Audi A3

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Audi A3
Manufacturer	Audi
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1996—present
Class	Entry-level luxury car/Small family car
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/quattro four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A platform series
Transmission(s)	6-speed automatic and manual

The Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury car/small family car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1996. Two generations of A3 exist, both based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, which they share with several other models such as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Caddy and Touran as well as Škoda Octavia and SEAT León.

Contents 1 1st generation A3 (8L): 1996–2003 1.1 Engines 2 2nd generation A3 (8P): 2003–present 2.1 Facelift 2.2 Engines 3 Awards and accolades 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] 1st generation A3 (8L): 1996–2003

Audi A3 (8L)
Also called	Typ 8L
Production	1996–2003
Assembly	Ingolstadt, Germany
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	1.6 L I4 1.8L I4 1.8L Turbo I4 1.9L TDI I4
Wheelbase	2516 mm (99.1 in)
Length	4165 mm (164 in)
Width	1752 mm (69 in)
Height	1420 mm (55.9 in)
Related	Audi TT (8N) VW Golf Mk4 Škoda Octavia Mk1 SEAT León VW Jetta Mk4 Volkswagen New Beetle

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. This was the first Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG) model to use the "PQ34" or "A4" platform, bearing a natural close resemblance to its contemporary, the Volkswagen Golf Mk4. 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 transversely 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 more powerful versions: a 1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW)) and a 1.9 I4 TDI Diesel with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 150 hp (110 kW) or 180 PS (132 kW) engine and the same Haldex-based all-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the 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 not previously intended to produce.

In late 2000, the A3 range was revised with new headlights and rear light clusters, other minor cosmetic changes, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox, on the 180 PS (178 hp/132 kW) 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW) 1.9 TDI. Audi's ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) traction-control and brake force 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. After production of the first generation model stopped in Brazil, the retail price increased from R$60,000(US$30,000) to R$100,000 (US$50,000).^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Engines

The engines used are the same as for many other cars in the Volkswagen Group.

Model	Engine code	Engine type	Displacement	Power	Torque	Years
Petrol engines
1.6 L	AEH / AKL / APF	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc)	100 PS (99 hp/74 kW)	145 N·m (107 ft·lbf)	1996-2000
1.6 L	AVU / BFQ	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc)	102 PS (101 hp/75 kW)	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)	2000-2003
1.8 L	AGN / APG	I4 DOHC 20V	1.8 L (1781 cc)	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW)	170 N·m (125 ft·lbf)	1996-2003
1.8 L	AGU / ARZ / ARX / AUM	I4 DOHC 20V Turbocharged	1.8 L (1781 cc)	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)	210 N·m (155 ft·lbf)	1996-2003
1.8 L	AUQ / ARY	I4 DOHC 20V Turbocharged	1.8 L (1781 cc)	180 PS (178 hp/132 kW)	235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)	2000-2003
1.8 L (S3)	AMK	I4 DOHC 20V Turbocharged	1.8 L (1781 cc)	210 PS (207 hp/154 kW)	270 N·m (199 ft·lbf)	1999-2000
1.8 L (S3)	BAM	I4 DOHC 20V Turbocharged	1.8 L (1781 cc)	225 PS (222 hp/165 kW)	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)	2000-2003
Diesel engines
1.9 L	AGR / ALH	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with electronically regulated distributor-type injection pump	1.9 L (1896 cc)	90 PS (89 hp/66 kW)	210 N·m (155 ft·lbf)	1996-2000
1.9 L	ATD / AXR	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors	1.9 L (1896 cc)	100 PS (99 hp/74 kW)	240 N·m (177 ft·lbf)	2000-2003
1.9 L	AHF / ASK / ASV	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with electronically regulated distributor-type injection pump	1.9 L (1896 cc)	110 PS (108 hp/81 kW)	235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)	1997-2000
1.9 L	ASZ	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors	1.9 L (1896 cc)	130 PS (128 hp/96 kW)	310 N·m (229 ft·lbf)	2000-2003

[edit] 2nd generation A3 (8P): 2003–present

Audi A3 (8P)
Audi A3 5dr Sportback
Also called	Typ 8P
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium (2004-2005; 2007 onwards); Curitiba, Brazil
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 5-door estate 2-door convertible
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform
Engine(s)	Petrol engines: 1.6 L I4, 2.0 L I4, 1.8 L I4 Turbo, 2.0 L I4 Turbo 3.2 L VR6; Diesel engines: 1.9 L I4 TDI 2.0 L I4 TDI
Wheelbase	2578 mm (101.5 in)
Length	3-door: 4215 mm (165.9 in) 5-door: 4285 mm (168.7 in)
Width	1765 mm (77.1 in)
Height	1420 mm (56.0 in)
Fuel capacity	55 L (12.1 imp gal/14.5 US gal)
Related	Audi TT (8J) VW Golf/Rabbit Mk5 Škoda Octavia II SEAT León II VW Jetta Mk5

