AUDI A3 — Specifications & VIN Lookup
Find detailed specifications for the AUDI A3. Decode any AUDI A3 VIN to view engine, body, and safety details.
Find detailed specifications for the AUDI A3. Decode any AUDI A3 VIN to view engine, body, and safety details.
The Audi A3 is a premium small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996.
The Audi A3 is a small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996. The first two generations of the Audi A3 were based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, while the third and fourth generations use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
Audi announced the first generation A3 (Typ 8L) in June 1995. The model was launched for the European market in September 1996 and marked Audi's return to small cars after 19 years, following the demise of the Audi 50 in 1978. The A3 was the first Volkswagen Group model to use the PQ34 (or "A4") platform, bearing close resemblance to the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, which arrived a year later. Within three years of the A3's launch, the PQ34 platform was utilised by seven different vehicles. Initially, the A3 was only available as a three-door hatchback; this was done to give the model a sportier image and differentiate it from the Golf. Offered with transversely mounted inline four-cylinder engines in both front and quattro four-wheel drive, the A3 was Audi's eighth model to have five valves per cylinder. The dashboard was also used by the first generation SEAT León and second generation SEAT Toledo. The United Kingdom received the Audi A3 in November 1996. In 1999, Audi expanded the A3 range with the introduction of a five-door hatch and two new engine options; a 1.8 L turbocharged inline four-cylinder rated at 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), and a 1.9 L TDI diesel with unit injector "Pumpe Düse" (PD) technology and a variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel drive A3 1.8T Quattro used either the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based quattro system as the Audi S3 and Audi TT. In late 2000, the A3 range was updated with new headlights and taillights, an improved interior, and other minor cosmetic changes alongside the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox on the 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.8T and new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI. With this update, Audi's electronic stability control, traction-control, and brake force distribution systems became standard in some countries. Although the first generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, it continued to be sold in select markets; Brazilian production of Typ 8L A3 continued until 2006.
The first generation A3 received a Euro NCAP rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Their evaluation concluded "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." The A3 also provided minimal protection for pedestrians, and received two stars out of a possible four.
S3 (1999–2003) Audi released the A3-derived S3 in 1999. Only available as a three-door hatchback, the S3 was powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L 20v inline four-cylinder. Early models (1999–2001) produced 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp), with later models (2001–2003) receiving variable valve timing which increased output to 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engine had a maximum torque output of 280 N⋅m (210 ft⋅lbf). The S3 was the first Audi S-series car to utilise a smaller four-cylinder engine. The S3's quattro system utilises a Haldex Traction coupling to adjust the bias of torque distribution from the front to rear axle as grip requirements change. Due to this, the S3 typically operates in front-wheel-drive in most conditions. The S3 was sold in Europe, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2002, the S3 received a facelift, receiving revised front wings, rear lights clusters, single-piece headlight and indicator units, and minor interior trim updates. Standard features include xenon HID headlamps with high pressure washers and auto levelers, front fog lamps, 17-inch "Avus" alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tyres, electrically adjustable Recaro leather seats, climate control, an alarm and electronic stability control with traction control.
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-dimming 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. Some of these items are standard in certain export markets.
Engines The engines used in the Typ 8L range are also used in a range of other Volkswagen Group vehicles.
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