If it weren’t for the ‘T’ in its model designation, you’d never know that the 1.8-litre four in this A3 breathes through a turbocharger. Performance is delivered in such a linear fashion from peak torque way down at 1500rpm to peak power right up at 6200rpm that there is no increase in urgency as revs rise nor any sense of anticipation that the engine is about to ‘come on to the cam’.
Our tests showed a more-than-respectable 0-60mph time of just 7.7sec and, to prove the efficacy of its engine strategy, a 50-70mph time in fifth gear of just 7.9sec. By contrast, the rival BMW 120i SE convertible needs 9.0sec for each discipline.
Most notable, however, is not how much performance the A3 provides but the almost eerie silence in which it is provided. This must be one of the most refined and smooth four-cylinder motors ever invented. Again, while that may be inappropriate in a more overtly driving-oriented convertible, it fits the A3’s character to perfection. As, indeed, does the standard six-speed gearbox, with its light, precise throw, smooth clutch engagement and well-spaced ratios.
The test team were impressed not only by how quickly the A3 cab could be hustled down a decent back road but also that, unlike a new A4 for instance, it appears to have some appetite for this kind of behaviour.
By the standards of convertibles it is almost a precision instrument and can be threaded very precisely along a typical British B-road. Okay, the equivalent BMW would ask hard questions of it, but not as many as you might expect.
The A3’s ride quality is another not entirely expected talent, especially given that the test car came on the Sport model’s shorter, stiffer springs. So well do these balance the opposing needs for decent body control on difficult roads and small-bump compliance around town that we’d recommend the Sport version to anyone. Overall, the A3 feels softly but not sloppily sprung, which is precisely as it should be.