| Manufacturer | Audi |
|---|---|
| Production | 1996–present |
| Class | Small family car |
| Layout | transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or quattro on-demand four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A platform series |
The Audi A3 is a 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, Volkswagen Caddy and Volkswagen Touran as well as SEAT León, SEAT Toledo and Škoda Octavia.
Contents |
Audi A3 5-door (post-facelift) |
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| Production | 1996–2003 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Ingolstadt, Germany (1996–2003) Curitiba, Brazil (Audi Senna, 2000–2006) |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform |
| Engine | 1.6 L I4 1.8L I4 20v 1.8L I4 20v Turbo 1.9L TDI I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual 6-speed Manual 4-speed Automatic 5-speed Automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,513 mm (98.9 in) quattro: 2,518 mm (99.1 in) |
| Length | 4,152 mm (163.5 in) |
| Width | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Height | 1,423 mm (56.0 in) |
| Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk4 SEAT León Mk1 |
| Designer | Peter Schreyer |
The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the production of smaller cars following the demise of the Audi 50. This was the first Volkswagen Group 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 were an inline 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 rated 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with Unit Injector "Pumpe Düse" (PD) technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based on-demand four-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. In 1999, Audi also introduced a five-door body.
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 (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI.
Audi's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction-control and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.
Although the first-generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, the first generation model continued to be sold in some markets. Production of the first generation model stopped in Brazil in 2006.
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EuroNCAP tested a first generation Audi A3, three-door hatchback with front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners as standard and scored it accordingly:
EuroNCAP after the test state "The column lock, adjuster lever and bracket presented hazards in the knee impact area for the driver. These could cause high loads on his upper legs and damage to his knees." They also criticise the A3 for offering almost no protection to pedestrians at all, leading to just two stars out of a possible four.[1]
Audi released the A3-derived Audi S3 in 1999, offered only as a three-door hatchback. The inline-four 20v 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). Early models (1999–2001) had 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) which is said to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT. Later models (2001–2003) had variable valve timing and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engine provides a maximum 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) of torque, most of which is available from 2,200 through to 5,500 rpm. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.
Although dubbed "quattro", the S3 uses a different "on-demand" four-wheel drive system.[2] The Haldex Traction coupling adjusts the bias of torque distribution from the front to rear axle as grip requirements change – most of the time it operates as a front-wheel drive.
The S3 was sold in the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, but was not officially marketed in the United States.
The S3 was facelifted in 2000, where it was given one-piece headlights/indicator units, different front wings, rear lights clusters, and some minor upgrades to interior trim. There had been minor changes to the design previous to this, including digital clock on the dash.
Standard features include xenon HID headlamps with high pressure washers and auto levelers, front fog lamps, 17" "Avus" alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tyres, electrically adjustable Recaro leather seats, climate control, alarm and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control (ASR).
Options include a Bose sound system, boot/trunk or in-dash mounted 6 disc CD changer, metallic paint, 18 inch 9-spoke RSTT wheels, glass sunroof, centre arm rest, privacy glass (B-pillar backwards), auto dipping rear view mirror, parking assist, luggage net, heated front seats, cruise control, aluminium door mirror casings and part leather/alcantara (blue/silver/yellow) combination seat coverings. These items are standard in some export markets, where Audi is a prestigious brand.
The engines used are the same as for many other cars in the Volkswagen Group.
| Name | Type | Engine code | Output@rpm | Torque@rpm | 0–100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||||
| 1.6 8v | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 | AEH/AKL/APF | 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) @5600 rpm | 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @3800 rpm | 12.0 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 1996–2000 |
| 1.6 8v | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 | AVU/BFQ | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5600 rpm | 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3800 rpm | 11.9 s | 189 km/h (117 mph) | 2000–2003 |
| 1.8 20v | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 | AGN/APG | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @6000 | 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @4200 | 9.6 s | 202 km/h (126 mph) | 1996–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | AGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5700 | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1750–4600 | 8.2 s | 217 km/h (135 mph) | 1996–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | AJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ | 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @5500 | 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1950–5000 | 7.5 s | 228 km/h (142 mph) | 1999–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | APY, AMK | 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) @5800 | 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) @2100 | 6.8 s | 238 km/h (148 mph) | 1999–2001 |
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | BAM | 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) @5900 | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2200 | 6.6 s | 243 km/h (151 mph) | 2001–2003 |
| Diesel engines | |||||||
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | AGR/ALH | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4000 | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1900 | 12.4 s | 181 km/h (112 mph) | 1996–2001 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | ATD/AXR | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @4000 | 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) @1800–2400 | 11.0 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 2001–2003 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | AHF/ASV | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @4150 | 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1900 | 10.5 s | 194 km/h (121 mph) | 1997–2000 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | ASZ | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) @4000 | 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) @1900 | 9.2 s | 205 km/h (127 mph) | 2000–2003 |
| Production | 2003–present |
|---|---|
| Assembly |
Ingolstadt, Germany[3] Jakarta, Indonesia (Garuda Mataram Motor) |
| Predecessor | Audi Cabriolet (for A3 cabriolet) |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door sportback 2-door convertible |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform |
| Engine | Petrol engines: 1.2 L I4 Turbo FSI (TFSI) 1.4 L I4 Turbo FSI (TFSI) 1.6 L I4 1.6 L I4 FSI 2.0 L I4 FSI 1.8 L I4 TFSI 2.0 L I4 TFSI 3.2 L VR6 Diesel engines: 1.6 L I4 TDI 1.9 L I4 TDI 2.0 L I4 TDI |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual 6-speed Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed S-Tronic 7-speed S-Tronic |
| Wheelbase | 2,578 mm (101.5 in) |
| Length | 3-door: 4,215 mm (165.9 in) 5-door: 4,285 mm (168.7 in) |
| Width | 1,765 mm (69.5 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk5 SEAT León Mk2 |
At 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 rated 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp), and a 3.2 L VR6 engine (for the first time) with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). Haldex Traction-based quattro on-demand four wheel drive, and the S-Tronic semi-auto gearbox were introduced as options (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model with engine over 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp).
