The Audi A3 is a small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996."Audi A3 a model of success: Two decades, three generations" (2 December 2016). Press release. Audi-MediaCenter.com. Retrieved 24 December 2019."Audi A3: Generations Timeline, Specs, and Pictures" (28 October 2016). AutoEvolution.com. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
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. __TOC__
First generation (Typ 8L; 1996)
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 , 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 or 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 1.8T and new 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.
Safety
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 , with later models (2001–2003) receiving variable valve timing which increased output to . The engine had a maximum torque output of . 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,"Audi A3 Tyre Information" (28 October 2020). Tyrepressure.org. Retrieved 15 November 2022. 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. Name Type Engine code Output at rpm Torque at rpm time Top speed YearsPetrol engines1.6 8v I4AEH/AKL/APF at 5,600 rpm at 3,800 rpm11.0 s1996–20001.6 8v I4AVU/BFQ at 5,600 rpm at 3,800 rpm10.9 s2000–20031.8 20v I4AGN/APG at 6,000 rpm at 4,200 rpm9.6 s1996–20031.8 20vT I4 turboAGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM at 5,700 rpm at 1,750–4,600 rpm8.2 s1996–20031.8 20vT I4 turboAJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ at 5,500 rpm at 1,950–5,000 rpm7.5 s1999–20031.8 20vT (S3) I4 turboAPY, AMK at 5,800 rpm at 2,100 rpm6.8 s1999–20011.8 20vT (S3) I4 turboBAM at 5,900 rpm at 2,200 rpm6.6 s2001–2003Diesel engines1.9 8v TDI I4 turboAGR/ALH at 4,000 rpm at 1,900 rpm12.4 s1996–20011.9 8v TDI I4 turboATD/AXR at 4,000 rpm at 1,800–2,400 rpm11.0 s2001–20031.9 8v TDI I4 turboAHF/ASV at 4,150 rpm at 1,900 rpm10.5 s1997–20001.9 8v TDI I4 turboASZ at 4,000 rpm at 1,900 rpm9.2 s2000–2003
Second generation (Typ 8P; 2003)
Initial release At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Gary Telaak during 2000 (however, the final design was frozen in 2001). 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 petrol and 1.9 diesel).
In mid-2003 the line was updated with two sports-oriented models, a 2.0 Turbo-FSI version rated , and a 3.2 L VR6 engine (for the first time) with . 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 models with engines over .
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 FSI introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model and the 3.2 VR6 Quattro following. Chassis codes8P18PA8P7Body type3-door hatchback coupé5-door SportbackCabrioletYears2003–20132004–20132008–2013
A3 Sportback (2004–2013) The five-door "Sportback" model was introduced in June 2004. The 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, which was later adopted across the whole A3 range.
S3 (2006–2013) In August 2006, Audi introduced the second generation S3. Offered in three and five-door body styles, the second generation—Typ 8P—S3 is powered by a modified and updated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of . 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 engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a time of 5.7 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of . Audi offers both six-speed manual and six-speed S-Tronic automatic transmissions with the S3.
The spring ratings and dampers were 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.
Safety
Euro NCAP tested a second-generation Audi A3 with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and load limiters as standard. Despite Audi increasing the protection inside the car for the driver and passengers, pedestrian safety actually decreased by a third compared to the first generation; Euro NCAP criticised the car for offering virtually no protection at all on the front end, giving it one star from a possible four. "A poor result for a new car" was the verdict given for pedestrian safety after the test.
2008 facelift 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 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 includes an S3 Sportback model.
Also, a cabriolet version was introduced. It was similar in dimensions to the 3-door version, with a two-box design.
Audi A3 TDI Clubsport quattro (2008) 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 and of torque. It produces 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 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.
Exterior modifications include the widening of the three-door's grille, modifying the odd, and enlarging air intakes. Bolt-on fender flares and a large rear spoiler have been added. The interior changes include sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Audi claims performance of in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of . It is expected to get approximately .http://www.upcomingcarsinindia.in/
RS 3 Sportback (2011–2012)