As German premium brands look outside of Europe and its financial problems for growth, companies like Audi are expanding their range to cover more and more segments.
Following the all-new A3 sedan that will be revealed this Wednesday, March 27, the next addition to Audi’s lineup of compact models will be a convertible version of the A3 series, which for the first time, will be offered in North America.
The two models will share the same elongated MQB platform, marking a significant change for the A3 Convertible, as the current generation was based on the previous hatchback. The switch to the saloon’s longer body will improve luggage space while also giving designers more room to play with the car’s styling affording it more balanced proportions, as you can see for yourself in these spy shots.
The new A3 Cabriolet retains the fabric-top solution of the current car as well as the four-seat layout.
All turbocharged diesel and gasoline engines will be sourced from the new A3 series, topped out by the S3’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 296hp (300PS), a prototype of which we spied in January this year. Besides the manual gearboxes, Audi will also offer buyers the choice of an optional dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi hasn’t given us a presentation date yet, but we’d look for the new A3 Convertible at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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