The appearance of the first pre-production prototypes of the next generation A3 Cabriolet based on the longer platform of the upcoming sedan version of the series means that the current open-top model is breathing its last.

In Britain, Audi made it official that it will soon withdraw the A3 Cabriolet from its lineup as it prepares to make room for the new model, but not before it releases a limited run of the car.

The new A3 Cabriolet Sport and S Line Final Edition models include a number of equipment enhancements and range in price from £23,775 OTR to £30,615 OTR.

Beginning with the A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition, Audi replaces the regular Sport model’s cloth upholstery with Vienna leather, adding front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface. The premium over the standard A3 Cabriolet is £2,340.

The S Line Final Edition models replace the original 18-inch S line alloy wheel with a new five spoke design, add full Vienna leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and leather combination, and enhance the list of safety and entertainment features to include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVD-based satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and a BOSE sound system.

The A3 Cabriolet S Line Final Edition costs an additional £2,435 over the Sport Final Edition, with the German carmaker stating that buyers save £3,640 compared with choosing the additional equipment separately.

Engine options for all trims include three petrol units, the 1.2 TFSI with 104bhp (105PS), the 1.8 TFSI with 158bhp (160PS) and the 2.0 TFSI with 197bhp (200PS), and two diesels, the 1.6 TDI with 104bhp (105PS) and the 2.0 TDI with 138bhp (140PS).

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