2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) varies from 1345 kg to 1625 kg (2965 to 3583 lbs) depending on the specific trim and equipment. The maximum permissible weight ranges between 1845 kg and 2090 kg (4069 to 4609 lbs). This relatively lightweight chassis, particularly for a convertible, benefits acceleration, handling, and braking responsiveness. A lower weight helps improve fuel efficiency as the engine requires less power to move the vehicle. The car strikes a balance, ensuring sufficient structural rigidity and safety while not adding excessive mass, which is crucial for maintaining the dynamic driving experience typical of Audi.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) has a base luggage capacity ranging from 201 liters to 320 liters (7.1 to 11.3 cubic feet) with the convertible roof up. When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to between 280 liters and 678 liters (9.9 to 23.9 cubic feet). The variation depends on the specific model year and configuration, but generally folding the rear seats allows for much larger and longer items to be stored, enhancing the car's versatility despite being a two-door convertible. This spacious trunk capacity is impressive for its class and ensures practical usability for everyday driving or weekend trips.

Most standard single-car garages are approximately 2440 mm (8 feet) wide, sometimes wider depending on regional standards. The Audi A3 Cabriolet, with mirrors retracted, measures 1793 mm (70.5 inches) wide, which comfortably fits within the typical garage width. However, with mirrors extended, the width increases to 1960 mm (77.2 inches), still under the typical garage width but notably wider. It requires careful maneuvering to avoid mirror damage, especially in narrow garages. Overall, the A3 Cabriolet fits well in standard garages, making it practical for most residential parking scenarios despite its wider profile with mirrors open.

Compared to its predecessor, the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) from 2014 generally saw an increase in length and slight adjustments in width and height. The previous generation A3 Cabriolet (8P) was about 4234 mm (166.7 inches) long, making the 8V version approximately 200 mm (7.9 inches) longer. This increase translates to a roomier interior and enhanced trunk space, improving overall practicality. Other dimensions such as width also increased slightly, contributing to better stability and a more modern appearance. These changes reflect Audi’s aim to boost usability while retaining sporty driving dynamics, making the 8V generation a more comfortable and versatile convertible than its predecessor.

In the competitive compact convertible segment, the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) offers dimensions and capacities that are very competitive. Its length of around 4421-4456 mm (174.1-175.6 inches) and width of 1793 mm (70.5 inches) provide a slightly larger footprint than some rivals like the MINI Convertible or Fiat 124 Spider, which tend to be shorter and narrower. This results in a more spacious cabin and greater luggage capacity, which ranges from 201 to 320 liters (7.1 to 11.3 cubic feet) with the roof up—a practical advantage over many competitors. Its build quality, combined with these dimensions, makes the A3 Cabriolet a top contender for drivers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and coupe-style performance in a convertible format.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) comes with a variety of rim sizes ranging from 16 inches up to 19 inches, specifically 7J x 16, 7.5J x 17, 7.0J x 16, 8J x 18, and 8J x 19. Tire sizes accommodate these rims, typically ranging from 205/55 R16 through to 235/35 R19 depending on the trim. Larger wheels with lower profile tires generally enhance handling by reducing sidewall flex and improving road feedback, but can also slightly reduce ride comfort due to stiffer sidewalls. Conversely, the smaller 16-inch wheels provide a softer ride and serve well for urban or comfort-focused driving. This wide range allows buyers to tailor the car’s driving experience according to their preferences.

The height of the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) is 1409 mm (55.5 inches). This relatively low stance helps the car maintain aerodynamic efficiency—a crucial aspect for a convertible where drag can increase when the roof is up or down. The modest height contributes to a sporty silhouette while keeping the center of gravity lower, which positively affects handling by improving stability and cornering performance. For usability, the convertible top mechanism is integrated seamlessly within these dimensions, ensuring that the aperture and roof operation do not undermine structural integrity or passenger space.

The rear seats in the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) fold down to expand luggage space from a base volume of 201-320 liters (7.1-11.3 cubic feet) to a much larger 280-678 liters (9.9-23.9 cubic feet) capacity. This flexibility is notable in the convertible segment, where trunk space can often be constrained by the roof mechanism. The folding rear seats allow owners to carry larger or longer items when needed, enhancing the car’s practicality for weekend trips or shopping errands. Compared to many competitors, the A3 Cabriolet’s adaptable interior cargo space gives it an edge in usability without compromising the open-top experience.

Yes, the Audi A3 Cabriolet (8V) strikes an excellent balance between sporty driving dynamics and daily usability. Its compact dimensions and relatively low curb weight provide agile handling and responsive steering, essential traits for a fun driving experience. At the same time, the car offers respectable luggage capacity, practical rear seat folding, and a comfortable interior, which makes it suitable for everyday use. The variety of wheel and tire options further enhance the ability to tailor the car to more comfort- or sport-oriented driving. Audi’s reputation for quality and refinement also ensures that the A3 Cabriolet is a premium offering that satisfies both enthusiast and practical needs.