New Audi A3 Cabriolet TFSI
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 05 August 2010
THE SMALLEST capacity petrol engine ever to power an Audi will help A3 Cabriolet drivers feel they’re doing their bit for the environment this summer.
The new A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI has replaced the 1.6-litre MPI model, and uses turbo charging to more than match its output. It boosts combined fuel economy by 9.2mpg to 49.6mpg, and drops CO2 output by 35g/km to 132g/km. That’s pretty remarkable, but what's even more impressive is that it is quicker and has a higher top speed.
Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, the A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI can reach 62mph from rest in 12.2 seconds, and continues to a top speed of 118mph. That’s an increase of 0.3 seconds and 4mph over the 1.6MPI unit. The petite Audi generates the same 105 PS power output as the 1.6-litre unit it replaces yet it also has an increase in pulling-power - or torque - over its predecessor.
This petite but impressively robust performer can be combined in the A3 Cabriolet with either standard, Sport - on test here - or S line specification. Standard versions feature a generous equipment list that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a semi-automatic hood operation.
The Sport version that Audi lent me was a lovely little number swathed in a rather elegant grey/blue metallic coat of paint. It combined features such as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with a fully automatic hood.
The car is refreshingly easy to drive and the convertible roof can be operated with a simple touch of a button.
A comfortable driving position is effortless to achieve and the car never feels sluggish - in fact it feels as though it gets from 0-62mph much sooner than the 12.2 seconds figure Audi suggests.
The new Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI is an obvious attempt by the German car maker to be greener.
But Audi has pulled it off. By replacing a larger capacity engine with a more compact one that delivers better performance, improved economy and healthier emissions is a work of genius. In my opinion it works a treat, and even better, the car undercuts the outgoing version by £490. Can’t be bad!
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 118 mph
- 0-62 mph 12.2 seconds
- Combined mpg: 49.6
- Engine: 1.2 TFSI
- Power: 105 PS
- Torque: 175Nm between 1,500 and 4,100 rpm
- CO2: 132 g/km
- Price: 19,985
