Audi A3 Cabriolet 2014 Review
Stuart Martin road tests and reviews the Audi A3 Cabriolet, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.
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With 'sporty' cars enjoying an unprecedented sales boom in this country, manufacturers are starting to embrace some of the more desirable and stylish models to fill in gaps between their mainstream models.
We know all about Renault's RS Megane and Clio high performance hatches but few would know there's a more sedate but very stylish Megane Coupe-Cabriolet in the lineup that sells for a tempting $38,490 for the Dynamique version and $43,990 for the leather equipped GT-Line.
They are the same underneath, built around a 103kW/195Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through a stepped CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission). This engine has been around for a while, offering reasonable performance and economy without resorting to the latest high-tech solutions.
It scores a Euro 5 emissions rating and petrol requirements range from 91RON through to 98, though we'd just put regular in it.
STYLE
It's a striking car to look at especially with the new frontal treatment. Gorgeous from any angle, the Megane CC is possibly better looking with the roof up.
Along with other models in the local Renault lineup, the CC was recently refreshed with the new Renault corporate front featuring an outsized Renault diamond badge and large headlights.
Both drop top models feature a retractable, full glass roof that takes perhaps 30 seconds to deploy up or down.
Both are four seaters with decent size rear pews and adequate legroom.
KIT
The lower-spec Dynamic has cloth upholstery and smaller 17-inch alloys but doesn't miss out on much else. Features like comprehensive trip computer, premium audio, large format info screen full multimedia connectivity, dual zone climate control, auto headlights and wipers, button start,Bluetooth phone and audio and plenty more is provided while the GT-Line has leather, R-link Integrated satellite navigation with touch screen control, a high end Arkamys stereo, 17-inch alloys and more.
The interior was upgraded along with the exterior and is the same as in Megane hatch.
Some boot space is sacrificed when the roof is retracted but there's still space for a couple of medium suitcases.
DRIVING
The drive experience can be best described as relaxed. Adequate power comes from the 2.0-litre petrol engine but the car weighs in at 1631kg - quite heavy for a small drop top.
The CVT transmission aids performance somewhat. It slurs too much between 'ratios', but does the job and also contributes to decent fuel economy.
It has a comfortable, sporty ride thanks to the well sorted strut front and torsion beam rear suspension.
Where the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet comes into its own is being seen around town and cruising down the coast in the evening with the roof off.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
Dynamique | 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO | $8,800 – 12,430 | 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Dynamique Pricing and Specs |
Expression | 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO | $7,700 – 10,780 | 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Expression Pricing and Specs |
Sport Edition | 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN | $7,920 – 11,220 | 2014 Renault Megane 2014 Sport Edition Pricing and Specs |
(base) | 2.0L, PULP, CVT AUTO | $13,750 – 18,150 | 2014 Renault Megane 2014 (base) Pricing and Specs |
$11,000
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data