In 2005, the "S line" trim level, offering new decorative elements, became available and the three-door A3 received the same front end styling features as the Sportback model. For the first time, the A3 became available in the North American market, exclusively with the Sportback body, with the base 2.0 inline-four TFSI introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model, and the 3.2 VR6 quattro following in 2006.
| Chassis codes | 8P1 | 8PA | 8P7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body type | 3-door hatchback | 5-door Sportback | Cabriolet |
| Years | 2003– | 2004– | 2008– |
The five-door "Sportback" model was introduced in June 2004. The A3 Sportback is 80 mm (3 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, which was later adopted across the whole A3 range.
The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport quattro is a concept car unveiled in 2008. Based on the Audi A3 three-door, it is an approach by Audi to address both performance and the environment.
The engine in the concept car is a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel producing 224 horsepower (167 kW) and 332 ft·lbf (450 N·m). of torque. It produces 113.8 horsepower (84.9 kW) per litre while meeting Euro 5 Diesel emission standards. It uses the quattro drive system with a six-speed manual transmission.
The chassis has Audi's Magnetic Ride Suspension system, lowering the vehicle 1.4 inches (36 mm) from the base model. It also has ceramic front brakes, a four-link rear suspension and electro-mechanical servo assist for the rack and pinion steering.[4]
Exterior modifications include the widening of the three-door's grill, modifying the odd, and enlarging air intrakes. Bolt-on fender flares and a large rear spoiler have been added. The interior changes include sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.[4]
Audi claims performance of 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).[5] It is expected to get approximately 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp).
EuroNCAP tested a second generation Audi A3, 3-door hatchback with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard and scored it accordingly:
Despite Audi increasing the protection inside the car for the driver and passengers, pedestrian safety actually got 33% worse compared to the first generation and EuroNCAP gave criticism for the car offering virtually no protection at all on the front end and scoring just one star from a possible four. "A poor result for a new car" was the verdict given for pedestrian safety after the test.[6]
Audi debuted the updated single-frame grille in June 2004 with the launch of the five-door "Sportback" model. This new grille also became standard fitment to the three-door variant.
Audi introduced a number of changes to the A3 and S3 in 2008. These include revised nose and tail styling, with a modified grille and the new "trademark" daytime running lights, common rail 2.0 TDI engines, seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission availability for the smaller non-U.S. engines, and optional "magnetic ride" adaptive shock absorbers. In addition, the range now includes an S3 Sportback model.[7]
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In August 2006, Audi announced the arrival of the second generation S3. Offered in three- and five-door body styles, the second generation—Typ 8P—S3 is powered by a modified and uprated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp). As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH. The engine features uprated high performance pistons, revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size (KKK K04) and larger intercooler. The most powerful form of this widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 5.5 s, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Audi offers both six-speed manual and six-speed S-Tronic automatic transmissions with the S3.
The chassis has had the spring rating and dampers revised, along with the body kit. Like its predecessor, although badged a "quattro" model, the S3 does not employ a Torsen centre differential (as in other common quattro models), but instead uses the Swedish Haldex Traction system in its on-demand four-wheel drive transmission, due to the transverse engine layout.
Audi has stated the S3 will not be sold in North/South America, although it is available in Mexico. It has announced a 2.0T quattro model for the North/South American market due out in 2009/2010 to coincide with the A3 body upgrade.
In November 2010, Audi announced the Audi RS3 Sportback, which entered production in 2011. Only available as a five-door, it is equipped with a 5 cylinder, 2.5 litre 340 metric horsepower (250 kW; 340 hp) engine, paired with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, and the Quattro on-demand four-wheel drive system. The Audi RS 3 is only available in a five-door Sportback version and no manual transmission option. Its acceleration is quoted as 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The RS 3 is being assembled at the Audi plant in Győr, Hungary.[8] First deliveries are expected in early 2011.[9]
In January 2007, the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.0 FSI was replaced by a new turbocharged 1.8 TFSI engine rated 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp). It is available in front-wheel drive only.
