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The Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury car/small family car produced by the German
Germany

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands....
 automaker Audi
Audi

AUDI AG, is a Germany car manufacturer which produces cars under the Audi brand, . The name Audi is based on a latin translation of the last name of the founder August "Horch", itself the German word for ?hear." Another explanation for the origin of the name is as an acronym for ?Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt."...
 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
Audi TT

The Audi TT is a sports car manufactured by Audi since 1998 in Gyor, Hungary, now in its second generation — and available as a 2+2 coup? or two-seater roadster....
, Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

The 'Volkswagen Golf' is a compact car / small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates -- prominently as the 'Volkswagen Rabbit' in the United States and Canada , and as the 'Volkswagen Caribe' in Mexico ....
, Caddy
Volkswagen Caddy

The name Volkswagen Caddy has been used by the Volkswagen Group to describe four different Caddy models:*Typ 14 was derived from the Volkswagen Golf Mk1,...
 and Touran
Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is a compact MPV based on a vertically-stretched fifth generation Volkswagen Golf Mk5, and sold in Europe and other select markets....
 as well as Škoda Octavia
Škoda Octavia

The ?koda Octavia is a large family car produced by Czech automaker ?koda Auto since 1996, its name revived from a ?koda Octavia . The current Octavia is available in five-door liftback and station wagon body styles....
 and SEAT León
SEAT León

The SEAT Le?n is a small family car built by the Spain car manufacturer SEAT since 1999. It uses the Volkswagen A platform and shares other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and ?koda Octavia....
.

original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the Europe
Europe

Europe is, conventionally, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural , the Caspian Sea, and by the Caucasus Mountains to the southeast....
an market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the lower market segments since the demise of the Audi 50
Audi 50

The Audi 50 is a supermini car produced by Germany automaker Audi from 1974 to 1978 and sold only in Europe.The car was offered as a three-door hatchback with a 1093 cc petrol engine, producing either 50 or 60 PS for the LS and GL models, respectively....
.






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The Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury car/small family car produced by the German
Germany

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands....
 automaker Audi
Audi

AUDI AG, is a Germany car manufacturer which produces cars under the Audi brand, . The name Audi is based on a latin translation of the last name of the founder August "Horch", itself the German word for ?hear." Another explanation for the origin of the name is as an acronym for ?Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt."...
 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
Audi TT

The Audi TT is a sports car manufactured by Audi since 1998 in Gyor, Hungary, now in its second generation — and available as a 2+2 coup? or two-seater roadster....
, Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

The 'Volkswagen Golf' is a compact car / small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates -- prominently as the 'Volkswagen Rabbit' in the United States and Canada , and as the 'Volkswagen Caribe' in Mexico ....
, Caddy
Volkswagen Caddy

The name Volkswagen Caddy has been used by the Volkswagen Group to describe four different Caddy models:*Typ 14 was derived from the Volkswagen Golf Mk1,...
 and Touran
Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is a compact MPV based on a vertically-stretched fifth generation Volkswagen Golf Mk5, and sold in Europe and other select markets....
 as well as Škoda Octavia
Škoda Octavia

The ?koda Octavia is a large family car produced by Czech automaker ?koda Auto since 1996, its name revived from a ?koda Octavia . The current Octavia is available in five-door liftback and station wagon body styles....
 and SEAT León
SEAT León

The SEAT Le?n is a small family car built by the Spain car manufacturer SEAT since 1999. It uses the Volkswagen A platform and shares other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and ?koda Octavia....
.

First generation (Typ 8L, 1996–2003)


The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the Europe
Europe

Europe is, conventionally, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural , the Caspian Sea, and by the Caucasus Mountains to the southeast....
an market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the lower market segments since the demise of the Audi 50
Audi 50

The Audi 50 is a supermini car produced by Germany automaker Audi from 1974 to 1978 and sold only in Europe.The car was offered as a three-door hatchback with a 1093 cc petrol engine, producing either 50 or 60 PS for the LS and GL models, respectively....
. This was the first Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group, or Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft , is a German automotive industry group, currently the automotive industry#World's largest vehicle manufacturing groups , and the largest in Europe....
 model to use the "PQ34" or "A4" platform, bearing a natural close resemblance to its contemporary, the Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Volkswagen Golf Mk4

