The A3 Cabriolet is an upmarket small convertible that is more affordable than the A4 Cabriolet and more practical than the TT Roadster. It took some time coming, though – the A3 hatchback on which it’s based was launched in mid-2003, while this Cabriolet didn’t appear until early 2008. But it was worth the wait. It’s a feel-good open top that’s well built, good to drive and available with some excellent engines. It isn’t a flawless car – the boot is extremely awkward to access, base-spec cars don’t come with a fully automatic roof and it’s trounced on the eco-front by the 1-Series Convertible. But these are minor faults in what is overall a very good car.