of delivering up to 48.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

The economy champion in the launch range will be the manual transmission-equipped 2.0 TDI with 150PS, offering combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km. It complements this frugality with an impressive 8.9-second 0-62 mph time and a 139 mph top speed.

From February next year, A3 Cabriolet customers will be able to choose from an extended list of engines, transmissions and drivetrains. Highlights will include the 1.6 TDI, which in other versions of the A3 already delivers up to 74.3mpg with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, and a more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI with 184PS, which will be available with either front wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive. It will also be possible to specify this world-renowned all-weather driving aid in conjunction with the 1.8 TFSI engine, and it will of course feature as standard in the forthcoming 300PS S3 Cabriolet.

The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet – UK OTR Pricing

USA - AUDI has a great October and year to date

• Audi Q5, Q7 sales increased 39.4% and 38.6% in October
• Audi A6 sales jump 13.5%
• Premium segment vehicles up 17% to constitute 32.7% of year-to-date sales

Audi reports October 2013 sales of 13,001 vehicles, an 11.0% increase over the previous October record set last year. October also stands as the brand’s 34th consecutive month of record sales. Audi sales year-to-date increased 13.4% to 127,412 vehicles sold.

“With another monthly sales record, the sustainable Audi business model is on track to produce steady and profitable growth,” said Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “We are confident that 2013 will stand as our fourth-straight record year.”

October sales results were bolstered by sales of Audi luxury SUVs, with the Audi Q5 luxury crossover posting a 39.4% gain in October with 3,380 units delivered for the month. Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 38.6% to 1,403 vehicles sold for the month. Year-to-date sales for the Audi Q5 increased 43.3% while sales for the Audi Q7 increased 45.7%.

Sedan sales remain strong with the Audi A6 leading with an increase of 13.5%. Coupe sales soared for this month with Audi TT numbers increased by 62.0% and A5 sales increased to 13.7%.

Audi R8 sales continue to increase as customers responded to the updated 2014 models, including the Audi R8 V8, Audi R8 V10 and Audi R8 V10 plus.

Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, and Audi Q7) increased 17%YTD, representing a steady 32.7% of total Audi sales year-to-date and 41% of the Audi year-to-date sales gain.

Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles sales increased 30.9% in the month of October, with a year-to-date increase of 7.4%.

Highlights:

• Sales mix for Audi S performance variants finished the month at 15.8% for the S4 sedan; 29.9% for the S5/ RS 5; 7.9% for the S6; 21.6% for the S7 / RS 7; 15.1% for the S8.
• Sales of Audi A5 increased 13.7% and A6 increased to 13.5% compared to October 2012; YTD A5 sales grew 11.6%, A6 sales grew to 13.5% compared to previous period.
• Sales of Audi TT increased 62.0% compared to October 2012.
• Sales of the Audi Q5 increased 39.4% compared to October 2012; YTD sales grew 43.3% compared to previous period. 
• Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 38.6% compared to October 2012; YTD sales grew 45.7% compared to previous period.
• Audi sold 437 allroad models in October 2013, bringing YTD sales to 4,558 of the sport wagon, a 103.2% increase compared to previous period.
• Audi R8 sales up 38.3% compared to October 2012.
• Sales mix for Audi A6 TDI finished the month at 13.1%; sales mix for the Audi Q5 TDI finished the month at 14.2%, and sales mix for the Audi Q7 TDI finished the month at 27.2%.
• The Audi A3 is being phased out in advance of the all-new A3 sedan arriving in the U.S. market next spring.
• Audi Certified pre-owned sales increased 30.9% to 3,486 vehicles in October; YTD increased 7.4% to 32,556 vehicles sold. 
  

USA - AUDI announces pricing of new A3 Saloon/Sedan

• The A3 sedan brings a new level of standard features, craftsmanship and attention to detail to the fast growing entry premium market
• An all-new A3 family from Audi will be rolled out over the next 18 months

Audi today announced base pricing for its all-new 2015 A3 sedan. This compact powerhouse represents the entry level to the Audi brand of luxury vehicles with no compromises – it will offer a combination of standard features including a panoramic glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces, and bi-xenon headlights, all at a base MSRP starting at $29,900 .