Launched in 1997, the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 became the biggest selling car in Europe at one point. It was a deliberate attempt to take the Volkswagen Golf series further upmarket, with a high-quality interior and higher equipment levels....
. The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback
Hatchback

Hatchback is a term designating an automobile design, containing a passenger cabin with an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind the vehicle by a single, top-hinged tailgate or large flip-up window....
 body, in order to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front-
Front-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive is a form of Internal combustion engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only....
 and four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive, 4WD, 4x4 , or AWD is a four-wheeled vehicle with a Powertrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously....
. All engines had a four-cylinder
Straight-4

The straight-4 or inline-4 engine is a four cylinder internal combustion engine with all four cylinder mounted in a straight line along the crankcase....
 configuration and were transversely mounted
Transverse engine

A transverse engine is an engine in which the crankshaft is oriented side-to-side relative to the length of the vehicle. This is also sometimes called an east-west engine....
. 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
Straight-4

The straight-4 or inline-4 engine is a four cylinder internal combustion engine with all four cylinder mounted in a straight line along the crankcase....
 TDI Diesel with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger
Variable geometry turbocharger

Variable geometry turbochargers are a family of turbochargers, usually designed to allow the effective aspect ratio of the turbo to be altered as conditions change....
. 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 Traction-based all-wheel drive system as the Audi S3
Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....
 and the Audi TT
Audi TT

The Audi TT is a sports car manufactured by Audi since 1998 in Gyor, Hungary, now in its second generation — and available as a 2+2 coup? or two-seater roadster....
. 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
Manual transmission

A manual transmission is a type of Transmission used in automotive applications. It generally utilizes a driver-operated clutch operated by a pedal or lever, for regulating torque transfer from the engine to the transmission, and a gear-shift either operated by hand or by foot ....
 gearbox, on the 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW) 1.9 TDI. Audi's ESP
Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that improves the safety of a car handling by detecting and preventing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, ESC automatically applies individual brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver wants to go....
 (Electronic Stability Programme) traction-control and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment. Sadly the A3 was never offered with the most powerful 1.9TDI engine, the 150bhp unit offered in the VW Golf GTI and SEAT Leon FR.

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
Brazil

Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the List of countries and outlying territories by total area country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the List of countries by population country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world....
, the retail price increased from R$60,000(US$30,000) to R$100,000 (US$50,000).

Engines

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

Volkswagen Group, or Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft , is a German automotive industry group, currently the automotive industry#World's largest vehicle manufacturing groups , and the largest in Europe....
.
Name Volume Fuel Output Torque Engine code 0-100 km/h,s Top speed Years
1.6 8vPetrolAEH/AKL/APF12.0 s1996–2000
1.6 8vPetrolAVU/BFQ11.9 s2000–2003
1.8 20vPetrolAGN/APG9.6 s1996–2003
1.8 20vTPetrolAGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM8.2 s1996–2003
1.8 20vTPetrolAJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ7.5 s1999–2003
1.8 20vT (S3)
Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....
PetrolAMK6.8 s1999–2001
1.8 20vT (S3)
Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....
PetrolBAM6.6 s2001–2003
1.9 8v TDIDiesel
Diesel

Diesel or diesel fuel in general is any fuel used in diesel engines. The most common is a specific fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil, but alternatives that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass to liquid or gas to liquid diesel, are increasingly being developed and adopted....
AGR/ALH11.4 s1996–2001
1.9 8v TDIDieselATD/AXR11.0 s2001–2003
1.9 8v TDIDieselAHF/ASV10.5 s1997–2000
1.9 8v TDIDieselASZ9.2 s2000–2003


Second generation (Typ 8P, 2003–present)


In the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Walter de'Silva
Walter de'Silva

Walter Maria de?Silva is a automobile design from Italy, and currently in charge of all Volkswagen Group design....
. Originally launched only as a three-door hatchback
Hatchback

Hatchback is a term designating an automobile design, containing a passenger cabin with an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind the vehicle by a single, top-hinged tailgate or large flip-up window....
 with four cylinder engines, it featured a new automobile platform
Automobile platform

