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
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed:
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet is assured for a drop top, and in daily use the car will generally be a satisfactory companion.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a polished and premium car, and one of our favourite small convertibles.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Updates to the Audi A3 Cabriolet aren’t dramatic, but it remains a polished, premium drop-top. Audi has improved the cabin tech and increased the amount of standard kit, so what was already one of our favourite small convertibles has got a little bit better.”
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Model reviewed: 2013-
Score: 8 / 10
“New Audi A3 Cabriolet is stylish and comfortable, but it doesn’t come cheap.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: (2013-)
Score: 4.6 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet is the best compact convertible there is. It’s effortlessly stylish, dripping with quality and it’s fun yet comfortable to drive.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: (2013-)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A3 is a smart and classy soft-top for perk drivers.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.8 TFSI (2014)
Score: 8 / 10
“We’ve been fans of the new A3 since its launch in three-door hatch, five-door Sportback, saloon and hot S3 guises. The Cabriolet, while no thriller, continues the trend.”
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Model reviewed: 2013-
Score: 6 / 10
“Like other A3s, the Cabriolet is a competent, easygoing-if-not-spectacular drive, and the sports suspension is best avoided, as on-limit thrills and a hard ride aren’t its thing.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: S-Line 2.0 TDI
Score: 8 / 10
“Stylish, smart and well-equipped, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is also a hoot to drive and, with the 148hp diesel at least, reasonably efficient to boot.”
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Model reviewed: 2015
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s A3 Cabriolet is now longer and wider, merging Germanic luxury with drop top driving.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet looks great – as well as being faster and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet trades some practicality for a generous portion of style.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed:
“If you want an extremely well-made compact four-seat convertible with a lot of performance, the Audi A3 Cabriolet has just what you’re seeking.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet. It’s the second iteration of the littlest drop-top Audi, and compared to its slightly humpbacked predecessor, it’s a more elegant-looking proposition.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI Sport with CoD (140 PS) 6-speed manual
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want a stylish and reasonably compact four-seater convertible that offers performance and economy, all in a refined package, then the Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI must surely be the answer.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: (2013)
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet stands out as a particularly well-executed model. It’s ageing well, being good to drive and nice to look at.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet still looks fresh and desirable.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet looks good, is great to drive, and has a fast folding roof and top quality interior.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Sun cream and shades at the ready – this Audi A3 Cabriolet should be at the top of buyers’ shortlists.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.5 TFSI
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet remains a solid choice, combining a classy interior with good driving manners and a useful amount of space. This 1.5-litre petrol engine provides a smooth and quiet way to experience wind-in-the-hair motoring.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic S Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Cabriolet remains a solid choice for those in the market for a soft-top, combining a classy interior with good driving manners and a useful amount of space. This 1.5-litre petrol engine doesn’t change that formula significantly, but still provides a smooth and quiet way to experience wind-in-the-hair motoring.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a four-seater convertible that won’t feel like too much of a compromise when the sun isn’t shining, the Audi A3 Cabriolet could well be the car for you.”
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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
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 679
Average repair cost: £643.58
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
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
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 40 mpg | D | 33 – 43 mpg | C – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 162 g/km | C | 149 – 193 g/km | B – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 34 | C | 29 – 46 | C – 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
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