Audi has begun series production of the new A3 Cabriolet at its Győr plant in Hungary. The model will be exclusively produced in the Hungarian plant, as is the case temporarily with the A3 Sedan, until Chinese and Brazilian production start late this year and in 2015, respectively.

Order books for the second-generation Audi A3 Cabriolet open today in Germany and other European markets, with deliveries in Europe scheduled for next spring. Between 2007 and 2013, Audi Hungaria built around 63,000 units of the predecessor model in Győr in conjunction with the Ingolstadt plant.

“Production of the new A3 Cabriolet is another step in expanding our production capacities in Győr to 125,000 automobiles each year. For many years, our Hungarian plant has convinced our customers with automobiles in premium quality. This is made possible by a flexible team with great expertise,” said Dr. Frank Dreves, Board of Management Member for Production of Audi AG.

Alongside the A3 Cabriolet and the A3 Sedan, the Győr plant also builds the Audi TT and TT Roadster, as well as engines for the majority of the Audi range. The German carmaker has invested a total of more than €900 million ($1.22 billion) in buildings and equipment at this site.

Unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in Europe with two petrol units, a 138hp (140PS) 1.4-liter TSI and a 178hp (180PS) 1.8-liter TS, plus a 148hp (150PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Later on, Audi will add a 108hp (110 PS) 1.6-liter turbo diesel and the range-topping S3 performance model powered by a 296hp (300PS) 2.0-liter TSI engine.

By Dan Mihalascu

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