“The Audi A3 sedan raises the bar in this premium compact segment” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “It will add to our momentum in the U.S. marketplace by bringing a new level of technology, craftsmanship and performance to the market."

The A3 sedan plays a pivotal role in the soon to be expanding Audi A3 family. It will be joined later in 2014 by the recently announced Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel, the high-performance S3 sedan and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV). Even the base model of the all-new premium Audi A3 comes equipped with standard features that include Audi signature LED DRLs and taillights, Bluetooth® technology, Audi pre sense® basic and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The A3 also marks the first time that a vehicle in this segment will offer MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio. Delivering the same prestige and high-quality materials found in the brand’s flagship A8 model. The A3 will also feature standard leather seating surfaces and exceptional ergonomics.

The A3 sedan will offer versatile powertrains for a wide variety of entry-luxury customer tastes, including a 1.8 TFSI®, 2.0 TFSI®, 2.0 TDI® clean diesel, and a high-output 2.0 TFSI® offered in the S3. For superior traction and handling the A3 will also offer the legendary Audi quattro® all-wheel drive which distributes power to the wheels that need it most.

All engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission, which provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow.

The A3 will feature an all-new design and has been specifically tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market. The signature Singleframe® grille and available full-LED headlights, another first for the A-segment, are some of the notable design changes included in the all-new Audi A3 sedan.

Scottish COTY - Best Executive car - AUDI A3

Executive class honours go to the Audi A3, chosen by the expert panel formed of members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers

• Audi A3 wins Executive Car category in 2013 SCOTY awards
• A3 range now comprises three-door, Sportback, Saloon and flagship S3 variants, plus the forthcoming all-new Cabriolet due in March 2014
• S3 Saloon and S3 Cabriolet also planned for next year
• Gripping quattro permanent all-wheel-drive takes to new TDI engine
• A3 prices start from £18,280 OTR for the three-door SE, to £32,740 for the S3 Sportback quattro

Throughout its most ambitious expansion programme ever the all-new Audi A3 range – which will soon include three-door, five-door Sportback, Saloon, Cabriolet and S quattro models – has been making waves in the media, and a Scottish Car of the Year Executive Category Award is the latest acknowledgement of its popularity.

Presented last night at a high profile ceremony in Glasgow, the hotly contested Executive Car of the Year award comes courtesy of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, whose members test dozens of new cars each year and report their findings in the country’s key national and regional titles.

Commenting on the class victory Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association, said: “The premium arena has become a closely contested battlefield. Historically a segment dominated by the Germans, 2013 is no exception with models from the big three brands all featuring highly on the voting sheets. Our winner was the first executive hatch of its type when the original was launched in 1996 and now in its third generation continues to set the standards in terms of desirability and quality. An array of impressively efficient yet powerful engines seals the deal.”

Ben Fish, Product Marketing Manager for Audi UK, added: “The Audi A3 range is broader and more appealing than ever, but it also has competition that has never been more formidable, so it is hugely gratifying to see the car that originally carved out the premium compact hatch segment continuing to excel in the eyes of such respected judges. The fact that they have deemed it to be worthy of an executive category award only reinforces the huge strides forward made by the latest generation model.”

An Audi A3 for all applications
Three different variants of the Audi A3 are now available to order in the UK, the most recent of which being the A3 Saloon, which will be followed in 2014 by a fourth Cabriolet version. Depending on body style these can be combined with a choice of up to eight advanced petrol and TDI engines, including the ultra-frugal 74.3mpg, 99g/km 1.6 TDI and the potent 300PS 2.0-litre TFSI reserved for the S3. The more powerful engines in the range can also be combined with quattro all-wheel-drive.

