Audi Unveils Its First A3 Cabriolet for the US Market

Nashua, 09/19/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

While drivers in other markets can get behind the wheel of an Audi A3 convertible, U.S. car buyers have not yet had the opportunity to take one home. That will change in the second half of next year, when the all-new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet goes on sale stateside with a lightweight body and a wealth of advanced technologies, slotting in under the Audi A5 Cabriolet in price.

Recently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the four-seat 2015 A3 Cabriolet is about 500 pounds lighter than its competitor, the current BMW 128i Convertible, and Audi's compact model is distinguished stylistically by a Singleframe radiator grille and flat headlights that complement the car's overall horizontal design. Incorporating a lightweight kinematic mechanism, the A3 Cabriolet's cloth soft top can be opened or closed in less than 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 31 mph. Inside the cabin, the entry-level luxury drop-trop can keep drivers just as connected as they would be at home, boasting options like a built-in 4G LTE hook-up through the Audi connect infotainment system.

"Though the U.S.-spec engines haven't been confirmed yet, the 2015 A3 Cabriolet already looks like it will have a leg up on the competition in appealing to younger buyers, thanks to its lightweight design, modern styling and intuitive technology," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua, an Audi dealer serving NH. "As drivers have downsized their rides, the compact segment has become a big battleground for winning the loyalty of first-time luxury buyers, and the A3 Cabriolet will attract more than its share of new Audi fans."

As part of its broader effort to draw in younger drivers, Audi will also offer its A3 as a sedan for the first time for the 2015 model year. Featuring similar styling to the convertible model, the 2015 Audi A3 Sedan will be powered by a choice of three four-cylinder engines when it goes on sale in early 2014, including 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter TFSI units and a 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel powerplant. Meanwhile, a high-output version of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine will be found under the hood of the performance-focused 2015 Audi S3 Sedan.

Despite Audi's increased focus on compact sedans, the A3 hatchback will see new life in the 2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid, which is expected to arrive at U.S. dealers in 2015. Pairing a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor, the A3 Sportback e-tron will produce a combined 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Even with that impressive performance, the model will be able to travel up to 584 miles between fill-ups and up to 31 miles on electricity alone.

"The three new Audi A3 models cover a lot of ground, whether buyers want affordable luxury, open-air fun or incredible efficiency," Bedell noted. "Regardless of their choice, new A3 buyers will be getting impeccable style, nimble performance and technology that improves every aspect of the driving experience."

About Audi of Nashua:
A five-time winner of Audi’s prestigious Magna Society award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world’s finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking out their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua, or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H., at 888-475-5701.