New Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI

The smallest capacity petrol engine ever to power an Audi will help to clear the air with A3 Cabriolet drivers this spring by slashing CO2 emissions while also improving performance.

The new A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI, which opens for order this week priced from £19,985 OTR, is set to replace the 1.6-litre MPI model, and uses turbo charging to more than match its output.

This compact engine, weighing just 89.5 kilograms with the help of an aluminium crankcase, combines the latest turbo charger technology with direct petrol injection to ensure that optimum efficiency isn’t achieved at the expense of driveability.

It generates the same 105PS output as the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit it replaces, along with 175Nm of torque between just 1,500 and 4,100 rpm- a 27Nm increase over its predecessor.

Linked exclusively to six-speed manual transmission, the A3 Cabriolet 1.2 TFSI can reach 62mph from rest in 12.2 seconds, and continue to a top speed of 118mph – increases of 0.3 seconds and 4mph over the 1.6MPI.

Despite these improvements, it also boosts combined fuel economy by 9.2mpg to 49.6mpg, and drops CO2 output by 35g/km to 132g/km.

This compact but impressively robust performer can be combined in the A3 Cabriolet with either standard, Sport or S line specification. Standard versions feature a generous equipment list that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors, a Chorus radio with single CD drive 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)

On top of this, Sport versions combine features such as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with fully automatic hood operation, which adds automated ‘hands-free’ detachment from, and attachment to, the windscreen rail, plus a wind deflector.

The hood, which can be lowered in just 9 seconds or raised in 11 seconds, also incorporates additional acoustic insulation, maximising the potential for enjoyment of the upgraded Concert radio.

The most distinctive S line models supplement the Sport equipment list externally with larger 18-inch 7 twin-spoke alloy wheels and S line body styling including exclusive front and rear bumper design.

Inside, they add extras such as leather and Sprint cloth combination upholstery embossed with the S line insignia, an S line multifunction sports steering wheel, a perforated leather gear knob and matt brushed aluminium inlays.

(PR)