The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback are offered in SE, Sport or the top-end S line trim, and the Saloon with a Sport or S line specification. Prices start at £18,280 OTR for the A3 1.2 TFSI SE and rise to £29,435 OTR for the A3 2.0 TDI 184 PS quattro S line. Sportback variants command a £620 premium over three-door models, and Saloons a £550 premium over their Sportback equivalents.

At the high performance end of the spectrum, S3 and S3 Sportback prices start at £30,640 and £31,260 respectively.

AUDI adds new quattro models to A3 and A6 ranges.

New all-wheel-drive versions of latest A3 Saloon, A6 Saloon and A6 Avant models are ready to weather the storm in winter 2013

• quattro all-wheel-drive now available in conjunction with 1.8-litre 180PS TFSI engine in all-new A3 Saloon and with lead-in 204PS V6 TDI engine in A6 range
• A3 quattro Saloon prices from £27,560 OTR, A6 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS prices from £38,385 OTR

As our uncharacteristically balmy summer gives way to autumn, the number of wet-weather ‘quattro days’ in 2013 could still exceed last year’s total of 172. In timely fashion, the number of Audi models equipped with this world renowned aid to driving in all weathers is on the rise. New quattro-equipped versions of the A3 Saloon, the A6 Saloon and the A6 Avant have just joined the largest all-wheel-drive range in the premium sector, which amounts to well over 150 models. All new additions are available to order now.

In the all-new A3 Saloon range the advanced directly and indirectly injected 1.8-litre TFSI engine is now available in conjunction with quattro drive, and in the A6 line-up customers opting for the smooth and refined power of the lead-in V6 TDI engine can now also channel its 204PS to all four wheels.

Linked exclusively to the six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission with its ultra-fast shift pattern, and splitting its 180PS four ways, the new A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon can reach 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds, tops out at 146mph and yet also combines the potential for up to 42.8mpg with low CO2 of 152g/km.

Further up the range, the new 204 PS A6 3.0 TDI quattro sprints to 62mph in just seven seconds  (7.2 seconds in the Avant), a fraction more rapidly than its front-wheel-driven counterpart. It also benefits from a torque boost over its eight-speed multitronic transmission-equipped, front-wheel-drive equivalent, from 400Nm to 450Nm. Top speeds are 149mph for both Saloon options, and 143mph for both Avants.

Three V6 TDI options

The new 204 PS V6 TDI quattro is one of three powerful V6 TDI engines in the A6 range to feature the crown gear centre differential-based version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The more powerful 3.0 V6 TDI engine with 245 PS and the top of the range 313 PS V6 BiTDI are linked to this system exclusively.

 
The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is the first in the four-door range to adopt multi-plate clutch-based quattro technology. It will be joined later this year by the 300PS S3 quattro Saloon with six-speed manual and six-speed S tronic transmission options, and in mid-2014 by the A3 2.0 TDI quattro with 184PS and standard six-speed S tronic transmission.

The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is available with Sport or S line specification priced at £27,560 OTR and £29,710 respectively. Prices for the new 204PS A6 3.0 TDI quattro models start from £38,385 for the A6 Saloon 3.0 TDI quattro SE, increasing to £44,945 for the lavishly equipped, S line-based A6 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro Black Edition.

The case for quattro - British rainfall data

Up to the end of September the Met Office has so far recorded 97 ‘rainfall days’, i.e. days when over 1.0mm of rain fell. In 2012 as a whole, 172 rainfall days were recorded. Globally last year, more than 43 per cent of Audi customers opted for the added reassurance of quattro, and the Neckarsulm plant in Germany – home of Audi high performance division quattro GmbH – equipped one car in every two on the production line with the technology.

