Audi will likely introduce the redesigned A3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and it appears the company is gearing up for the changeover as Car & Driver reports the A3 Cabriolet is getting axed for 2020.
The news comes at a bad time, during peak convertible season, but fans of the brand’s entry-level drop top shouldn’t panic yet. A quick search shows there are more than 160 models available at dealers in the United States.
The A3 Cabriolet wasn’t a huge seller, but the model starts at $38,900 and features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 184 hp (137 kW / 187 PS) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
While the standard model eschews all-wheel drive, the quattro variant features a more powerful 2.0-liter engine that cranks out 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and grip, the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) is cut to 5.9 seconds. However, the top speed remains unchanged at 130 mph (209 km/h).
With the death of the A3 Cabriolet, drop top Audi fans will have to settle for either the A5 Cabriolet or the TT. Unfortunately, both those models are significantly more expensive as the TT Roadster starts at $48,400 while the A5 Cabriolet begins at $51,200.
Also Read: 2017 Audi A3 And S3 Facelift Revealed
Of course, the TT won’t be an option for much longer as Audi has already announced the car will be phased out. It will eventually be replaced by an electric vehicle which is billed as an “emotive model in the same price range.”