Table of Contents
Introduction
The Audi A3 is a small family or subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed since the 1990s by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group, currently in its fourth generation.
The first two generations of the Audi A3 were based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, which they share with the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Caddy, and Volkswagen Touran, as well as SEAT León, SEAT Toledo, and Škoda Octavia.
The third-generation A3 uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
 |
| 2021 Audi A3. Courtesy of motorpasion.com.mx |
First Generation
The original A3 (or Type 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 in 1978. This was the first Volkswagen Group model to use the "PQ34" or "A4" platform, bearing a close resemblance to the contemporary Volkswagen Golf Mk4, which arrived a year later. Within three years, this platform was used for total of seven cars.
 |
| Audi A3 First Generation. Courtesy of autoevolution.com |
The A3 was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front and four-wheel drive. The inline four-cylinder engines were transversely mounted. The Audi A3 was the eighth model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder.
The United Kingdom market first received the Audi A3 in November 1996.
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 (132 kW; 178 hp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based four-wheel-drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. Also in 1999, Audi also introduced a five-door body.
In late 2000 the A3 range was revised with new headlights and rear lamps, 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 new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI.
Audi's electronic stability control, traction-control, and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.
Although the first-generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, the first generation model continued to be sold in some markets. Production of the first generation model stopped in Brazil in 2006.
Safety
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 provides almost no protection to pedestrians, giving it two stars out of a possible four.
|
Test |
Score |
Rating |
|
Adult passenger |
25 |
4/5 |
|
Pedestrian |
12 |
2/4 |
Engine
Petrol Engine (Gasoline)
|
Name |
Type |
Engine code |
Output at rpm |
Torque at rpm |
0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) time |
Top speed |
Years |
|
1.6 8v |
1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 |
AEH/AKL/APF |
101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) at 5,600 rpm |
145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm |
11.0 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) at 5,600 rpm |
148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm |
10.9 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) at 6,000 rpm |
170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm |
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) at 5,700 rpm |
210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–4,600 rpm |
8.2 s |
217 km/h (135 mph) |
1996–2003 |
|
1.8 20vT |
1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo |
AJQ/APP/ARY/AUQ |
180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 1,950–5,000 rpm |
7.5 s |
228 km/h (142 mph) |
1999–2003 |
|
1.8 20vT (S3) |
1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo |
APY, AMK |
210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 5,800 rpm |
270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) at 2,100 rpm |
6.8 s |
238 km/h (148 mph) |
1999–2001 |
|
1.8 20vT (S3) |
1,781 cc (109 cu in) I4 turbo |
BAM |
225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) at 5,900 rpm |
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm |
6.6 s |
243 km/h (151 mph) |
2001–2003 |
Diesel Engine
|
Name |
Type |
Engine code |
Output at rpm |
Torque at rpm |
0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) time |
Top speed |
Years |
|
1.9 8v TDI |
1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 turbo |
AGR/ALH |
90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4,000 rpm |
210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm |
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) at 4,000 rpm |
240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–2,400 rpm |
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) at 4,150 rpm |
235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm |
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) at 4,000 rpm |
310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm |
9.2 s |
205 km/h (127 mph) |
2000–2003 |
Second Generation
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).
 |
| Audi A3 2nd Generdation. Courtesy of autoexpress.co.uk |
In mid-2003 the line was updated with two sports-oriented 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 models with engines over 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp).
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.
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 got 33% worse compared to the first generation and Euro NCAP gave criticism for the car offering virtually no protection at all on the front end and scoring just one star from a possible four. "A poor result for a new car" was the verdict given for pedestrian safety after the test.
|
Test |
Score |
Rating |
|
Adult Passenger |
29 |
4/5 |
|
Child Passenger |
35 |
3/5 |
|
Pedestrian |
8 |
1/4 |
Engine
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) 1.4 L TFSI engine for the A3, replacing the 1.6 L FSI engine, and a new diesel "e"-model. The "e"-model, Audi's equivalent of Volkswagen's BlueMotion, is available with the 1.9 L TDI engine, and offers a more ecological car, with a CO2 emission below 120 g/km.
Audi released two models of the A3 1.6 TDI for the European market. The first uses Audi's start/stop and energy recovery system, and produces 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp). This engine achieves 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.
In 2009, the 1.6 L eight-valve petrol engine was replaced by
a turbocharged 1.2 TFSI engine already found in VW's Polo and Golf
models. This engine is rated at 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp)
and 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft), emitting 127 g/km of
CO
2. As
of April 2010, Audi has yet to release official specifications or
prices for the 1.2 TSI model, as the 1.6 model has been made a
special clearance model for clearing out 1.6 stock.
