Audi A3 2008–2012 car dimensions: 4238 mm long, 1765 mm wide and 1424 mm high. Braked towing is 1,400 kg.
Standard models come with manual air conditioning and a basic radio with CD player. Higher Sport and S line grades add dual-zone electronic climate control as standard. Cruise control and rear parking sensors are available as options or on upper trims and packages. A colour touchscreen appears only with optional navigation systems. No automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning or lane keep assist is offered. Reversing camera is listed among available options.
Boot space measures 260 litres with the rear seats upright and expands to 674 litres when the 50:50 split rear seats are folded. The fabric roof folds compactly without fully invading the load area.
Braked towing capacity is 1400 kg on a 12 percent gradient and 1700 kg on an 8 percent gradient, with unbraked limited to 750 kg. Payload is typically around 500 kg depending on engine and equipment. Sports suspension lowered by 15 mm is standard on Ambition and S line grades.
The cabin feels spacious and protective for four adults with a high beltline, calm surfaces and excellent ergonomics. Standard cloth seats gain sporty contours on Ambition grades. electric four-way lumbar and leather are options. Dual-zone climate control arrives on Sport, while the optional three-layer acoustic soft top keeps noise almost as low as the hard-top A3 when closed. A heated glass rear window and wind deflector complete everyday open-air usability.
Fuel tank holds 55 litres
Long-life oil change every 9 000-19 000 miles, inspection every 19 000 miles
12-year rust perforation warranty
Standard kit: dual front and side head-thorax airbags, ESP with ABS/EBD/ASR/EDL, rollover bars, ISOFIX, Audi backguard head restraints, daytime running lights
Petrol and diesel engines use direct injection and turbocharging for strong pull and efficient running. Combined figures sit around 7.3 l/100 km for the 1.8 TFSI and drop to 5.1 l/100 km on the 1.9 TDI. tank capacity is a consistent 55 litres across the range.
Servicing follows Audi’s long-life system. Oil changes occur between 9 000 and 19 000 miles depending on driving style, with full inspections at 19 000-mile steps. A three-year or 60 000-mile vehicle warranty and three-year paint cover are standard.
Body rigidity matches the fixed-roof A3 thanks to 54 percent high- and ultra-high-strength steels plus extra bracing. Passive safety includes full-size front airbags, seat-integrated head-thorax side bags, belt pretensioners, active head restraints and fixed rollover bars. ISOFIX points are fitted front and rear.
A fully galvanised shell carries a 12-year anti-perforation guarantee. The fabric top folds into its own compact bay so boot space stays 260-674 litres whether open or closed, making the car easy to live with day to day.
Length 4238 mm, Width 1765 mm, Height 1424 mm, Wheelbase 2578 mm (A3 2008–2012)
Sources: manufacturer data, Audi UK Technical Data – Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI, status March 2008, 10.7 m, VDA luggage 260/674 l, fuel tank, Audi UK Pricing and Specification Guide Edition 3.0 and Edition 7.0.