Audi A3
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 2008 Audi A3 Sportback |
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| Manufacturer | Audi |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 1996—present |
| Class | Compact 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 a compact 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 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 | 2,513 mm (98.9 in) quattro: 2,518 mm (99.1 in) |
| Length | 4,152 mm (163.5 in) |
| Width | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Height | 1,423 mm (56.0 in) |
| Related | Audi TT (8N) Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 VW Golf Mk4 VW Jetta Mk4 VW New Beetle Škoda Octavia Mk1 |
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 rated 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), 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 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) 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 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI.
Audi's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction-control and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.
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 | Type | Engine code | Output@rpm | Torque@rpm | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||||
| 1.6 8v | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 | AEH/AKL/APF | 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) @5600 rpm | 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @3800 rpm | 12.0 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 1996–2000 |
| 1.6 8v | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 | AVU/BFQ | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5600 rpm | 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3800 rpm | 11.9 s | 189 km/h (117 mph) | 2000–2003 |
| 1.8 20v | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 | AGN/APG | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @6000 | 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @4200 | 9.6 s | 202 km/h (126 mph) | 1996–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | AGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5700 | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1750–4600 | 8.2 s | 217 km/h (135 mph) | 1996–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT | 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 turbo | AJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ | 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @5500 | 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1950–5000 | 7.5 s | 228 km/h (142 mph) | 1999–2003 |
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo | AMK | 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) @5800 | 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) @2100 | 6.8 s | 238 km/h (148 mph) | 1999–2001 |
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 1,781 cc (109 cu in) | BAM I4 turbo | 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) @5900 | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2200 | 6.6 s | 243 km/h (151 mph) | 2001–2003 |
| Diesel engines | |||||||
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | AGR/ALH | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4000 | 210 N·m (155 lb·ft) @1900 | 12.4 s | 181 km/h (112 mph) | 1996–2001 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | ATD/AXR | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @4000 | 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) @1800–2400 | 11.0 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 2001–2003 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | AHF/ASV | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @4150 | 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @1900 | 10.5 s | 194 km/h (121 mph) | 1997–2000 |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo | ASZ | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) @4000 | 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) @1900 | 9.2 s | 205 km/h (127 mph) | 2000–2003 |
[edit] Gallery
 Audi A3 3-door (pre-facelift) |
 Audi A3 5-door (post-facelift) |
[edit] Second generation (Typ 8P/8PA, 2003–present)
 Audi A3 2.0T 5-door (US) |
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| Production | 2003–present |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Ingolstadt, Germany [1] 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 |
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 rated 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp), and a 3.2 VR6 engine (for the first time) with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). 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 every model with engine over 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp).
[edit] Body styles
| Chassis codes | 8P1 | 8PA | 8P? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body type | 3-door hatchback | 5-door Sportback | Cabriolet |
| Years | 2003- | 2004- | 2008- |
The five-door A3 Sportback model was introduced in June 2004. The A3 Sportback is 80 mm (3 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, which was later adopted across the whole A3 range.
[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.
[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] Audi S3 (2006-)
In August 2006, Audi announced the arrival of the S3. The 2.0 TFSI engine was rated 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp), and is available with standard quattro and a 6-speed manual transmission. It is to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds. The springs and dampers were tuned for a harder setting, and ride height lowered by 25 mm (1 in). 225/40 ZR18 tyres are standard.
[edit] Audi A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel (2010-)
The A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of Audi A3 2.0 TDI for North American market, making it is the second Audi TDI vehicle sold in North America, following the Audi Q7 TDI in 2008.
It is a FWD vehicle with S tronic transmission with Hill-hold assist, Sirius satellite radio, Leather seats and steering wheel, Auxiliary audio input, Dual-zone climate control, 17 in (431.8 mm) alloy wheels.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 North American International Auto Show. US model would begin sale in first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle.[3]
[edit] Audi RS3
In 2009 the motoring press reported that Audi are developing a high-performance RS variant of the A3. The RS3 is purported to offer 340 PS (250 kW; 335 bhp) from its turbocharged 5 cylinder engine, as seen in the Audi TT RS, and feature Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system.[4]
[edit] Engines
The engines used are the same as for many other cars in the Volkswagen Group.
