Audi A3

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 [hide] 1 First generation (Typ 8L, 1996–2003) 1.1 Engines 2 Second generation (Typ 8P, 2003–present) 2.1 North American launch 2.2 New engine options 2.3 2008 revisions 2.4 Engines 3 Awards and accolades 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] First generation (Typ 8L, 1996–2003)

Audi A3 (8L)

Audi A3 5-Door (post-facelift)
Also called	Typ 8L
Production	1996–2003
Assembly	Ingolstadt, Germany; Curitiba, Brazil
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	1.6 L I4 1.8L I4 20 valve 1.8L Turbo I4 20 valve 1.9L TDI I4
Wheelbase	2513 mm (98.9 in) quattro: 2518 mm (99.1 in)
Length	4152 mm (163.5 in)
Width	1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1423 mm (56 in)
Related	Audi TT (8N) Škoda Octavia Mk1 SEAT León SEAT Toledo VW Golf Mk4 VW Jetta Mk4 VW 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 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 Traction-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. 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, 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.

Name	Volume	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
1.6 8v	1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in)	Petrol	101 PS (100 hp/74 kW) @5600 rpm	145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @3800 rpm	AEH/AKL/APF	12.0 s	188 km/h (117 mph)	1996–2000
1.6 8v	1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in)	Petrol	102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5600 rpm	148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3800 rpm	AVU/BFQ	11.9 s	189 km/h (117 mph)	2000–2003
1.8 20v	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	Petrol	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) @6000 rpm	170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	AGN/APG	9.6 s	202 km/h (126 mph)	1996–2003
1.8 20vT	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	Petrol	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5700 rpm	210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1750–4600 rpm	AGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM	8.2 s	217 km/h (135 mph)	1996–2003
1.8 20vT	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	Petrol	180 PS (178 hp/132 kW) @5500 rpm	235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1950–5000 rpm	AJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ	7.5 s	228 km/h (142 mph)	1999–2003
1.8 20vT (S3)	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	Petrol	209 PS (206 hp/154 kW) @5800 rpm	270 N·m (199 lb·ft) @2100 rpm	AMK	6.8 s	238 km/h (148 mph)	1999–2001
1.8 20vT (S3)	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	Petrol	225 PS (222 hp/165 kW) @5900 rpm	280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2200 rpm	BAM	6.6 s	243 km/h (151 mph)	2001–2003
1.9 8v TDI	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	Diesel	90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) @4000 rpm	210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1900 rpm	AGR/ALH	11.4 s	181 km/h (112 mph)	1996–2001
1.9 8v TDI	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	Diesel	100 PS (99 hp/74 kW) @4000 rpm	240 N·m (177 lb·ft) @1800–2400 rpm	ATD/AXR	11.0 s	188 km/h (117 mph)	2001–2003
1.9 8v TDI	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	Diesel	110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) @4150 rpm	235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1900 rpm	AHF/ASV	10.5 s	194 km/h (121 mph)	1997–2000
1.9 8v TDI	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	Diesel	130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) @4000 rpm	310 N·m (229 lb·ft) @1900 rpm	ASZ	9.2 s	205 km/h (127 mph)	2000–2003

[edit] Second generation (Typ 8P, 2003–present)

Audi A3 (8P)

Also called	Typ 8P (3-door), Typ 8PA (5-door)
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium (2004-2005; 2007 onwards);
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 Traction-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] 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 American market, exclusively with the Sportback body, with the base 2.0 straight-4 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 to advertise for the A3, known as The Art of the Heist.

[edit] New engine options

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] 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 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 absorbers. In addition, the range now includes an S3 Sportback model.^[1]

[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, 85 cu in)	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW)	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)	2007-present
1.6	BGU / BSE / BSF / CCS	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in)	102 PS (101 hp/75 kW)	148 N·m (109 lb·ft)	2003-present
1.6 FSI	BAG / BLF / BLP	I4 DOHC 16V FSI	1.6 L (1598 cc, 98 cu in)	115 PS (113 hp/85 kW)	155 N·m (114 lb·ft)	2003-2007
1.8 TFSI	BYT / BZB	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	1.8 L (1798 cc, 110 cu in)	160 PS (158 hp/118 kW)	250 N·m (184 lb·ft)	2007-present
2.0 FSI	AXW / BLR / BLX / BLY / BVY / BVX / BVZ	I4 DOHC 16V FSI	2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in)	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)	2003-2007
2.0 TFSI	AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in)	200 PS (197 hp/147 kW)	280 N·m (207 lb·ft)	2004-present
2.0 TFSI (S3)	BHZ	I4 DOHC 16V FSI Turbocharged	2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in)	265 PS (261 hp/195 kW)	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)	2006-present
3.2 FSI	AXZ / BUB	VR6 DOHC 24V FSI	3.2 L (3189 cc, 195 cu in)	250 PS (247 hp/184 kW)	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	2003-present
Diesel engines
1.9 TDI	BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	105 PS (104 hp/77 kW)	250 N·m (184 lb·ft)	2003-present
2.0 TDI	BKD	I4 DOHC 16V TDI with unit injectors	2 L (1968 cc, 120 cu in)	140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[2]	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	2003-present
2.0 TDI	BMM	I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors and particulate filter	2 L (1968 cc, 120 cu in)	140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[2]	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	2006-present
2.0 TDI	BMN	I4 DOHC 16V TDI with unit injectors and particulate filter	2 L (1968 cc, 120 cu in)	170 PS (168 hp/125 kW)[3]	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)	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 International 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