The award winning Audi A3 has different types of powerful engines and is the best option among small family cars
Introduction
The Audi A3 is being produced by Audi AG since 1996. The Audi A3 belongs to a small family car class which is smaller than a mid-size car and larger than a subcompact car. Initially the
Audi A3 was based on the Volkswagen Group A platform. The Audi A3 provides front wheel drive and (optional) Quattro/four wheel or all-wheel drive.
First Generation (1996-2003)
The first generation of Audi A3 was launched in 1996 in Europe. This generation was based on the Volkswagen Group A platform. Audi returned to production of smaller cars With Audi A3. Initially the Audi A3 was available only in hatchback body style with 3 doors but 5-door hatchback body style was also launched later in 1999. Audi A3 provided options of front wheel drive and (optional) all-wheel drive.
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2513 mm (98.9 inches), Quattro 2518 mm (99.1 inch)
- Length: 4152 mm (163.5 inches)
- Width: 1735 mm (68.3 inches)
- Height: 1423 mm (56.0 inches)
The Audi A3 used inline-4 engine, the five valves per cylinder. With introduction of these powerful engines Audi expanded the range in 1999.
- 1.8 turbo with output of 132 kW (178 HP, 180 PS)
- 1.9 TDI turbocharger diesel engine
- The all-wheel drive A3 Quattro used either the 110 kW (148 HP, 150 PS) or 130 kW (180 HP, 180 PS) engine
In some countries the brake force distribution, electronic stability control computer of Audi became the standard equipment.
In 2003, the first generation of Audi A3 was replaced in Europe, in some markets the model of first generation continued to be sold. In 2006, production of this generation model stopped. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) rated 3-door hatchback Audi A3 with 4 stars out of 5 in 1998.
Engines
| Petrol Engines |
| Name |
Engine Code |
Type |
Displacement |
Output |
Torque |
0-100 km/h,
seconds |
Top Speed |
Years |
| 1.6 8v |
AEH/AKL/APF |
I4 |
1595 cc
(97 cubic inch) |
74 kW
(100 HP, 101 PS) |
145 N-m
(107 lb-ft) |
11.0
|
188 km/h
(117 mph) |
1996-2000 |
| 1.6 8v |
AVU/BFQ |
I4 |
1595 cc
(97 cubic inch) |
75 kW
(101 HP, 102 PS) |
148 N-m
(109 lb-ft) |
10.9 |
189 km/h
(117 mph)
|
2000-2003 |
| 1.8 20v |
AGN/APG |
I4 |
1781 cc
(109 cubic inch) |
92 kW
(123 HP, 125 PS) |
170 N-m
(125 lb-ft) |
9.6 |
202 km/h
(126 mph) |
1996-2003 |
| 1.8 20vT |
AGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM |
I4 turbo |
1781 cc
(109 cubic inch) |
110 kW
(148 HP, 150 PS) |
210 N-m
(155 lb-ft) |
8.2 |
217 km/h
(135 mph) |
1996-2003 |
| 1.8 20vT |
AJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ |
I4 turbo |
1781 cc
(109 cubic inch) |
132 kW
(178 HP, 180 PS) |
235 N-m
(173 lb-ft) |
7.5 |
228 km/h
(142 mph) |
1999-2003 |
| 1.8 20vT
(S3) |
APY/AMK |
I4 turbo |
1781 cc
(109 cubic inch) |
154 kW
(207 HP, 210 PS) |
270 N-m
(199 lb-ft) |
6.8 |
238 km/h
(148 mph) |
1999-2001 |
| 1.8 20vT
(S3) |
BAM |
I4 turbo |
1781 cc
(109 cubic inch) |
165 kW
(222 HP, 225 PS) |
280 N-m
(207 lb-ft) |
6.6 |
243 km/h
(151 mph) |
2001-2003 |
| Diesel Engines |
| 1.9 8v
(TDI) |
AGR/ALH |
I4 turbo |
1896 cc
(116 cubic inch) |
66 kW
(89 HP, (90 PS) |
210 N-m
(155 lb-ft) |
12.4 |
181 km/h
(112 mph) |
1996-2001 |
| 1.9 8v
(TDI) |
ATD/AXR |
I4 turbo |
1896 cc
(116 cubic inch) |
74 kW
(99 HP, 100 PS) |
240 N-m
(177 lb-ft) |
11.0 |
188 km/h
(117 mph) |
2001-2003 |
| 1.9 8v
(TDI) |
AHF/ASV |
I4 turbo |
1896 cc
(116 cubic inch) |
81 kW
(108 HP, 110 PS) |
