Audi introduced a mid-life cycle refresh for the A3 range in 2016, and, along with the rest of the range, it improved the S3 as well.
The convertible market was not big in 2016, but it was essential to a brand image, and Audi knew that. With its image still affected by Dieselgate, it tried to show its good side with sportier vehicles that could attract more people and distract them from the scandal. The S3 Cabriolet was a smart way to do that: it offered a good image, plenty of power, and a premium feel.

Audi introduced new headlights with LED signature daytime running lights inside the MATRIX-LED headlamps along with the facelifted version. Their sharp design with angular lines stood on the sides of the massive, singleframe grille. Like any of the S-specific models, the S3 Cabriolet featured silver A-pillars and door-mirrors caps. In the back, the double, twin-exhausts with oval tips confirmed the car’s special status. The carmaker installed standard 18” light-alloy wheels, with an option for 19”.

Inside, the S3 Cabriolet featured a 2+2 interior, with limited legroom for the rear passengers due to its 2.6 m (102.2”) wheelbase. The flat-bottom steering wheel sported the red and gray S-logo. Its front sport-bucket seats with high bolstering were upholstered in leather as standard, with an option for heating and ventilation. Audi installed a new infotainment unit with a 7” screen that popped-up from the dashboard.

Audi installed the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine from the rest of the S3 range under the hood. It provided plenty of power for the compact convertible, and its all-wheel-drive system was fitted as standard.

The S3 Cabriolet was the fourth and probably last member of the all-new S3 family of performance compacts.
It’s also the most expensive and best equipped as standard. Power comes from a new generation of 2.0 TFSI engine which produces 300 horsepower, delivered though all four wheels via a new quattro system. The standard gearbox is a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch unit, which thanks to a launch control function can propel you from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The S3 Cabriolet costs nearly €49,000 in Germany, is assembled in Hungary and will eventually make it onto the North American market as a 2016 model year.