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Used Car Expert Rating

Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014 to 2020)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

61
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

59
%
B

Reliability Rating:

64
%
D

Running Costs:

49
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

61
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

59
%
B

Reliability Rating:

64
%
D

Running Costs:

49
%
D

Summary


The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a compact two-door convertible, derived from the third-generation A3 hatchback. This model was launched in the UK in 2014 and continued until the end of its production life in 2020. It was not replaced when Audi launched the current A3 range.

After two years on sale, the A3 Cabriolet received a mid-life facelift in 2016, consisting of cosmetic updates and new on-board tech additions. Throughout its lifespan the Cabriolet was available with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, and with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. The top-spec model was the S3 Cabriolet.

Many motoring outlets preferred the manual gearbox to the auto transmission, while several also took issue with the rather loud tyre and wind noise with the soft-top fabric roof closed. Other reviewers also warned potential buyers of the A3 Cabriolet’s steep pricing, as optional extras could easily push the price past £40,000.

That said, the Audi A3 Cabriolet had a very positive media reception during its life cycle, predominantly thanks to its “classy interior, good driving manners and a useful amount of (storage) space”, The Telegraph explained. While practicality was not the A3 Cabriolet’s speciality, it did come with a larger boot than the previous model – totalling 320-litres of boot space.

Impressed by the convertible’s exterior styling, Car commented that the A3 Cabriolet was a far more elegant proposition than its “slightly humpbacked” predecessor, while others praised the overall execution and efficient engines, which provided stronger performance and fuel economy than the previous A3 Cabriolet model.

Despite the performance upgrade, Car described the Cabriolet as “easygoing-if-not-spectacular drive”, while others recommended checking out the BMW 2 Series Convertible or Audi TT roadster instead if driving experience was a priority.

As of January 2025, the Audi A3 Cabriolet holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 61%.

A3 Cabriolet highlights

  • Comfortable and refined cabin
  • Efficient range of engines
  • Attractive exterior styling
  • Plenty of on-board tech as standard

A3 Cabriolet lowlights

  • Strong brand image inflates used model price
  • Rivals offer more value-for-money
  • Reliability of the automatic gearbox is questionable
  • Larger alloys mean a firmer ride

Key specifications


Body style: Four-seat convertible
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £26,370

Launched: Spring 2014
Ended production: Spring 2020


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mirror

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Audi A3 Cabriolet was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. The hatchback version of the A3 was tested in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating, but this did not apply to the Cabriolet version due to the significant structural changes resulting from removing the roof.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi A3 Cabriolet was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of October 2024, the Audi A3 range – including the A3 Cabriolet – has a poor reliability rating of 59%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation A3 family and the previous (pre-2014) generation.

The average repair bill for claims is about £650, which is more than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s certainly worth considering if you are looking at a used A3.

Most repair bills to date seem to be pretty average in terms of cost. Gearbox problems are the most expensive to fix, which is not unusual, so make sure any used car warranty you purchase covers you for this.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models40 mpgD33 – 43 mpgC – E
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models162 g/kmC149 – 193 g/kmB – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models34C29 – 46C – D

The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is poor for a fairly small car, while insurance is only average. We don’t have five-year servicing cost data as the A3 Cabriolet is now long out of production, but Audi dealers are more expensive than average across the board.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A3 Cabriolet has received

2016

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Convertible

2015

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Convertible
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Convertible

2014

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Convertible
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Drop-Top

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Audi A3 Cabriolet, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Abarth 124 Spider | Audi TT Roadster | BMW 2 Series Convertible | Fiat 124 Spider |  Range Rover Evoque Convertible | Mazda MX-5 | Mercedes-Benz SLC | Mini Convertible | Volkswagen Eos | Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet | Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

Buy an Audi A3 Cabriolet


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The Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014 - 2020) was praised for its performance and cabin quality, although the clunky automatic gearbox was a letdown.Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014 to 2020)