AUDI has adapted its S3 coupé to create a new turbocharged four-wheel-drive convertible. Like the hardtop version, the new S3 Cabriolet gets a 300PS (296bhp) 2-liter engine, good for a 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

To make the most of that acceleration, the car comes with Audi’s S tronic six-speed dual clutch paddle shift gearbox as standard as well as its Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system so that the car stays glued to the road, come rain, shine or an unusually heavy right foot.

Making the car stand out alongside the standard A3 convertible are aluminum effect wing mirror housings, an enhanced front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch wheels are also available as an optional extra).

Inside, the car is what you expect from any Audi carrying an ‘S’ badge. Quality materials and quality finishes that give a sporty, uncluttered cabin feel.

Predominantly black, with the use of brushed matte aluminum contrasting inlays, even the central display monitor retracts into the dashboard to reduce clutter and distraction. Then there’s the multi-function sports steering wheel which comes as standard and that has a flat-bottomed rim.

Audi insists that there is room in the car for four adults and that even with the top dropped, there’s still 245 liters of luggage space in the trunk.

And while the standard options are quite generous, there are also a host of extras that can be specified, including neck level heaters for nighttime top-down motoring, a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound system, Audi’s MMI infotainment package and a 4G:LTE mobile internet connection.

The car will be available to order from April with deliveries expected in July.