Audi A3 Cabriolet 2008 - Present

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, Observed Noel Coward. The British are famed for their love of the sun so it is no surprise that were the second biggest buyers of soft top cars in Europe, (second to the Germans incidentally).

Audi are looking to cash in on our penchant for sun worship with the sale of the A3 Cabriolet. The third Soft top launch in the Audi range, after the TT Roadster and A4 Cabriolet, the A3 offers the usual levels of refinement that we've come to expect from the German manufacturer. As with most of it's models it's at the higher end of the cost options too.

Make no mistake this is a great looking car and the super-fast roof will only add to the impressed looks that bystanders and passengers will be casting at the car. That impressed look will be enhanced when they sit in the car as it's very comfortable. The legroom throughout the car is good, especially in the back where unless the Jolly Green Giant is driving there should be enough room for all but the longest of legs.

There are four engines on offer, two diesel and two petrol versions. 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbocharged, petrol options and 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDIs generating 103bhp and 138bhp respectively. Audi expect the larger diesel option to account for around half of the sales and it's consumption figures would make sense of this assertion as it returns 50.4 mpg. Who said this being this good had to cost the earth? With a 0-60 time of 9.7 seconds the two litre diesel gives respectable acceleration, but if you're looking to roar away from the lights the larger petrol option is the only version to go for, racing from standstill to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. This isn't really what the A3 is about though, it's a car that wants to be admired not chased and so it's not going to compete with the really fast cars.

The drive is typically Audi, solid and precise. The suspension offers little surprises and keeps the car set for whatever is in front of it. the A3 steers precisely and handles in an assured manner. The actual sensation of driving is a little removed and keen drivers may find it a little disappointing compared to a BMW or even a Focus but it's nit picking really as the A3 is a great car to drive, it's just not the experience that some people will be after.

The new A3 Cabriolet will turn heads where ever it's driven and will offer a good drive for both driver and passenger. It is a little let down by it's looks in that it looks like a really sporty number and isn't quite quick or fun enough to claim that status. Is will offer great driving for the right owners and will make you feel like a million dollars as you drive it.

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