Audi A3

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, Skoda Octavia and Seat León.

First generation (1996-2006)

The original A3 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. The Audi A3 was the first 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 (1.6L), a sporty version (1.8 Turbo with 180PS (132kW)) 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 150hp (110kW) and 180PS (132kW) and the same Haldex-based quattro drivetrain as the Audi S3 and the original Audi TT. The most powerful of these . 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 180PS 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130PS (96kW) 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.

Engines

• 1.6L (1595cc/97in³), 75kW (102PS)
• 1.8L (1781cc/108in³), 92kW (125PS)
• 1.8L (1781cc/108in³) light-pressure turbo, 110kW (150PS)
• 1.8L (1781cc/108in³) turbo, 132kW (180PS)
• 1.9L (1896cc/115in³) turbo Diesel, 66kW (90PS)
• 1.9L (1896cc/115in³) turbo Diesel, 81kW (110PS)
• 1.9L (1896cc/115in³) turbo Diesel, 96kW (130PS)