IF that was our summer last week then I was well-equipped for it. I got a slightly burnt forehead, some extra creases around the eyes and quite a few envious glances. I may have looked a bit post mid-life crisis ridiculous but I didn't really care. I had an attractive blonde in the passenger seat and a good-tempered dog behind. The sun was out, the sea was beckoning and I was driving a brand-new Audi A3 Cabriolet.
I suppose for most of the year a convertible doesn't make sense. A fabric roof one - like the A3 - is going to attract the attention of the gougers as well as leaves and bird-droppings. Inside it is likely to be darker and more compromised than most coupes and the size of the boot is always going to be an issue these days - now that both fabric and metal roofs pack away.
Yet when the sun has got its hat on and is coming out to play the convertible comes into its own. You can feel smug, smart and a real lord of the universe - unless you don't prepare for what wind and sun can do for head and hair.
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is the latest model to come from the impressive range of small family cars that the German manufacturer has launched recently. The saloon was a particular winner last year and has deservedly taken sales from its bigger sister.
The rather stubby Cabriolet builds on the brand's reputation, it has a very classy feel all round with great space up front and even the two rear passengers have a slight bit more leg room than with some competitors, although, I wouldn't like to be travelling too long there.
The boot is compromised by both the space for the roof and the letter-box opening. But isn't the whole point of having a Cabriolet just to take some Chanel No 5 and a toothbrush away?
The diesel models are a bit noisy for a convertible but I am told that the petrol models are very smooth and quiet. The turbo-charged, 1.4 TFSi model seems a particularly good choice although the 2.0 litre diesels are the most frugal.
A very serious weakness is the atrocious visibility when the roof is up - which will be 95 per cent of the time. The window at the back is too small and the side mirrors could do with being almost double in size to compensate.
Yet the A3 is a small and tasty car to drive and isn't like some of its rivals - boomingly wide and in-your-face showing off. I liked having an automatic box on the test car but it was quite jerky.
The A3 is a much better car than its predecessor. It gives a much more precise drive with a strong grip. Although some rigidity has been sacrificed by not having a fixed roof.
On the road prices start at €38,560 although the 2.0TDI, 150HP, S-Tronic SE version I was driving begins at €42,000 and by the time it was packed with all the kit it was €54,000. A lot of money for a car that you will only use its full abilities on a limited number of days. It's a well-off person's toy, but it was fun.
Sunday Independent
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