235 N-m
(173 lb-ft) |
10.5 |
194 km/h
(121 mph) |
1997-2000 |
| 1.9 8v
(TDI) |
ASZ |
I4 turbo |
1896 cc
(116 cubic inch) |
96 kW
(128 HP, 130 PS) |
310 N-m
(229 lb-ft) |
9.2 |
205 km/h
(127 mph) |
2000-2003 |
Second generation
Audi introduced second generation of the Audi A3 at Geneva Motor Show in 2003. With 4-cylinder engines Audi launched as a 3-door hatchback style only. The A3 featured a new platform which is now known as PQ35, new FSI petrol engines, a redesigned interior and standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
In mid-2003, these two sport oriented models were introduced:
- 2.0 Turbo-FSI with output of 147 kW (197 HP, 200 PS)
- First time introduced a 3.2 L VR6 engine with output of 184 kW (247 HP, 250 PS)
Dimensions:
| Wheelbase |
2578 mm (101.5 inches) |
| Length |
3-door: 4215 mm (165.9 inches)
5-door: 4285 mm (168.7 inches) |
| Width |
1765 mm (69.5 inches) |
| Height |
1420 mm (55.9 inches) |
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.
| Chassis Codes |
Body Type |
Years |
| 8P1 |
3-door Hatchback |
2003- |
| 8PA |
5-door Hatchback |
2004- |
| 8P7 |
Cabriolet |
2008- |
A3 Sportsback (2004-2012)
In June 2014 the 5-door Sportsback model was introduced. The Sportsback is 3 inches longer than the 3-door hatchback body, includes a larger luggage compartment of 370 litres and improved space in rear cabin.
S3 (2006-2012)
The 3-door and 5-door body style second generation S3 was announced by Audi in August. The 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI petrol engine powered the S3 with maximum output of 195 kW (261HP, 265 PS). The S3 in Quattro all-wheel drive reaches 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) speed within 5.5 seconds only, and offers top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The S3 offers both the 6-speed S-Tronic automatic and 6-speed manual transmission.
Engines
| Petrol Engines |
|
Model |
Engine Code |
Engine Displacement |
Maximum Output |
Torque |
0-100 km/h
(0-62 mph) ,seconds |
Years |
|
1.2 TFSI |
CBZB |
1197 cc
(73 cubic inch) |
77 kW
(104 HP, 105 PS) |
175 N-m
(129lb-ft) |
10.6 |
2010-2013 |
|
1.4 TFSI |
CAXC |
1390 cc
(85 cubic inch) |
92 kW
(123 HP,125 PS) |
200 N-m
(148 lb-ft) |
9.1 |
2007-2013 |
|
1.6 |
BGU / BSE /BSF /CCS |
1595 cc
(97 cubic inch) |
75 kW
(101 HP, 102 PS) |
148 N-m
(109 lb-ft) |
11.5 |
2003-2010 |
|
1.6 TFSI |
BAG /BLF /BLP |
1598 cc
(98 cubic inch) |
85 kW
(113 HP, 115 PS) |
155 N-m
(114 lb-ft) |
10.6 |
2003-2007 |
|
1.8 TFSI |
BYT /BZB |
1798 cc
(110 cubic inch) |
118 kW
(158 HP, 160 PS) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
7.7 |
2007-2008 |
|
1.8 TFSI |
CDAA |
1798 cc
(110 cubic inch) |
118 kW
(158 HP, 160 PS) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
7.4 |
2009-2013 |
|
2.0 FSI |
AXW /BLR /BLX /BLY /BVX /BVY /BVZ |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
110 kW
(148 HP, 150 PS) |
200 N-m
(148 lb-ft) |
8.8 |
2003-2008 |
| 2.0 TFSI |
AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
147 kW
(197 HP, 200 PS) |
280 N-m
(207 lb-ft) |
6.8 |
2004-2008 |
|
2.0 TFSI |
CCZA |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
147 kW
(197 HP, 200 PS) |
280 N-m
(207 lb-ft) |
6.8 |
2009-2013 |
|
2.0 TFSI |
BHZ / CDLA |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
195 kW
(261 HP, 265 PS) |
350 N-m
(258 lb-ft) |
5.6 |
2006-2013
(Audi S3 only) |
|
2.5 TFSI |
CEPA |
2480 cc
(151 cuic inch) |
250 kW
(335 HP, 340 PS) |
450 N-m
(332 lb-ft) |
4.6 |
2011-2013
(Audi RS3 only) |
