2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Spy Shots

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet spy shots

Now we have our first spy shots of the new A3 Cabriolet.

So far the only A3 variant confirmed for the U.S. is the new A3 Sedan, though it’s been reported that the A3 Sportback will also make it. The A3 Sedan is due to hit showrooms later this year as a 2014 model, with the A3 Sportback likely to follow shortly after.

While the current A3 Cabrio was never sold in the U.S., there’s a good chance that this new model will.

The car’s only direct rival would be the upcoming 2-Series Convertible from BMW, which replaces the current 1-Series Convertible. With many buyers in the luxury market looking for smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, the new A3 Cabrio could prove a popular alternative.

The A3 Cabrio will be virtually identical to the A3 Hatch, A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan up until its A-pillar, after which most of its sheet metal will be unique. Residing under all of these models is the Volkswagen Group’s flexible MQB platform, which also underpins the MkVII Golf.

A key advantage of the MQB is lighter weight, which should make the new A3 Cabrio more fuel-efficient as well as more dynamic than the current model. The car’s MQB platform has also been developed around a range of fuel-efficient drivetrains.

If the A3 Cabrio makes it to the U.S., expect it to be initially available with a 1.8-liter TFSI gasoline engine rated at 180 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A high-performance S3 Cabrio is also likely, and should feature the same 2.0-liter TFSI with 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque found in the S3 Hatch and S3 Sportback.

Transmission options will include a regular manual, as well as automatic and S tronic dual-clutch units. Customers will also be able to choose from front- or all-wheel drive, as well as either xenon or full-LED headlights.

2014 Audi A3 Sportback

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Pictured here is the interior from the A3 Sportback, which gives you an idea of what the new A3 Cabrio's cabin will look like.

Stay tuned for updates as development continues, and look for a reveal of the new Audi A3 Cabrio in the later stages of 2014.