I think this is a pretty smart strategy on the part of Audi. Kill the A4 Cabrio and replace it with cheaper and more expensive alternatives, the A3 and A5. The A3 will hopefully be a good deal less expensive than the A4 Cabrio was and of course the A5 will compete within that narrow space between the CLK Cabrio and 6-Series Cabrio, drawing buyers from both. Pretty clever IMO.

M

The A3 cabrio will be based on the next gen A3 so the lights will be similar to the Cross Coupe concept:

I really hope they are ,I really like the lights on the Cross Coupe! However I don't think they will when the A3 Cabrio is due for release next Autumn/Fall. I hope I am wrong as this is a car I'm considering buying. Audi have stated that they want customers to be able to diversify more clearly between different Audi models as most Audis look the same from the front to the general public

We will just have to wait and see how that'll turn out.
For example, the past with Peugeot:

They had the 205, one of the best selling cars of all time. They thought to be smart by replacing the 205 with a more expensive, bigger model (306), and a smaller, cheaper model (106). Combined, they sold less than the 205, and later they came up with the 206 (now 207)

Now I will not say Audi is like Peugeot, but this thing can swimg both ways maybe...

Audi A3 Cabrio: Not coming to the US!


Sad news here for cabrio lovers in the US, the Audi A3 convertible will not make it over there!

There's no secret that Audi plans an A3 Cabriolet to slot below the A4 soon-to-be-A5 Cabriolet. Audi AG boss Rupert Stadler has even confirmed that the car will be built alongside the TT at the company's Hungary plant. Unfortunately, a top source at Audi of America has confirmed to us that the soft top will not come to the USA.

Why not? Our sources say the car shares too much with the three-door A3, and that the 3-door was never developed for US sale. There wasn't a business case for changing it to be eligible for the North American market apparently.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Another goofy VW-empire debacle if this is true. Why the hell wouldn't you make every single car you build with the U.S. in mind when the U.S. market is the key to your world domination plan? If the A3 hatch can be sold here then so should the cabrio! Duh. Hello doesn't Audi see BMW gearing up for a 1-Series push here in coupe/cabrio and even sedan form?

M

I found these pictures.

It looks like the car will be based on the new A3.

Yes, the A3 Cabrio will be the first in line based on the new floorplan.
Also used for the VW Eos and new Passat.

Hans.