An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques....
 (the PQ35
Volkswagen A platform

The Volkswagen Group A platform is an automobile platform shared among compact car and mid-size cars of the Volkswagen Group.It was originally based on the engineering concept of the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, and is applicable to either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles, using only front-engine design transverse engines....
 platform), a redesigned and more spacious interior, new petrol engine
Petrol engine

A Petrol engine or Gasoline engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition engine designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
s with Fuel Stratified Injection
Gasoline direct injection

Gasoline direct injection is a latest variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke cycle and Four-stroke cycle stroke petrol engines....
 (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 , and a 3.2 VR6 engine
VR6 engine

The VR6 engine is an internal combustion engine configuration developed by the Volkswagen Group. It is similar to the V engine, but with the cylinder offset from each other and tilted by 10.6? or 15? instead of the more common 45?, 60?, or 90?....
 (for the first time) with . Haldex Traction-based quattro four wheel drive, and the S-Tronic
Direct-Shift Gearbox

Direct-Shift Gearbox ), or DSG, is a Volkswagen Group developed electronically controlled multiple-shaft twin-clutch gearbox manual gearbox - without a conventional clutch pedal, with full automatic, or semi-manual control....
 semi-auto gearbox
Semi-automatic transmission

A semi-automatic transmission is a system which uses electronic sensors, processors and actuators to do gear shifts on the command of the driving....
 were introduced as optionals (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model and over.

A new five-door body, named "Sportback", was introduced in June 2004. Unlike the previous generation, the new A3 Sportback is 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
Audi A8

The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury vehicle built by the Germany automotive industry Audi, to replace the Audi V8 as its Flagship#Automotive. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a multitronic or Tiptronic automatic transmission....
.

North American launch

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 America
North America

North America is the northern continent of the Americas, situated in the Earth's northern hemisphere and almost totally in the western hemisphere....
n market, exclusively with the Sportback body, with the base 2.0 straight-4
Straight-4

The straight-4 or inline-4 engine is a four cylinder internal combustion engine with all four cylinder mounted in a straight line along the crankcase....
 TFSI introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model and the 3.2 V6 quattro following in 2006. In the Spring of 2005, Audi began a massive alternate reality game
Alternate reality game

An alternate reality game, also known as an altered reality game , is an interactive narrative that uses the real world as a platform, often involving multiple media and game elements, to tell a story that may be affected by participants' ideas or actions....
 to advertise for the A3, known as The Art of the Heist
The Art of the Heist

The Art of the Heist was an Alternate Reality Game created to promote the Audi A3....
.

New engine options

In April 2006, the lineup was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI
Turbocharged Direct Injection

Turbocharged Direct Injection is the technology used to describe and name modern turbodiesel diesel engines produced by Volkswagen Group, and widely used in all marques of automobile and light commercial vehicles produced by the company ....
 with . In August 2006, Audi announced the arrival of the S3
Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....
 version, which became the new range topper. The 2.0 TFSI engine was re-engineered and uprated to , and is available with standard quattro and a 6-speed manual
Manual transmission

A manual transmission is a type of Transmission used in automotive applications. It generally utilizes a driver-operated clutch operated by a pedal or lever, for regulating torque transfer from the engine to the transmission, and a gear-shift either operated by hand or by foot ....
 gearbox. The second generation S3 is capable of accelerating to in 5.7 seconds. The springs and dampers were tuned for a harder setting, and ride height lowered by . 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 . It is available in front-wheel drive only.

In late 2007, Audi introduced a new 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
BlueMotion

BlueMotion is a trade name for fuel-efficient automobile models from the Volkswagen Group.Volkswagen introduced the name in 2006 on the VW Polo#BlueMotion, and in 2007 a version based on the current VW Passat was released....
, is available with the 1.9L TDI engine, and offers a more ecological car, with a CO2
Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalent bond to a single carbon atom. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure and exists in Earth's atmosphere in this state....
 emission below 120 g/km.