In the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Walter de'Silva. Originally launched only as a three-door hatchback with four cylinder engines, it featured a new automobile platform (the PQ35 platform), a redesigned and more spacious interior, new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), and standard six-speed manual gearboxes (except on the base 1.6).

In mid 2003, the line was updated with two sports-orientated models, a 2.0 Turbo-FSI version with 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW), and a 3.2 VR6 engine (for the first time) with 250 PS (247 hp/184 kW). Haldex-based quattro four wheel drive, and the S-Tronic semi-auto gearbox were introduced as optionals (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and over.

A new five-door body, named "Sportback", was introduced in June 2004. Unlike the previous generation, the new A3 Sportback is 80 mm (3.15 in) longer than the base three-door body, and includes improved rear cabin space and a larger luggage compartment (370 litres). It also received the new "single frame" front grille originally introduced in the A8 W12.

[edit] Facelift

In 2005, the "S-line" trim level, with new sporty decorative elements, became available in certain models, and the 3-door received the same frontend as the Sportback. For the first time, the A3 became available in the North American market, exclusively with the Sportback body, with the base 2.0 TFSI introduced in 2005 and the 3.2 V6 quattro following in 2006. In the Spring of 2005, Audi began a massive alternate reality game to advertise for the A3, known as The Art of the Heist.

In April 2006, the lineup was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI with 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW). In August 2006, Audi announced the arrival of the S3 version, which became the new range topper. The 2.0 TFSI engine was re-engineered and uprated to 265 PS (261 hp/195 kW), and is available with standard quattro and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The second generation S3 is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds. The springs and dampers were tuned for a harder setting, and ride height lowered by 25 mm (0.98 in). 225/40 ZR18 tyres are standard.

In January 2007, the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.0 FSI was replaced by a new turbocharged 1.8 TFSI engine, with 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW). It is available in front-wheel drive only.

In late 2007, Audi introduced a new 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) 1.4L TFSI engine for the A3, replacing the 1.6 FSI engine, and a new diesel "e"-model. The "e"-model, Audi's equivalent of Volkswagen's BlueMotion, is available with the 1.9L TDI engine, and offers a more ecological car, with a CO₂ emission below 120 g/km.

[edit] Engines

The engines used are the same as for many other cars in the Volkswagen Group.

Model	Engine code	Engine type	Displacement	Power	Torque	Years
Petrol engines
1.4 TFSI	CAXC	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	1.4 L (1390 cc)	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW)	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)	2007-present
1.6	BGU / BSE / BSF / CCS	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc)	102 PS (101 hp/75 kW)	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)	2003-present
1.6 FSI	BAG / BLF / BLP	I4 DOHC 16V FSI	1.6 L (1598 cc)	115 PS (113 hp/85 kW)	155 N·m (114 ft·lbf)	2003-2007
1.8 TFSI	BYT / BZB	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	1.8 L (1798 cc)	160 PS (158 hp/118 kW)	250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)	2007-present
2.0 FSI	AXW / BLR / BLX / BLY / BVY / BVX / BVZ	I4 DOHC 16V FSI	2 L (1984 cc)	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)	2003-2007
2.0 TFSI	AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	2 L (1984 cc)	200 PS (197 hp/147 kW)	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)	2004-present
2.0 TFSI (S3)	BHZ	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	2 L (1984 cc)	265 PS (261 hp/195 kW)	350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)	2006-present
3.2 FSI	AXZ / BUB	VR6 DOHC 24V FSI	3.2 L (3189 cc)	250 PS (247 hp/184 kW)	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)	2003-present
Diesel engines
1.9 TDI	BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors	1.9 L (1896 cc)	105 PS (104 hp/77 kW)	250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)	2003-present
2.0 TDI	BKD	I4 DOHC 16V TDI with unit injectors	2 L (1968 cc)	140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[1]	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)	2003-present
2.0 TDI	BMM	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors and particulate filter	2 L (1968 cc)	140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[1]	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)	2006-present
2.0 TDI	BMN	I4 DOHC 16V TDI with unit injectors and particulate filter	2 L (1968 cc)	170 PS (168 hp/125 kW)[2]	350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)	2006-present

