Best Car Reviews - 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet

Introduction

The 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet made its mark as an attractive blend of luxury and performance within the subcompact cars category. Targeted at casual luxury enthusiasts and those looking to merge style with practicality, this convertible offers a sleek design, modern technology, and smooth handling. Known for its elegance and nimble performance, the A3 Cabriolet stands out with its open-top allure, making it a tempting choice for those who crave the wind through their hair and the comforting hum of a well-engineered engine beneath their feet.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet exhibits a refined design characterized by a compact, yet sporty profile. Its modest size does not compromise its stylish presence on the road.

Sleek front grille: A distinguishing feature with the brand’s signature four-ring emblem.
LED headlights and taillights: For a sharp and modern appearance.
Electrically operated soft top: Impressively folds away in under 20 seconds.
Strong body lines: Create an air of sophistication and poise.
Compact dimensions: Ideal for urban driving and tight parking spots.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the A3 Cabriolet, you're greeted with a cabin that artfully combines luxury and simplicity. The materials used are top-tier, with plush leather seating and high-quality plastics and metals.

Ergonomic seating: Offers ample support for long drives.
Dual-zone climate control: Ensures personalized comfort for driver and passenger.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel: Adds a touch of elegance and enhanced grip.
Intuitive dashboard layout: Allows easy access to controls and features.
Manual adjustable driver seat: Though basic, it provides sufficient comfort.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet sports a 1.8-liter SID engine, with four cylinders, perfectly meshing power with efficiency. The automatic (AM-S7) transmission ensures seamless gear shifts.

Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.2 seconds.
Fuel consumption: Delivers a respectable efficiency at 10.6 l/100 km.
City driving: Provides a smooth and composed ride, easy to maneuver through tight spots.
Highway cruising: Impresses with stability and minimal road noise.
Responsive steering: Offers confident handling around curves and corners.

Technology and Connectivity

Audi ensures that the A3 Cabriolet keeps you connected with a robust suite of technology offerings.

Infotainment system: Features a 9.7-inch display.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB ports for charging and media.
Audi MMI System: Interactive and user-friendly.
Driver assistance: Includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Integrated navigation: Helps you find your way with ease.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Audi, and the A3 Cabriolet is no exception, offering a comprehensive range of protections.

Standard airbags: Front, side, and knee airbags for driver and passenger.
Electronic Stability Control: For enhanced vehicle control.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Ensures effective stopping power.
Rearview camera: Facilitates easy parking and reversing.
Crash test ratings: Highly regarded with top safety certifications.

Pricing and Variants

The base price for the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet starts at around $37,600, varying slightly based on additional features and specific trims. When compared to similar vehicles within the subcompact luxury convertible category, the A3 Cabriolet offers competitive pricing matched with caliber performance and features.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Striking design with open-top versatility.
Smooth and efficient handling.
High-quality interior materials.
Advanced technology and connectivity features.
Competitive pricing within its class.

Cons

Limited rear-seat space.
Minimal trunk capacity when the top is down.
Relatively high fuel consumption.
Some basic features are only available in higher trims.
Road noise may increase at higher speeds.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Maintaining the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet involves moderate annual costs, typical across the luxury segment.

Common issues include:
- Electronic malfunctions in the infotainment system.
- Issues with the soft top mechanism.
- Occasional transmission complaints regarding delays.
- Electrical system errors, especially with sensors.
- Minor engine performance issues over time.

Rating

An overall rating of 8.5 out of 10 secures the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet as a noteworthy contender in the segment.

Design: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 9/10
Safety: 8.5/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The design and handling are impeccable, especially for city use."
"Love the open-top feature, but the rear space is limited for adult passengers."
"Smooth ride on highways, but the fuel efficiency could be better."
"A great mix of style and performance, but wish it had a larger trunk."
"Tech features are solid, but I've faced some issues with the infotainment system."

Best Cars in This Category

2018 BMW 2 Series
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
2018 Mini Convertible
2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Summary

The 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet is ideally suited for those seeking a stylish, luxurious convertible with excellent performance traits at a reasonable price point. While it does have some drawbacks, such as limited rear space and fuel consumption, its sleek design, advanced technologies, and top-notch safety features make it a compelling choice. Overall, it represents a fantastic option for those desiring a sporty yet sophisticated driving experience.