|
3.2 FSI |
AXZ / BDB / BMJ / BUB |
3189 cc
(195 cubic inch) |
184 kW
(247 HP, 250 PS) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
6.3 |
2003-2009 |
| Diesel Engines |
|
1.6 TDI |
CAYB |
1598 cc
(98 cubic inches) |
66 kW
(89 HP, 90 PS) |
230 N-m
(170 lb-ft) |
11.4 |
2009-2013 |
|
1.6 TDI |
CAYC |
1598 cc
(98 cubic inches) |
77 kW
(104 HP, 105 PS) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
11.0 |
2009-2013 |
|
1.9 TDI |
BJB /
BKC /
BXE /
BLS |
1896 cc
(116 cubic inches) |
77 kW
(104 HP, 105 PS) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
11.0 |
2003-2009 |
|
2.0 TDI |
BKD |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
103 kW
(138 HP, 140 PS) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
9.2 |
2003-2008 |
|
2.0 TDI |
BMM |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
103 kW
(138 HP, 140 PS) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
9.2 |
2006-2008 |
|
2.0 TDI |
BMN |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
125 kW
(168 HP, 170 PS) |
350 N-m
(258 lb-ft) |
7.9 |
2006-2008 |
|
2.0 TDI |
CBAB |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
103 Kw
(138 HP, 140 PS) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
9.1 |
2008-2013 |
|
2.0 TDI |
CBBB |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
125 Kw
(168 HP, 170 PS) |
350 N-m
(258 lb-ft) |
7.8 |
2008-2013 |
|
2.0 TDI |
CBEA |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inches) |
103 Kw
(138 HP, 140 PS) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
8.6 |
2010-2013 |
Third generation (2012-Present)
In 2012 Geneva Motor Show the third generation of this vehicle was introduced and sale started in September 2012. The third generation is available in different body styles like 2-door Cabriolet, 3-door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon, and 5-door Sportsback. In third generation these features are included
Emergency braking function stops the car after the first impact, to prevent secondary collisions.
- 4G broadband internet
- Multimedia Interface
- Pre sense collision avoidance system
- Side assist
- Active lane assist
These engines were included in early German models:-
- 1.4 TFSI
- 1.8 TFSI
- 2.0 TDI
In 2013 these engines were added in this generation vehicles:-
- 1.2 TFSI
- 1.4 TFSI
- 1.8 TFSI Quattro
- 1.6 TDI
- 2.0 TDI Quattro
A3 Saloon (2013-Present)
The A3 Saloon was launched at 2013 New York Auto Show. The sales of German models started in summer 2013. The A3 Saloon is 9 mm (0.35 inch) wider and 11 mm (0.43 inch) lower than A3 Sportsback. The German early models of A3 Saloon include these:
The sales of UK models began in autumn of 2013, and early models include these:
- 1.4 TFSI
- 1.8 TFSI
- 2.0 TDI
A3 Sportback (2013-Present)
There is a choice of 13 body colours (3 solid finishes, 8 metallic finishes and 2 pearl-effect finishes), 6-speed manual transmission for all engine models, Audi drive select with optional S Tronic, optional electromagnetic damper control system are the features which Audi A3 Sportback offers.
The A3 Sportback models were available for sale in market in February 2013. Early models include these:
- 1.4 TFSI
- 1.8 TFSI
- 1.8 TFSI Quattro
- 1.6 TDI
These were available in later models
- 1.2 TFSI
- 1.4 TFSI
- 2.0 TDI
- 2.0 TDI Quattro
- 2.0 TDI
The A3 Sportback g-tron is a version of A3 Sportback with 1.4 TFSI engine powered by Audi e-gas synthetic methane or compresses natural gas. The synthetic methane was produced by waste from a nearby biogas plant.
