Audi A3

The Audi A3 is a small family car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1996. Two generations of Audi A3 exist, both based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, which they share with several other models such as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Caddy and Volkswagen Touran as well as SEAT León, SEAT Toledo and Škoda Octavia.

Audi A3

Audi A3 First generation (Typ 8L; 1996–2003)
The original Audi A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the production of smaller cars following 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.

Audi A3

Audi A3 Second generation (Typ 8P; 2003–present)
At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the Audi 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 L 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).

S3 (2006–present)

Audi A3

In August 2006, Audi announced the arrival of the second generation S3. Offered in three- and five-door body styles, the second generation—Typ 8P—S3 is powered by a modified and uprated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp). 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 widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 5.5 s, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Audi offers both six-speed manual and six-speed S-Tronic automatic transmissions with the S3.

The chassis has had the spring rating and dampers 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.

Audi A3

Audi has stated the S3 will not be sold in North/South America, although it is available in Mexico. It has announced a 2.0T quattro model for the North/South American market due out in 2009/2010 to coincide with the Audi A3 body upgrade.

RS 3 (2011–present)
In November 2010, Audi announced the Audi RS3 Sportback, which entered production in 2011. Only available as a five-door, it is equipped with a 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre 340 metric horsepower (250 kW; 340 hp) engine, paired with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, and the Quattro on-demand four-wheel drive system. The Audi RS 3 is only available in a five-door Sportback version and no manual transmission option. Its acceleration is quoted as 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The RS 3 is being assembled at the Audi plant in Győr, Hungary. First deliveries are expected in early 2011.

Audi A3 photos