[edit] Awards and accolades

• (2008) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in midsize cars
• (2007) Audi 2.0T FSI named Engine of the Year
• (2006) International Car of the Year Entry-Level Car of the Year – “Most Spirited”
• (2006) Auto Interior of the Year in popular-priced category
• (2006) Named overall best New England Winter Vehicle by the New England Motor Press Association
• (2006) Best Luxury Small Car Pick by BusinessWeek Magazine
• (2006) South African Car of the Year
• (2005) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Double Best Pick for frontal-offset and side-impact tests
• (2000) Brazilian Car of the Year
• (1998) Federal German Prize for Product Design
• (1997, 1999, 2000) Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll Best Car award
• (1997) Autozeitung "Auto Trophy" award
• (1996) Bild am Sonntag "Golden Steering Wheel" award

[edit] See also

• Audi S3

[edit] 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)

[edit] External links

• Official Audi UK A3 microsite
• Official Audi USA A3 microsite
• Official Audi Canada A3 microsite
  • 2007 Audi A3 S-line review at About.com
  • Auto Express Driver Power 2007 survey (UK)
  • Road & Track 2006 Audi A3 2.0 T DSG Long Term Test

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v • d • e Audi timeline, European market, 1970s–present – a marque of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG)
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Supermini					50																									A2										A1
Small family car																												A3 / S3
Compact executive car	F103 series			80 / 90																					A4 (B5)							A4 (B6)				A4 (B7)			A4 (B8)
																						S2						S4 (B5)						S4 (B6)			S4 (B7)			S4 (B8)
Mid-size executive car	100 / 200																								A6 (C4)				A6 (C5)							A6 (C6)
																						Ur-S4 (C4)				Ur-S6 (C4)				S6 (C5)							S6 (C6)
Large luxury car																			V8						A8 / S8
small Coupé																													TT-Coupé (8N)								TT-Coupé (8J)
small Roadster																														TT-Roadster (8N)								TT-Roadster (8J)
Convertible																							Cabriolet (B4)											A4 / S4 cabriolet
Large coupé	100 Coupé S											Coupé GT								Coupé / S2																		A5 / S5
																Coupé quattro																								A7
Executive sports car											Quattro (Ur-Quattro)														RS2 Avant						RS4 (B5)						RS4 (B7)
																																	RS6 (C5)						RS6 (C6)
Halo vehicle																																						R8
Crossover SUV																														allroad quattro (C5)							A6 allroad quattro (C6)
Mid-size SUV																																								Q5
Large SUV																																						Q7
Homologation rally car											Quattro A1/A2				Sport Quattro	Sport Quattro S1
Concept and future models: A1 • A7 • Avantissimo • Avus quattro • Le Mans quattro • Nuvolari quattro • Pikes Peak quattro • Q3 • Q5 • R4 • Roadjet • RSQ • Shooting Brake • Rosemeyer • R-Zero
Motorsport: Sport Quattro • Sport Quattro S1 • R8R LMP • R8C LMP • R8 LMP • R10 TDI LMP
Founder: August Horch • Audi corporate website • A marque of the VWAG group • quattro GmbH • Audi Centre of Excellence • Audi Channel • Audi Driving Experience

v • d • e Audi timeline, North American market, 1970s–present – a marque of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG)
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact car																																				A3
	Super 90			Fox (B1)						4000 (B2)									80 / 90 (B3)					80 / 90 (B4)			A4 (B5-B8)
																4000CS quattro															S4 (B5-B8)
Mid-size car	... 100 (C1)						5000 (C2)							100 / 200 (C3)								100 / 200 (C4)				A6 (C4-C6)
																							Ur-S4			Ur-S6				S6 (C5)							S6 (C6)
Full-size car																			V8									A8 / S8
Coupé												Coupé GT									Quattro T89(B3)																		A5 / S5
Roadster																															TT
Sports car													Quattro (Ur-Quattro)																				RS6				RS4
																																							R8
Convertible																									Cabriolet (B4)							A4 Cabriolet / S4 Cabriolet
Compact SUV																																								Q5
Crossover SUV																														allroad quattro							A6 allroad quattro
Luxury SUV																																					Q7
Founder: August Horch • Audi corporate website • A marque of the VWAG group • quattro GmbH • Audi Driving Experience • Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. • VolkswagenGroupAmerica corporate website • Electronics Research Laboratory