Sleek new A3 Cabriolet takes A3 family to four models

Sleek new compact class soft-top adds easily accessible wind-in-hair driving pleasure to all-new A3’s long list of attributes

• World debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 12-22), UK ordering from late October, first UK deliveries in March 2014
• Fourth model in all-new A3 range
• Automatic fabric roof opens and closes hydraulically in less than 18 seconds and is fully concealed from view when retracted
• Three engines at launch – 1.4 TFSI 140PS with cylinder-on-demand, 1.8 TFSI 180PS, 2.0 TDI 150PS
• First ever quattro-equipped Cabriolet models, and first ever S3 quattro Cabriolet, to follow
• High-end equipment and advanced options including Audi connect with 4G/LTE high-speed internet connectivity

Drawing inspiration from the new Audi A3 Saloon with its flowing lines and finely balanced proportions, the all-new A3 Cabriolet makes its world public debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The compact class open-top will become available for UK ordering in late October, and will reach its first customers here in March 2014.

To achieve its sleeker profile and provide the capacity for complete soft-top concealment when in open mode, the new compact class cabriolet has grown compared to the previous model: its length has increased from 4.24 to 4.42 metres, its wheelbase from 2.58 to 2.60 metres and its width from 1.77 to 1.79 metres. Only its height (1.41 metres) is down on its predecessor, by 15 millimetres. Luggage capacity has also grown by 60 litres (2.12 cubic ft), and access to that space has been improved.

The front of the Audi A3 Cabriolet is characterised by the single frame radiator grille, which is flanked by flat headlamps that can light the way using either halogen or xenon bulbs depending on version, or using optional LED headlamp technology.

The rear overhang plays a key role in the harmonious proportions of the two-door car. The windscreen frame is made of aluminium – and an aluminum-look trim strip runs around the roof aperture. On the flanks, the design features a taut tornado line and contoured surfaces that take full advantage of light and shadow.

The soft top

The new A3 Cabriolet has a soft fabric roof that is stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium-steel, and it complements the car's design perfectly. At the press of a button, the top opens or closes electro-hydraulically in less than 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. When retracted, the top – folded into three layers – rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity, which is 287 litres (10.14 cubic ft).

The acoustic soft top has a glass rear window and is available in black, grey and brown - its roof liner can be specified in black or lunar silver. The fully automatic acoustic hood has a thicker inner foam layer which further reduces the already low interior noise level of the A3 Cabriolet. A wind deflector and head-level heating for the front seats will be available from the options list. An active rollover protection system consisting of two spring-loaded plates that are recessed into the body protects the occupants in case of a rollover accident.

Body

The new Audi A3 Cabriolet is around 50 kilograms lighter than the previous model despite its larger size and improved comfort – the kerb weight of the entry-level version is just 1,365 kilograms. Even taking into account its special reinforcements, which deliver high torsional rigidity, the body-in-white with its aluminium bonnet weighs 30 kilograms less than previously. Weight was also significantly reduced in the interior and in the engines, contributing to best-in-class figures which bear testament to the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s intensity of focus on lightweight construction principles.

Interior

Elegant lines, clean surfaces and typically uncompromising quality also mark out the interior design of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet. The instrument panel is lean and low, with a gently curved frontal section and a centre console angled slightly towards the driver. The large, round air vents with their ‘jet design’, the electrically retractable 5.8-inch colour monitor complemented by the Driver’s Information System with efficiency and rest recommendation assistants, the control panel for the air conditioning system and the three-dimensional trim strips help to maximise the air of premium class sophistication. So, too, do features such as the optional lighting package which for the first time includes a touch-sensitive switch for the reading lights.

The cabin offers enough space for four adults, and the seatbacks of the two rear seats can be folded down to create a wide through-load area. The steering wheel and seats are new designs, and the new electro-mechanical parking brake is operated by a button on the centre console. Depending on which of the three trim levels – SE, Sport and S line – is chosen by UK customers, the seats are finished in either cloth or a combination of cloth and leather, with full leather and an Alcantara/leather mix available on the options list.

Assistance systems

Highly developed optional assistance systems can also be specified to make day-to-day life in the A3 Cabriolet even more relaxed. They include adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, camera-based traffic sign/speed limit recognition, park assist with selective display and various feature levels of the Audi pre sense safety system.

