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Audi A3

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See also Audi S3

The Audi A3 is a compact luxury automobile built by Audi since 1996. It uses the Volkswagen A platform shared with the VW Golf, Škoda Octavia and SEAT León.

Contents

First generation (1996-2003)

The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the lower market segments since the demise of the Audi 50. Using the VW Golf's platform, it bears a natural close resemblance to its contemporary, the Golf Mk. IV. The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, in order to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front- and four-wheel drive. All engines had a four-cylinder configuration and were transversally mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 was the second model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder.

In 1999, Audi expanded the range with the introduction of an entry level model (1.6 L), a sporty version (1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW)) and a more powerful Diesel (1.9 TDI with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger). The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T Quattro used either the 150 hp (110 kW) and 180 PS (132 kW) and the same Haldex-based all-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the original Audi TT. 1999 was also the year Audi was forced to bow to market demands and introduced a hastily conceived five-door body, that the company had never intended to produce.

In late 2001, the A3 range was revised with new light clusters, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox, on the 180 PS 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW) 1.9 TDI. Audi's ESP (Electronic Stability Program) traction-control and brakeforce distribution computer became standard equipment.

Although the Audi A3 was replaced in Europe during 2003, the first generation model continues to be sold in developing countries, most notably Brazil.

1st generation Audi A3
Enlarge
1st generation Audi A3

Engines

Second generation (2003-)

In the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P. The A3 is offered in Standard, SE, and Sport trim levels. S-Line is available in certain models. The premium version of the A3 is the 3.2 Quattro with a 24-valve 250 hp (186 kW) VR6 engine. It delivers a peak-torque range with a maximum value of 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) from 2500–3000 rpm. The new Audi A3 (three-door and five-door Sportback) has been styled by Italian Walter Da Silva.

Engines

Transmission

The A3 is offered with a choice of four transmissions depending on model and trim level. There is the standard 5-speed or 6-speed manual together with a 6-speed semi-automatic S-Tronic (previously called Direct-Shift Gearbox or (DSG)) which claims to achieve gear changes in under 0.2 seconds by use of electro-hydraulically controlled clutches. The S-Tronic can be used either in 'fully automatic' mode, or gears can be selected manually using the gearshift lever or optional steering-wheel paddles.

US Market

A five-door version marketed as a "Sportback" was launched in the United States market in May 2005 priced at US$25,450. It uses the 200 hp (149 kW) turbocharged 2.0 L FSI I4 engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A DSG clutchless manual transmission is optional and priced at $1,400. The American A3 was initially offered with front wheel drive only. Audi added a 3.2 L Quattro version along with the S-line trim kit (unique bumpers, door sills, and interior trim) in late 2005. At launch, this model was only offered with DSG.

The American A3 comes with a great deal of standard equipment, including 17-inch wheels, a 140-watt sound system with 10 speakers and CD player, automatic climate control, and an Electronic Stabilization Program. For 2006, the $1,800 Sport Package includes colored wheels, a sport suspension, and an upgraded interior with leather sport seats. For $2,025, the Premium Package adds a trip computer, leather seats, and other convenience features. A panoramic sunroof, called "Open Sky System" that comprises a sun-roof and a glass panel over the backseat passengers is optional, as are a navigation system and upgraded Bose audio system. Starting in late 2007, the 2.0T Sport Package will be dropped, to be replaced by an S-line package- including most of the current Sport Package features plus the S-line trim kit that adorns the 3.2 model.

In the Spring of 2005, Audi began a massive alternate reality game to advertise for the A3, known as The Art of the Heist.

References

  1. "A7, A5, and A3 Joins Even Numbers", an article in the "News" section on page thirty-eight of the June, 2004 issue of Motor Trend
  2. Audi A3 Owner's Manual (English/UK edition) (2000 Audi AG)

External links


Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen | Audi | SEAT | Škoda | Bentley | Bugatti | Lamborghini
Current models: A3| S3 | A4 | S4 | RS4 | A6 | S6 | RS6 | Allroad Quattro | A8 | TT | Q7
Historical models: Audi 50 | Audi 80/90/4000 | Audi 100/200/5000 | Audi A2 | Audi Quattro | Audi RS2 | Audi S2 | Audi V8
Motor racing: Audi Sport | Audi Quattro S1 | Audi touring cars | Audi R8 | Audi R10
Concept and future models: A5 | A7 | Q5 | RSQ (from I, Robot) | Allroad Quattro Concept | R8 | Avus Quattro | Avantissimo | Nuvolari Quattro | Le Mans Quattro | Roadjet | Shooting Brake | Pikes Peak Quattro
Audi Centre of Excellence | Audi Channel | Audi Driving Experience [edit]

 

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