The launch of the new generation of the Audi A3 in three door, five-door “Sportback” and S3 trims over the past year is only the beginning for the brand with the four-ring badge from Ingolstadt, which has more in store for the premium compact segment.
Last week, we shared scoop pictures of Audi’s upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA-rivaling A3 four-door sedan, and now, our spy photographers have nabbed the first images of the open top version of the series testing in Europe.
And mind you, this isn’t just any A3 Convertible but the range-topping (unless Audi surprises us with an RS edition) S3, as evidenced by the quad exhaust tips and the design of the air-vents on the corners of the front bumper, which are identical to the S3 hatchback.
Unlike the current A3 Convertible that’s shares its platform with the previous hatchback, the new model is based on the upcoming A3 sedan’s longer wheelbase MQB architecture, something that will not only help improve rear passenger and luggage space, but also affords the car a sleeker look with more balanced proportions.
Besides the S3’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit with 296hp (300PS) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) featured on this prototype, the A3 Convertible will also be available with a selection of other force-fed engines borrowed from the hatch, such as the 1.8-liter TFSI petrol and 2.0-liter TDI diesels.
Manual and dual clutch automatic transmissions, as well as quattro four-wheel drive will be on the table, depending on the model and the market.
Look for the production A3 Convertible to land in dealers sometime next year.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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