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Audi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 Cabriolet

The A1 3-door is the cheapest Audi you can buy, but that doesn't mean it's popular. Like the MINI hardtop, it has also evolved a 5-door derivative that takes the lion's share of the sales charts.
Audi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 Cabriolet 7 photos
Audi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 CabrioletAudi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 CabrioletAudi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 CabrioletAudi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 CabrioletAudi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 CabrioletAudi to Axe 3-Door Versions of A1, A3 and Slow-Selling A3 Cabriolet
Thus, the German automaker has decided against developing another 3-door model. The same decision has also been made regarding the A3 3-door, which, if we remember correctly, was the first premium car based on the MQB platform.

Mercedes faced a similar decision with the A-Class when it launched in 2012. While 3-door models are interesting to look at, the compromises they make outweigh any potential financial savings.

As some of you might remember, the previous Ford Fucus RS and Renault Clio RS were all based on a 3-door style. However, the 5-door versions that replaced them are enjoying more popularity.

The fact that Audi wants to can the A3 is not surprising at all. According to German magazine Handelsblatt, they old managed to sell 19,400 units last year. The only real merit of this model is that it's a compact car with four large seats. But who buys a convertible just for that?

In any case, Audi has plenty of alternative models, so the A3 rag-top will not be missed. For example, there's the TT Roadster for those who only need two seats and the A5/S5 Cabriolet for not a lot more money.

Audi is using the money saved from these three scrapped models to finance other things, such as autonomous cars and EVs that are supposed to travel for 500 miles.

But we can't ignore the fact that the Dieselgate scandal put the company in a tight spot. While Audi is counting the pennies, Mercedes will have several times more convertibles: C-, E-, S-, SL, and SLC-Class. There's even a rumor about a GLC-based convertible SUV that competes with the Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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