In late 2007, Audi introduced a new 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) 1.4 L TFSI engine for the A3, replacing the 1.6 L FSI engine, and a new diesel "e"-model. The "e"-model, Audi's equivalent of Volkswagen's BlueMotion, is available with the 1.9 L TDI engine, and offers a more ecological car, with a CO2 emission below 120 g/km.
In June 2009, Audi announced the release of two models of A3 1.6 TDI for European market. The first uses Audi's start/stop and energy recovery system, and will produce 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp). This engine will achieve approximately 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg-imp; 57 mpg-US). The second engine does not use the same efficiency systems and will produce 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) will get 4.5 L/100 km (63 mpg-imp; 52 mpg-US). They went on sale in June 2009.[10]
In August 2009, Audi announced that the 1.6 L eight-valve petrol engine would be replaced by a turbocharged 1.2 TFSI engine already found in VW's Polo and Golf models. This engine is rated at 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) and 175 N·m (129 lb·ft), emitting 127 g/km of CO2.[11] As of April 2010, Audi has yet to release official specifications or prices for the 1.2 TSI model, as the 1.6 model has been made a special clearance model for clearing out 1.6 stock.
The A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of Audi's A3 2.0 TDI for the North American market, making it the second Audi TDI vehicle sold in North America, following the Audi Q7 TDI in 2008. It is a FWD vehicle with S-tronic transmission with Hill-hold assist, Sirius satellite radio, Leather seats and steering wheel, Auxiliary audio input, Dual-zone climate control, 17 in (432 mm) alloy wheels. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. This US model would begin sale in the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle.[12]
In March 2011, the line-up was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI with 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp).
The 2012 Audi 2.0L I4 TDI produces 140 hp (104 kW) and 236 lb·ft (320 N·m) of torque and will go from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 8.9 seconds.[13]
| Model | Engine displacement | Engine type | Engine code | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||
| 1.2 TFSI | 1,197 cc (73 cu in) | I4 SOHC 8V FSI turbo | CBZB | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @5000 | 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @1550–4100 | 2010– |
| 1.4 TFSI | 1,390 cc (85 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | CAXC | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @5000 | 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @1500–4000 | 2007–present |
| 1.6 | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) | I4 SOHC 8V | BGU / BSE / BSF / CCS | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5600 | 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3800 | 2003–2010 |
| 1.6 FSI | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI | BAG / BLF / BLP | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @6000 | 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @4000 | 2003–2007 |
| 1.8 TFSI | 1,798 cc (110 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | BYT / BZB | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @5000–6200 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500–4200 | 2007–2008 |
| CDAA | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @4500–6200 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500–4500 | 2009–present | |||
| 2.0 FSI | 1,984 cc (121 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI | AXW / BLR / BLX / BLY BVY / BVX / BVZ |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @6000 | 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @3250–4250 | 2003–2007 |
| 2.0 TFSI | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB | 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @5100–6000 | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @1800–5000 | 2004–2008 | |
| CCZA | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @1700–5000 | 2009– | ||||
| BHZ / CDLA | 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) @6000 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @2500–5000 | 2006– (Audi S3 only) |
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| 3.2 FSI | 3,189 cc (195 cu in) | VR6 DOHC 24V FSI | AXZ / BDB / BMJ / BUB | 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @6300 | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @2500–3000 | 2003–2009 |
| AXZ?(Canada)[14] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @2800–3200 | 2003–2009 | ||||
| 2.5 TFSI | 2,480 cc (151 cu in) | I5 DOHC 20V FSI turbo | CEPA | 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) @5400–6500 | 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @1600–5300 | 2011–present (Audi RS 3 only) |
| Diesel engines | ||||||
| 1.6 TDI | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V common rail turbo with DPF |
CAYB | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4200 | 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @1500–2500 | 2009–present |
| CAYA | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4400 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500–2500 | 2009–present | |||
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) | I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors |
BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4000 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1900 | 2003–2009 |
| 2.0 TDI | 1,968 cc (120 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V turbo with unit injectors |
BKD | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4000[15] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2003–2008 |
| I4 DOHC 8V turbo with unit injectors and DPF |
BMM | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4000[15] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2006–2008 | ||
| I4 DOHC 8V turbo with unit injectors and DPF |
BMN | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @4200 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2006–2008 | ||
| I4 DOHC 16V common rail turbo with DPF |
CBAB | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4200 | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2008–present | ||
| CBBB | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @4200 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2008–present | |||
| I4 DOHC 16V common rail turbo with piezo element injectors and DPF |
CBEA | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4200[16] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2010– | ||
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