2008 revisions

In 2008, Audi introduced a number of changes to the A3 and S3. These include revised nose and tail styling, with a modified grille and the new "trademark" daytime running lights, common rail
Common rail

Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol engine and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding Unit Injector , or high-pressure fuel line to mechanical valves controlled by ca...
 2.0 TDI engines, 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission availability for the smaller non-U.S. engines, and optional "magnetic ride" adaptive shock absorber
Shock absorber

A shock absorber in common parlance is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damping shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy....
s. In addition, the range now includes an S3 Sportback model.

Engines

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

Volkswagen Group, or Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft , is a German automotive industry group, currently the automotive industry#World's largest vehicle manufacturing groups , and the largest in Europe....
.
ModelEngine codeEngine typeDisplacementPowerTorqueYears
Petrol engine
Petrol engine

A Petrol engine or Gasoline engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition engine designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
s
1.4 TFSICAXCI4
Straight-4

The straight-4 or inline-4 engine is a four cylinder internal combustion engine with all four cylinder mounted in a straight line along the crankcase....
 DOHC 16V
Multi-valve

In automotive engineering, an engine is referred to as multi-valve when each cylinder has more than two poppet valve. Such designs have been around since at least 1912 and perhaps earlier....

FSI
Gasoline direct injection

Gasoline direct injection is a latest variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke cycle and Four-stroke cycle stroke petrol engines....
 Turbocharged
Turbocharger

A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine. Like a supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the mass of air entering the engine to create more power....
2007-present
1.6BGU / BSE /
BSF / CCS		I4 SOHC 8V2003-present
1.6 FSIBAG / BLF / BLPI4 DOHC 16V FSI2003-2007
1.8 TFSIBYT / BZBI4 DOHC 16V
FSI Turbocharged		2007-present
2.0 FSIAXW / BLR / BLX /
BLY / BVY / BVX / BVZ		I4 DOHC 16V FSI2003-2007
2.0 TFSIAXX / BPY / BWA / CAWBI4 DOHC 16V
FSI Turbocharged		2004-present
2.0 TFSI (S3
Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....
)		BHZI4 DOHC 16V
FSI Turbocharged		2006-present
3.2 FSIAXZ / BUBVR6
VR6 engine

The VR6 engine is an internal combustion engine configuration developed by the Volkswagen Group. It is similar to the V engine, but with the cylinder offset from each other and tilted by 10.6? or 15? instead of the more common 45?, 60?, or 90?....
 DOHC 24V FSI		2003-present
Diesel engine
Diesel engine

A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine which operates using the diesel cycle . Diesel engines have the highest thermal efficiency compared to any internal combustion or external combustion engine....
s
1.9 TDIBJB / BKC / BXE / BLSI4 SOHC 8V TDI
Turbocharged Direct Injection

Turbocharged Direct Injection is the technology used to describe and name modern turbodiesel diesel engines produced by Volkswagen Group, and widely used in all marques of automobile and light commercial vehicles produced by the company ....

with unit injectors
Unit Injector

Unit Injector is a diesel engine fuel injection system, combining the injection pump and the injector nozzle in a single component, which is driven by the internal combustion engine camshaft....
2003-present
2.0 TDIBKDI4 DOHC 16V TDI
with unit injectors		2003-present
2.0 TDIBMMI4 SOHC 8V TDI
with unit injectors
and particulate filter		2006-present
2.0 TDIBMNI4 DOHC 16V TDI
with unit injectors
and particulate filter		2006-present


Awards and accolades

  • (2008) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a United States non-profit organization funded by auto insurers. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that still occur....
     (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in midsize cars
  • (2007) Audi 2.0T FSI named International Engine of the Year
    International Engine of the Year

    The International Engine of the Year is an annual competition judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world and organized by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring publication company....
  • (2006) International Car of the Year
    International Car of the Year

    The International Car of the Year awards are one of Car of the Year around the world for new automobile models judged to be the best of their generation....
     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
    BusinessWeek

    BusinessWeek is a business magazine published by McGraw-Hill. It was first published in 1929 under the direction of Malcolm Muir, who was serving as president of the McGraw-Hill Publishing company at the time....
     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


See also

  • Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro concept
    Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro concept

    The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro is a concept car unveiled in 2008. Based on the Audi A3, it is an approach by Audi AG to address both performance and the environment....
  • Audi S3
    Audi S3

    The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by Germany automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced....


External links

    • (UK)