Key facts:
Model tested: Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.6 TDI Technik
On the road price: £22,420
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin
Auto Trader Ten Point Test: 83%

Recently updated with two 'downsized' petrol and diesel engines, the drop-top A3 will appeal to even more potential buyers.

1. Looks 9/10
The A3 Cabriolet looks expensive with its LED lighting and a range of classy exterior colours. Optionally, aluminium trim can be fitted to the roll bars, door handles, window frames and hood edge.

2. Looks Inside 9/10
Every button and switch feels reassuringly solid and the dashboard and seats look good. The emphasis is on discreet quality, so nothing is over-designed.

3. Practicality 8/10
With no hatchback, there's restricted access to the 260-litre boot. The rear seats fold 50:50, increasing space to 674 litres. There's more headroom for rear passengers than in competitors with folding hardtops, and space for front occupants is good.

4. Ride and handling 7/10
Typically Audi, there's little body roll and a good ride, which firms up with larger alloy wheels. The accurate steering gets heavier as speeds increase - but lacks the feel found in the BMW 1-Series Convertible.

5. Performance 8/10
Two diesel and three petrol engines are available. The entry-level 1.2 TFSI turbo petrol has 105bhp, the 1.8 TFSI has 158bhp and the 2.0 TFSI packs 197bhp. Also offered are a 104bhp 1.6TDI and a 140bhp 2.0TDI.

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6. Running Costs 9/10
All A3 Cabriolets have stop and start and recuperation technology. The 65.7mpg 1.6 TDI has emissions of 114g/km while the 2.0 TDI is also a frugal motor emitting 139g/km of CO2 and returning 53.3mpg. The 1.2 TFSI produces 132g/km and averages 49.6mpg.

7. Reliability 9/10
Audi fitted the first ever diesel in a cabriolet back in 1995, and are leaders in the technology. The petrol engines should be bullet proof too. Build quality is excellent throughout.

8. Safety 7/10
A full set of front and side airbags and ESP are standard. Roll hoops are permanently fitted behind the rear seats. The A3 Cabriolet hasn't been tested by EuroNCAP, but the hatchback received four stars.

9. Equipment 8/10
All cars get alloy wheels, air-con, ISOFIX up front, CD player, remote central locking and an alarm. The Sport adds bigger alloys, lowered suspension, sports interior, dual-zone climate control and more. the poshest cars get parking sensors, 18-inch alloys, multi-function steering wheel and a fully-auto acoustic hood.

10. X-Factor 9/10
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a very classy small car, which makes a surprisingly good long-distance cruiser, thanks to its refinement and interior space.