A3 Sportback e-tron (2014-Present)
At 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the plug-in hybrid concept car was introduced. Audi announced the production of plug-in hybrid version of A3 in May 2013, and the A3 e-tron. In mid-2014 A3 e-tron was available for sale in United Kingdom and United States. By pulling along the Audi’s logo the charging socket that charges the A3 e-tron can be seen.
The 1.4 L TSI petrol engine powered the
A3 Sportback e-tron. The 1.4 L TSI petrol engine delivers the output of 148 HP and Torque of 184 lb-ft, The electric motor of 101 HP is integrated into 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the maximum output it delivers is 201 HP and 243 lb-ft torque.
The 8.8 kWh battery pack is included in the plug-in hybrid that delivers the all-electric range of 50 km (31 mi) on the NEDC cycle, and 940 km total. The maximum speed plug-in hybrid can reach is 220 km/h (140 mph), the acceleration (0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph) is 7.6 seconds. Audi claimed that this car has an average fuel efficiency of 188 mpg and 35 g/km CO2 emissions. Total global sales as of December 2015 have reached to 12,994 units.
Engines
| Petrol Engines |
|
Model |
Transmission |
Engine Displacement |
Torque |
Maximum output |
Top Speed |
0-100 km/h
(0-62 mph),
seconds |
| A3 1.2
TFSI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S-Tronic (optional) |
1197 cc
(73 cubic inch) |
175 N-m
(129 lb-ft) |
77 kW
(104 HP, 105 PS) |
193 km/h
(120 mph) |
10.3 |
| A3 1.4
TFSI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S-Tronic (optional) |
1395 cc
(85 cubic inch) |
200 N-m
(148 lb-ft) |
92 kW
(123 HP, 125 PS) |
203 km/h
(126 mph) |
9.3 |
| A3 1.4
TFSI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S-Tronic (optional) |
1395 cc
(85 cubic inch) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
110 kW
(148 HP, 150 PS) |
212 km/h
(132 mph) |
8.3 |
| A3 1.8
TFSI |
6-speed manual or 6-speed S-Tronic automatic,
7-speed S-Tronic (optional) |
1798 cc
(110 cubic inch) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
132 kW
(178 HP, 180 PS) |
232 km/h
(144 mph) |
7.2 |
| A3 2.0
TFSI |
6-speed S-Tronic,
Automatic S-Tronic |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
350 N-m
(258 lb-ft) |
164 kW
(220 HP, 223 PS) |
232 km/h
(144 mph) |
5.8 |
| S3 2.0
TFSI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed (2017) S Tronic (optional) |
1984 cc
(121 cubic inch) |
380 N-m
(280 lb-ft) |
228 kW
(306 HP, 310 PS) |
249 km/h
(155 mph) |
4.6 |
| RS3 2.5
TFSI |
7-speed S Tronic |
2480 cc
(151 cubic inch) |
465 N-m
(343 lb-ft) |
270 kW
(362HP, 367 PS) |
280 km/h
(174 mph) |
4.3 |
| Diesel Engines |
| A3 1.6
TDI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S Tronic (optional) |
1598 cc
(98 cubic inch) |
250 N-m
(184 lb-ft) |
77 kW
(104 HP, 105 PS) |
195 km/h
(121 mph) |
10.7 |
| A3 2.0
TDI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S Tronic (optional) |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inch) |
320 N-m
(236 lb-ft) |
110 kW
(148 HP, 150 PS) |
213 km/h
(132 mph) |
8.6 |
| A3 2.0
TDI |
6-speed manual,
7-speed S Tronic (optional) |
1968 cc
(120 cubic inch) |
380 N-m
(280 lb-ft) |
135 kW
(181 HP, 184 PS) |
230 km/h
(143 mph) |
7.3 |
Awards
- In 2014, Audi A3 won The World Car of the Year (WCOTY)
- A UK based monthly automobile magazine and website ‘What Car?’ declared Audi A3 the Small Family Car of the Year and also the Car of the Year for 2013.
- The Audi A3 was selected as South African Car of the Year in 2006.
- In 2000 Audi A3 became the Brazilian car of the Year.
Best car award in Auto Motor and Sport readers’ poll (1997, 1999, 2000)
