WIND in the hair motoring needn’t cost the earth any more. Audi is reducing the emissions of its smallest cabrio, the A3, thanks to the use of more efficient technology.
At the same time, fuel economy is improved and the car now drops below the 160g/km CO2 tax break, so it qualifies for the 20% writing down allowance for those companies that prefer to buy their business cars.
So what has Audi done? The engineers have pulled out the existing 1.6-litre engine (105PS, 40.4mpg, 167g/km CO2) and slotted in the smallest ever engine to grace an Audi: a 1.2-litre turbo TFSI unit (105PS, 49.6mpg, 132g/km CO2).
Even better, it has more torque (the low down engine response) than the old 1.6, too (175Nm) and because it’s lighter, should make the car more responsive.
“The new Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI is the latest example of Audi’s drive to cut emissions by replacing larger capacity petrol engines with more compact alternatives,” commented Iain Carmichael, head of sales, Audi.
“This engine ‘downsizing’ policy uses forced induction and direct injection to deliver even more impressive performance results that provide dramatic economy and emissions improvements – to the benefit of all drivers, but particularly company car drivers,” Mr Carmichael added.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI will be available in three grades: Standard, Sport and S line.
Standard versions include: 16-inch alloys; air con; powered windows and mirrors; radio with single CD; and semi-automatic hood operation (the hood is attached to and released from the windscreen rail manually but retracts and raises at the touch of a button).
Sport versions include: 17-inch alloys; sports suspension; sports seats; fully automatic hood operation (‘hands-free’ detachment/attachment from the windscreen rail); and a wind deflector.
S line versions up the Sport equipment list with: 18-inch alloys; S line body styling; leather interior; S line multifunction sports steering wheel; perforated leather gear knob; and matt brushed aluminium inlays.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI goes on sale from May, priced from £19,985.
Audi launches new A3 1.2 TFSI Cabriolet