| Model | Engine displacement | Engine type | Engine code | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||
| 1.4 TFSI | 1,390 cc (85 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | CAXC | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @5000 | 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @1500-4000 | 2007-present |
| 1.6 | 1,595 cc (97 cu in) | I4 SOHC 8V | BGU / BSE / BSF / CCS | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5600 | 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @3800 | 2003-present |
| 1.6 FSI | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI | BAG / BLF / BLP | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @6000 | 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @4000 | 2003-2007 |
| 1.8 TFSI | 1,798 cc (110 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | BYT / BZB | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @5000-6200 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500-4200 | 2007-2008 |
| CDAA | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @4500-6200 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500-4500 | 2009-present | |||
| 2.0 FSI | 1,984 cc (121 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V FSI | AXW / BLR / BLX / BLY BVY / BVX / BVZ |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @6000 | 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @3250–4250 | 2003-2007 |
| 2.0 TFSI | I4 DOHC 16V FSI turbo | AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB | 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @5100–6000 | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @1800–5000 | 2004-2008 | |
| CCZA | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @1700–5000 | 2009- | ||||
| BHZ | 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) @6000 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @2500–5000 | 2006-present | |||
| 3.2 FSI | 3,189 cc (195 cu in) | VR6 DOHC 24V FSI | AXZ / BDB / BMJ / BUB | 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @6300 | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @2500–3000 | 2003-2009 |
| AXZ?(Canada)[5] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @2800–3200 | 2003-2009 | ||||
| Diesel engines | ||||||
| 1.6 TDI | 1,598 cc (98 cu in) | I4 16V common rail turbo with DPF |
CAYB | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4200 | 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @1500-2500 | 2009-present |
| CAYA | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4400 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1500-2500 | 2009-present | |||
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc (116 cu in) | I4 SOHC 8V TDI with unit injectors |
BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS | 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4000 | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) @1900 | 2003-2009 |
| 2.0 TDI | 1,968 cc (120 cu in) | I4 DOHC 16V turbo with unit injectors |
BKD | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4000[6] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2003-2008 |
| I4 SOHC 8V turbo with unit injectors and DPF |
BMM | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4000[6] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2006-2008 | ||
| I4 DOHC 16V turbo with unit injectors and DPF |
BMN | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @4200 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2006-2008 | ||
| I4 DOHC 16V common rail turbo with DPF |
CBAB | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4200 | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2008-present | ||
| CBBB | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @4200 | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2008-present | |||
| I4 DOHC 16V common rail turbo with piezo element injectors and DPF |
CBEA | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4200[7] | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750–2500 | 2010-present | ||
In April 2006, the line-up was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI with 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp).
In January 2007, the normally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.0 FSI was replaced by a new turbocharged 1.8 TFSI engine rated 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp). It is available in front-wheel drive only.
In late 2007, Audi introduced a new 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) 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 the release of two models of A3 1.6 TDI for European market. The first uses Audi's start/stop and energy recovery system, and will produce 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp). This engine will achieve approximately 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg-imp; 57 mpg-US).[clarification needed] The second engine does not use the same efficiency systems and will produce 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) will get 4.5 L/100 km (63 mpg-imp; 52 mpg-US). They went on sale in June 2009.[8]
[edit] Marketing
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] Gallery
 A3 (3-door) S-line (pre-facelift) |
 A3 (3-door) 1.9TDI (post-facelift) |
 A3 Sportback |
 A3 Cabriolet |
[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 (1.8L - 2.0L category)
- (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
- ^ Audi UK - production info
- ^ "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 2008-07-14.
- ^ Detroit 2009: A3 TDI coming to US Audi dealers late this year
- ^ Audi RS3 (2010): CAR's new spy photos
- ^ 2009 Audi A3 eBrochure
- ^ a b {{subst:Auto PS|136}} in some countries
- ^ "Audi A3 TDI FAQ and reviews". http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/8p/audiA3tdi_checklist.htm.
- ^ "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.
- "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
- Audi A3 Owner's Manual (English/UK edition) (2000 Audi AG)
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Audi A3 |
- Official Audi UK A3 microsite
- Official Audi USA A3 microsite
- Official Audi Canada A3 microsite
- 2007 Audi A3 S-line review at About.com
- Auto Express Driver Power 2007 survey (UK)
- Road & Track 2006 Audi A3 2.0 T DSG Long Term Test
- Unofficial Brazilian Audi A3 Forum
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