2019 Audi A3 Convertible: Real-World Review, History, and the Little Details That Matter
I’ve spent enough time with the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible to know its rhythms: the way the soft-top hushes the world at speed, how the turbo-four wakes up once you’re clear of traffic, and the satisfying click of the MMI dial when you’re hunting for a podcast. It’s not a garage-queen. It’s a real, liveable luxury Audi you can take to the office Monday and the coast on Saturday—roof down, scarf on, pretenses off.
Unveiling the History of the Audi A3 Convertible
The A3 drop-top arrived to give buyers an approachable slice of open-air luxury without the bulk or price of bigger cabrios. Across its run (including the 2019 model), the A3 Convertible leaned on Audi’s strengths: restrained styling, a high-quality cabin, and that calm, unflustered drive that makes long days at the wheel feel easy. When I first saw the 2019 car in Cosmos Blue with the acoustic soft-top, I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure the compact proportions would pull off the grand-touring vibe. Ten minutes of highway later, doubt gone. It’s quietly confident.
2019 Audi A3 Convertible: What It Gets Right (And A Few Things It Doesn’t)
- Sleek, grown-up design: Clean lines, tidy proportions, and none of the “look-at-me” fuss. It’s the chic city apartment of small convertibles.
- Top operation you’ll actually use: The acoustic soft-top opens in about 18 seconds and works at speeds up to roughly 31 mph. Translation: you won’t hold up the line at the lights.
- Engines with real-world punch: Depending on spec, you’ll see up to 228 hp and as much as 258 lb-ft from the 2.0 TFSI. Quattro models feel notably more urgent off the line.
- Comfort with the roof up or down: With the top raised, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (ask me how I know). Roof down, the wind management is good—even on brisk mornings.
- Rare color palette: Audi offered tasteful hues like Cosmos Blue, Tango Red, and Nano Gray—nice to see choices beyond grayscale.
2019 Audi A3 Convertible Performance: The Numbers That Count
In the real world, here’s how it shakes out:
- Powertrains: 2.0-liter turbocharged four, offered in front-drive and quattro all-wheel drive tunes (up to 228 hp, up to 258 lb-ft).
- 0–60 mph: Around the mid-6-second range for quattro; mid-7s for front-drive. The quattro car feels more planted on rough roads too.
- Fuel economy: Expect roughly 26/35 mpg (city/highway) for FWD and around 22/30 mpg for quattro, depending on wheel/tire and conditions.
- Ride and handling: On a gnarly stretch of broken pavement, the standard tune is acceptably compliant. The optional sport suspension looks great but can patter over sharp edges—your call.
Brakes are progressive, steering is accurate if not brimming with feel, and the 7‑speed dual-clutch snaps shifts cleanly once it’s warmed up. In traffic crawl it can hesitate slightly—par for the segment.
Living With the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible
- Cabin quality: Classic Audi: simple, tactile, and screwed together properly. The pop-up screen and MMI dial look a bit “last decade,” but they work, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are on tap.
- Space: Front seats: all-day comfortable. Rear seats: fine for kids or flexible adults on short trips. Trunk: about 10 cubic feet—weekend bags yes, a Costco water-palooza no.
- Noise: With the acoustic roof up, it’s a calm place to commute. Wind buffeting with the top down is well controlled, especially with the wind deflector in place.
- Quirks: The cupholders are tiny (Euro life), the wireless charging pad can be picky with chunky cases, and the seatbelt presenters occasionally miss their cue.
Understanding the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible: Quick Answers
- What years did Audi make the A3 Convertible? The A3 Convertible was offered for multiple model years including 2019, giving buyers a compact, premium open-top option with Audi’s signature polish.
- 2019 vs. 2020 differences? Mostly trim and tech tidying—minor feature shuffles and small option-package tweaks. The driving experience and design are fundamentally the same.
- Is the A3 Convertible a good car? Yes—if you want a compact luxury cabrio that feels upscale, is easy to park, and is genuinely refined with the roof up. It’s not the roomiest, but it’s delightful to use daily.
- Why did Audi discontinue it? Market trends shifted toward SUVs, and brands (including Audi) focused resources where demand was strongest. Simple economics, sadly.
2019 Audi A3 Convertible vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
| Model | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Drivetrain | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A3 Convertible | Up to 228 | Mid-6s (quattro) | FWD or AWD | Acoustic soft-top refinement |
| 2019 BMW 230i Convertible | 248 | Mid-5s (auto) | RWD or AWD | Sportiest steering feel |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet | 255 | Mid-6s | RWD or AWD | More space, higher price |
| 2019 MINI Cooper Convertible S | 189 | Low-6s (JCW quicker) | FWD | Playful character, smaller cabin |
Colors and Trims: The Subtle Art of Looking Good
Beyond the usual black/white/gray loop, the A3’s Cosmos Blue, Tango Red, and Nano Gray add just enough personality without shouting. Pair a darker exterior with the acoustic top and the cabin stays impressively serene at 70 mph. If you want the more eager feel, look for the S line appearance bits and the quattro tune.
Accessories for the Audi A3 Convertible: Keep It Clean, Keep It Classy
If you live with a convertible, you learn fast: dust, sand, and the occasional surprise leaf are part of the deal. That’s why I like fitted mats in any droptop I drive regularly. For the 2019 A3 Convertible, AutoWin offers tailored sets that fit properly and survive the daily grind.
The AutoWin Eshop stocks a range tailored for the Audi A3 Convertible, so you’re not wrestling with universal pieces that slide around. Pick a design that suits your interior and call it a day.
Final Thoughts: Why the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible Still Charms
The 2019 Audi A3 Convertible is a sweet spot in the compact luxury cabrio world: refined enough for long commutes, playful enough for a Sunday blast, and stylish without the drama. Sure, the rear seat is snug and the infotainment isn’t bleeding-edge. But as a daily companion that can turn any errand into a little event the moment you drop the roof, it nails the brief.
FAQ: 2019 Audi A3 Convertible
- How quick is the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible? Expect roughly mid-6-second 0–60 mph runs with quattro and mid-7s with front-wheel drive.
- What’s the fuel economy like? Around 26/35 mpg (city/highway) for FWD and about 22/30 mpg for quattro, depending on spec.
- Can I open the roof while driving? Yes—about 18 seconds at up to roughly 31 mph. It’s quick and drama-free.
- Is it comfortable on longer trips? Absolutely. The acoustic top, supportive seats, and stable highway manners make it an easy long-haul companion.
- What are some good accessories? Fitted mats from AutoWin keep the cabin tidy, and a wind deflector is great if you cruise top-down often.
