Testing the all-new Audi A3 2.0T Cabriolet was a pleasure, emerging as it did with flying colours in test parameters most people do not take much notice of. Yes the zero to 100 may be the more universal parameter used with perhaps the standing-quarter-mile being the one petrol-heads would pay more attention to.

But the ones I’m referring to are the two involving overtaking, which by their very nature should rank higher in validity.

Yes, in the 80 to 120 and 120 to 160km/h tests in fourth gear, the A3 2.0T proved a winner. To be kept in mind is that as a boulevard cruiser, elasticity and grunt at low revs are all-important — an area in which the Audi turbocharged 2.0-litre engine proved truly able.

And when you add its refreshing and innovative coupe-like styling cues such as that crisp, short boot-lid treatment, the A3 Cabriolet becomes one of the better open-air cars around. Passive safety features are also part of the mix with longitudinal supports with defined deformation characteristics at the front and rear, and tough profiles in the doors for side collision safety.

Another pleasing and necessary feature for those wanting to raise hood rapidly after being caught unexpectedly by a rain shower, is that it can be operated at speeds of up to 30km/h.

True to Audi, simplicity of design, smooth uncluttered surfaces help create a new and fresh eye-catching concept for the convertible genre relying more on artful design principles than attention-grabbing poseur shapes.

Then adding to the visual impact and also offering improved stability is a neat trailing wing that together with the striking diffuser panel finishes off the rear end neatly. This aspect continues in the interior too, where simplicity of shapes again creates a harmonious and unified whole.

On the road the A3 Cabriolet has a positive feel with top-draw handling and steering response — this due mainly to the taut chassis set-up, something not many convertibles are imbued with. In fact scuttle-shake is almost non-existent and mostly diminished by the V-shaped braces fitted in the subfloor. Luggage space is ample with its 260-litre boot that can be expanded to 674 when required.

But the biggest standout is the free-revving turbo-charged engine that offers what most turbo engines offer — almost comparable outputs at the coast as at oxygen-depleted altitudes.

So, in fact, not as with a normally aspirated engine that loses around 10 percent of outputs you paid for and lose at high altitudes, with the turbo assisted engine you get what you paid for at both the coast and at altitude.

Cute and sweet, the Audi A3 Cabriolet adds a new dimension to the convertible genre. It also has reasonably frugal fuel habits with low CO2 emissions that will gladden the heart of any 'Green' sympathiser.

At the price it's also a whole whack cheaper than convertible rivals Saab 9-3 2.0T, BMW 325i — and not that much more than the Mini Cooper S.

» On page 2: the technical specs

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