Also extremely attractive is the line-up of infotainment components, which is headed by the Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI Navigation plus. The latter combines an ultra-slim seven-inch monitor with a user terminal incorporating a rotary/push button control that is designed as a touchwheel to accommodate the MMI touch function – the touchwheel’s top surface is a touch-sensitive pad for inputting alpha and numeric characters.

To build on this, customers can also specify the Audi connect option, which allows occupants to more fully exploit the A3’s highly advanced computing potential by connecting it to the Internet, whenever possible via the fast 4G/LTE transmission standard (available from November). The integrated WLAN hotspot enables passengers to use their mobile devices to surf and e-mail freely, and by going online the car can also offer everything from navigation with Google Earth images and Google Street View to online traffic information and tailored social media access. The most recent addition to the lengthy list of valuable Audi connect features is a parking information function, which shows available parking spaces in public car parks.

Drivetrain

Three newly developed engines will be offered in the Audi A3 Cabriolet at its launch, all placing the emphasis as much on performance as on efficiency. The two TFSI engines produce 140PS and 180PS from 1.4 and 1.8 litres of engine displacement, respectively, while the 2.0 TDI develops 150PS; other engines will follow – ranging from the 1.6 TDI with 110PS to the 2.0 TFSI, which will power the Audi S3 Cabriolet with 300PS. All engines in the new Audi A3 Cabriolet employ direct injection and turbocharging and are backed up by a start-stop-system.

On average, the three launch engines bring a fuel economy improvement of around 12 per cent compared with their closest equivalents in the previous A3 Cabriolet range, despite also making performance gains. The 1.4 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission, for example, powers the new car from 0 to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, yet also achieves a very healthy 56.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. Also contributing to this efficiency is Audi cylinder on demand (COD) technology, which deactivates two of the engine's cylinders in low load conditions.

The 1.8-litre TFSI is also a state-of-the art unit with an extensive package of high-end technologies, including dual injection into the combustion chambers and induction manifold. It is initially linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, and where the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system is fitted, it offers a free-wheeling function that further improves fuel economy. According to the combined cycle test it is capable of returning up to 48.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

Not surprisingly the manual transmission-equipped 2.0 TDI with 150PS remains the economy champion in the first phase of engines, offering combined fuel consumption of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km.

Chassis

The chassis of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet takes the much praised set-up employed by the rest of the A3 range as its technical basis. The MacPherson strut front and four-link rear setup includes lightweight aluminium elements, and the multi-link rear configuration is able to handle longitudinal and transverse forces separately. As with all other A3 models, Cabriolet models will offer a no-cost choice between comfort-oriented standard suspension and tauter sports suspension lowered by 15mm. S line versions will offer three choices – standard suspension, sports suspension and even more focused S line sports suspension lowered by a further 10mm over the sports set-up.

The power steering system features an efficient electromechanical drive, and to ensure that handling remains assured and safe but also adjustable right to the cornering limits the ESC stabilisation control system integrates an electronic limited slip differential. In support of this, powerful and durable brakes sit behind wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches.

To tailor the A3 Cabriolet driving experience more completely to the preferences of the driver, the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system will also be offered. It features a choice of modes governing the operating characteristics of the engine management, power steering, S tronic transmission and air conditioning. This control also extends to optional systems such as the adaptive suspension control system Audi magnetic ride, adaptive cruise control, adaptive light and progressive steering whose steering gear ratio becomes increasingly more direct when turning.

The Audi S3 Cabriolet (preliminary data)

The first ever S3 Cabriolet will follow shortly after the initial launch. Its 2.0 TFSI engine will deliver 300PS and transfer 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft. Equipped as standard with the six-speed S tronic transmission, it will be capable of completing the sprint from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds, yet will also offer the potential to cover up to 39.8mpg.

The strikingly styled body with its trademark S quattro styling elements will sit 25mm lower than the standard car on S specific sports suspension, which will be complemented by quattro all-wheel-drive via an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate coupling, and by the new progressive steering system with its more direct and progressive response.