Hot hatches are plentiful but performance drop-tops are few and far between. Pitting itself against the Golf R Cabriolet, Audi has launched a small hot cabriolet for the first time ever. The S3 Cabriolet shares its underpinnings with the Golf as the car is produced on the MQB platform that so many cars from the VW group are now built on. So, can the four-ringed model do the business? Is it better than the Golf R Cab? Performance 4.5/5 Under the bonnet, the Audi S3 Cabriolet is propelled by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing a whopping 298bhp and 380Nm of torque between 1,800rpm and 5,500rpm. That means the Audi is quick, very quick. You can reach the benchmark sprint in 5.4 seconds and this model has a limited top speed of 155mph. Just as the figures would suggest, the A3 Cabriolet is epic. Put your foot down and feel the power; the Audi grips the tarmac and you’re off. In a straight line, the S3 is fantastic and is quick off the mark – if you compare the Golf R Cabriolet, then you’ll notice that the S3 is 1.1 seconds quicker than the Golf. That’s a big, big gap, in this part of the market and, in fact, it’s only 0.8 seconds slower than the fastest Porsche Boxster. Ride and Handling 4.5/5 To reap the rewards of the S3’s dynamics, be sure to play with the Drive Select system. Keep it in comfort mode and you will experience an easy ride, flick to economy and the car becomes even more subdued - but you will get the benefit of better fuel economy. Move the dial to dynamic, and you can experience the extent of this car’s capability. The throttle response is faster, the exhaust louder, suspension firmer and gear changes quicker. Despite its performance statistics, the S3 is surprisingly absorbent especially in that comfort setting, while steering feedback is impressive – and better than most Audis out there – although not up to Porsche Boxster standards. Cornering is where the S3 Cabriolet comes into its own. This car is easily one of the most enjoyable cars on the Audi range. Blip the throttle, the turbo kicks in. Thanks to being equipped with Quattro, grip is absolutely fantastic. Even though this car is a drop-top, it does not feel overly soft. The sports seats hold you in when cornering and, all-in-all, the Audi feels more than equal to the Golf R and not far off the Porsche Boxster. A hat-doffing moment indeed. Interior 4/5 Audi rarely disappoints on an interior and the same can be said here. It is slick cabin built with quality materials. There is little clutter in terms of buttons while everything has its place – something in which the German brand excels. There’s more than enough kit on this car to keep buyers happy including leather sports seats, climate control and Bluetooth as standard. Costs 3.5/5 Our car starts at £38,085. That’s considerably more than a Golf R Cabriolet which begins from £33,650.Add options including pearl effect paint, Nappa leather, Led headlights, a comfort package, a tech package and a few other goodies and this takes the S3’s price to £43,465. Verdict 4/5 The S3 is a brilliantly assembled car. It handles well, especially when cornering, while straight-line speed is quicker than a VW Golf R. It may be niche, but this hot cabriolet will find its way into many enthusiasts’ homes.
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