1996-2003
Front 3/4Click to expand
Engineering first
Audi's entry into the premium hatchback segment. The A3 brought four-ring prestige to a class previously dominated by non-premium brands.
History
Built on the VW Golf Mk4 platform, the A3 elevated the compact hatchback with superior materials, build quality, and the 1.8T engine that became a tuning legend. The S3 with 210 hp and Quattro was the hot hatch benchmark of its era.
Timeline
1996Production begins
2003Production ends
Production & Heritage
Production Total900,000
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Production Period1996-2003
Estimated Value$3K-$10K
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine1.8L Inline-4 Turbo (20V)
Power180 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque235 Nm
0-60 mph7.2 sec
Top Speed228 km/h
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainFWD
Weight1,205 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.32
BodySteel monocoque
Engine Details
Engine CodeAJQ
Displacement1.8L (1,781 cc)
Bore x Stroke81 x 86.4 mm
Compression9.5
Valves20
Fuel SystemMulti-point sequential indirect fuel injection
Engine ManagementBosch ME 7.5
Performance
0-100 km/h7.6 sec
0-60 mph7.2 sec
Top Speed228 km/h
Fuel Economy7.8 l/100km combined
Weight-to-Power6.7 kg/hp
Dimensions
Length4,152 mm
Width1,735 mm
Height1,423 mm
Wheelbase2,513 mm
Chassis & Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson strut with lower wishbone
Rear SuspensionMulti-link (quattro) / Torsion beam (FWD)
Front BrakesVentilated disc 288mm
Rear BrakesSolid disc 232mm
SteeringHydraulic rack and pinion
Tires205/55 R16
Wheels6.5J x 16
Stability SystemsESP, ABS, EBD, ASR
Drivetrain
Gear Ratios5-speed manual: 1st 3.778, 2nd 2.118, 3rd 1.360, 4th 0.971, 5th 0.756
Final Drive3.389
Capacity
Fuel Tank55 L
Trunk Volume330 L
Doors3
Seats5
Source: Wikipedia, auto-data.net
Tags
Designed by Peter Schreyer
From the 1990s
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