The A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of Audi's A3 2.0 TDI for the North American market, making it 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 (432 mm) alloy wheels. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. This US model would begin sale in the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle.
In March 2011, the line-up was expanded with the introduction of a more powerful 2.0 TDI with 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp).
The 2012 Audi 2.0L I4 TDI produces 140 hp (104 kW) and 236 lb⋅ft (320 N⋅m) of torque and will go from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 8.9 seconds.
The 2.0 TDI engine was included in the engines found by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to use software intentionally designed to turn off emission control systems except when undergoing emission testing. Models made from 2009 to 2015 were affected.
Petrol Engine (Gasoline)
|
Model |
Engine displacement |
Engine code |
Power at rpm |
Torque at rpm |
0–100 km/h
(0-62 mph) |
Years |
|
1.2 TFSI |
1,197 cc (73 cu in) I4 |
CBZB |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5,000 rpm |
175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 1,550–4,100 rpm |
10.6 s |
2010–2013 |
|
1.4 TFSI |
1,390 cc (85 cu in) I4 |
CAXC |
125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 5,000 rpm |
200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–4,000 rpm |
9.1 s |
2007–2013 |
|
1.6 |
1,595 cc (97 cu in) I4 |
BGU / BSE / BSF / CCS |
102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 5,600 rpm |
148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm |
11.5 s |
2003–2010 |
|
1.6 FSI |
1,598 cc (98 cu in) I4 |
BAG / BLF / BLP |
115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm |
10.6 s |
2003–2007 |
|
1.8 TFSI |
1,798 cc (110 cu in) I4 |
BYT / BZB |
160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 5,000–6,200 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–4,200 rpm |
7.7 s |
2007–2008 |
|
CDAA |
160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 4,500–6,200 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–4,500 rpm |
7.4 s |
2009–2013 |
||
|
2.0 FSI |
1,984 cc (121 cu in) I4 |
AXW / BLR / BLX /
BLY |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 3,250–4,250 rpm |
8.8 |
2003–2008 |
|
2.0 TFSI |
AXX / BPY / BWA / CAWB |
200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5,100–6,000 rpm |
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–5,000 rpm |
6.8 s |
2004–2008 |
|
|
CCZA |
200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) |
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 1,700–5,000 rpm |
6.8 s |
2009–2013 |
||
|
BHZ / CDLA |
265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–5,000 rpm |
5.6 s |
2006–2013 |
||
|
2.5 TFSI |
2,480 cc (151 cu in) I5 |
CEPA |
340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) at 5,400–6,500 rpm |
450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–5,300 rpm |
4.6 s |
2011–2013 |
|
3.2 |
3,189 cc (195 cu in) VR6 |
BDB / BMJ / BUB |
250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at 6,300 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–3,000 rpm |
6.3 s |
2003–2009 |
Diesel Engine
|
Model |
Engine displacement |
Engine code |
Power at rpm |
Torque at rpm |
0–100 km/h |
Years |
|
1.6 TDI |
1,598 cc (98 cu in) I4 |
CAYB |
90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 1500–2500 |
11.4 s |
2009–2013 |
|
CAYC |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4,400 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1500–2500 |
11.0 s |
2009–2013 |
||
|
1.9 TDI |
1,896 cc (116 cu in) I4 |
BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4,000 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm |
11.0 s |
2003–2009 |
|
2.0 TDI |
1,968 cc (120 cu in) I4 |
BKD |
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,000 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
9.2 s |
2003–2008 |
|
BMM |
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,000 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
9.2 s |
2006–2008 |
||
|
BMN |
170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
7.9 s |
2006–2008 |
||
|
CBAB |
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
9.1 s |
2008–2013 |
||
|
CBBB |
170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
7.8 s (S-Tronic) 8.2 s (Manual) |
2008–2013 |
||
|
CBEA |
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
8.6 s |
2010–2013 |
Third Generation
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in Europe in September 2012.
First vehicle using the flexible modular Volkswagen Group MQB platform, the third generation is available as a three-door hatchback, a five-door "Sportback", a four-door saloon to directly rival the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, and a two-door Cabriolet.
 |
| Audi A3 3rd Generation. Courtesy of paultan.org |
The front suspension is a MacPherson strut set-up while the rear utilizes multi-link rear suspension.
The features include:
-
Multi-collision brake: Emergency braking function stops the car after the first impact, to prevent secondary collisions
-
Multi Media Interface MMI entertainment system (Tegra 3 processor) with handwriting recognition
-
4G broadband internet
-
adaptive cruise control
-
Pre sense front/basic radar-guided collision avoidance system
-
active lane assist
-
side assist
Early German models include 1.4 TFSI (122 PS), 1.8 TFSI (180 PS), and 2.0 TDI (150 PS). 1.2 TFSI (105 PS), 1.4 TFSI (140 PS), 1.8 TFSI quattro (180 PS), 1.6 TDI (105 PS), and 2.0 TDI quattro (150 PS) were added in 2013.
