Audi A3

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Audi A3

2003-05 Audi A3
Manufacturer Audi
Parent company Volkswagen Group
Production 1996—present
Class Entry-level luxury car,
Small family car
Layout transverse front engine,
front-wheel drive or quattro on-demand four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group A platform series

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 SEAT León, SEAT Toledo and Škoda Octavia .

Contents

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

Audi A3 (8L)

Audi A3 5-Door (post-facelift)
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 20v
1.8L I4 20v Turbo
1.9L TDI I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
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) Mk1
SEAT León Mk1
SEAT Toledo Mk2
VW Golf Mk4
VW Jetta Mk4
VW New Beetle
Škoda Octavia Mk1
Audi A3 3-Door (pre-facelift)

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 were an inline 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 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp), and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with Unit Injector "Pumpe Düse" (PD) technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) or 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based on-demand four-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.[citation needed]

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 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp) 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 96 kW (131 PS; 129 bhp) 1.9 TDI.

Audi's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction-control and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.

The A3 was never offered with Volkswagen Group's most powerful 1.9TDI engine, the 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS) 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 undeveloped 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)

Audi A3 2.0T 5-door (US)
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
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic S-Tronic
7-speed automatic S-Tronic
Wheelbase 2,578 mm (101.5 in)
Length 3-door: 4,215 mm (165.9 in)
5-door: 4,285 mm (168.7 in)
Width 1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Height 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Fuel capacity 55 L (12.1 imp gal; 14.5 US gal)
Related Audi TT (8J) Mk2
VW Golf/Rabbit Mk5
SEAT León II
SEAT Toledo Mk3
SEAT Altea
VW Jetta Mk5
Škoda Octavia II
A3 3dr S line (pre-facelift)
2009 Audi A3 (North America)

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 147 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp), and a 3.2 VR6 engine (for the first time) with 184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp). Haldex Traction-based quattro on-demand four wheel drive, and the S-Tronic semi-auto gearbox were introduced as optionals (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp) 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 VR6 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] Later engine options

In April 2006, the lineup was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI with 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp). 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 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp), and is available with standard quattro and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The second generation S3 is capable of accelerating to 0–100 km/h (0–62 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 118 kW (160 PS; 158 bhp). It is available in front-wheel drive only.

In late 2007, Audi introduced a new 92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp) 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.

In June 2009, Audi announced that they will be releasing two more engines for the A3 in the European market. The two engines are both 1.6-liter diesel-powered TDI engines. The first uses Audi's start/stop and energy recovery system, and will produce 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp). This engine will achieve approximately 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg-imp; 57 mpg-US). The second engine does not use the same efficiency systems and will produce 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp) will get 4.5 L/100 km (63 mpg-imp; 52 mpg-US). The new engines will be available in June, 2009. [1]

[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.[2]

[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)[3] 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) 2003-present
2.0 TDI BMM I4 DOHC 16V TDI
with unit injectors
and particulate filter		 2 L (1968 cc, 120 cu in) 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[3] 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) 2006-present
2.0 TDI CBEA I4 DOHC 16V TDI
with piezo element injectors
and particulate filter		 2 L (1968 cc, 120 cu in) 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW)[4] 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) 2009-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)[5] 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

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "engines added to the Audi A3 range". www.audi.com. 2009-06-02. http://www.audi.com/com/brand/en/company/news/models_and_services.detail.2009~06~further_efficient.html. 
  2. ^ "The new generation Audi A3". www.audi.co.uk. 2008-04-27. http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/about_audi_ag/news/The_new_generation_Audi_A3.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-14. 
  3. ^ a b In some countries 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW)
  4. ^ "Audi A3 TDI FAQ and reviews". http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/8p/audiA3tdi_checklist.htm. 
  5. ^ In some countries 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW)
  1. "A7, A5, and A3 Joins Even Numbers", an article in the "News" section on page thirty-eight of the June, 2004 issue of Motor Trend
  2. Audi A3 Owner's Manual (English/UK edition) (2000 Audi AG)

[edit] External links

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