A3 1.2 TFSI (105 PS) was added to the UK market in 2013, followed by A3 1.4 TFSI (140 PS) in 2013.
Safety
Euro NCAP tested a third generation Audi A3, 3-door hatchback with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard and scored it accordingly:
|
Test |
Score |
Rating |
|
Adult Passenger |
34 |
4.75/5 |
|
Child Passenger |
42 |
4.35/5 |
|
Pedestrian |
27 |
3.70/5 |
|
Safety assist |
6 |
4.30/5 |
Engine
Petrol Engine (Gasoline)
|
Model |
Years |
Engine displacement |
Engine code |
Power |
Torque |
0–100 km/h |
Top speed |
Transmission |
|
|
Standard |
Optional |
||||||||
|
A3 1.0 TFSI / 30 TFSI |
2016–present |
999 cc I3 |
CHZD, DKRF |
116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) at 5,000-5,500 rpm |
200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000-3,500 rpm |
9.9 s |
206 km/h |
6- manual |
7- S tronic |
|
A3 1.2 TFSI |
2013–2018 |
1197 cc I4 |
CJZA, CYVB |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5,000 rpm |
175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–3,500 rpm |
10.3 s |
193 km/h |
6-spd manual |
7-spd S tronic |
|
A3 1.4 TFSI |
2013–2018 |
1395 cc I4 |
CXSB, CZC, |
125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm |
200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–4,000 rpm |
9.3 s |
203 km/h |
6-spd manual |
7-spd S tronic |
|
A3 1.4 TFSI |
2013–2018 |
1395 cc I4 |
N/A |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm |
8.3 s |
212 km/h |
6-spd manual |
7-spd S tronic |
|
A3 1.4 TFSI e-Tron |
2013–2018 |
1395 cc I4 |
CUKB |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm |
8.3 s |
212 km/h |
6-spd manual |
6-spd S tronic |
|
2017–present |
1498 cc I4 |
DADA |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,000–6,000 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–3,500 rpm |
8.2 s |
218 km/h |
6-spd manual |
7-spd S tronic |
|
|
A3 1.8 TFSI |
2013–2016 |
1798 cc I4 |
CJSA |
180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 5,100–6,200 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,250–5,000 rpm |
7.2 s |
232 km/h |
6-spd manual 6-spd S tronic |
7-spd S tronic |
|
A3 2.0 TFSI / 40 TFSI |
2016–present |
1984 cc I4 |
CHHB |
220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) at 4,500–6,200 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–4,400 rpm |
5.8 s |
232 km/h |
6-spd S tronic |
N/A |
|
S3 2.0 TFSI |
2013–2016 |
1984 cc I4 |
CJXC |
300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 5,500–6,200 rpm |
380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800–5,500 rpm |
249 km/h |
6-spd manual |
||
|
S3 2.0 TFSI |
2016–2018 |
1984 cc I4 |
CJXG / DJHA |
310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 5,500–6,200 rpm |
380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800–5,500 rpm |
249 km/h |
6-spd manual |
||
|
S3 2.0 TFSI |
2019–present |
1984 cc I4 |
DNUE |
300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 5,300–6,500 rpm |
400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000–5,200 rpm |
250 km/h |
N/A |
||
|
RS 3 2.5 TFSI |
2015–2016 |
2480 cc I5 |
CZGB |
367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp) at 5,550–6,800 rpm |
465 N⋅m (343 lbf⋅ft) at 1,625–5,550 rpm |
4.3 s |
280 km/h |
7-spd S tronic |
N/A |
|
RS 3 2.5 TFSI |
2017–2018 |
2480 cc I5 |
DAZA |
400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 5,850–7,000 rpm |
480 N⋅m (354 lbf⋅ft) at 1,700–5,850 rpm |
4.1 s |
280 km/h |
7-spd S tronic |
N/A |
|
RS 3 2.5 TFSI |
2019–present |
2480 cc I5 |
DNWA |
400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 5,850–7,000 rpm |
480 N⋅m (354 lbf⋅ft) at 1,950–5,850 rpm |
4.1 s |
280 km/h |
7-spd S tronic |
N/A |
Diesel Engine
|
Model |
Years |
Engine |
Engine code |
Power |
Torque |
0–100 km/h |
Top speed |
Transmission |
|
|
Standard |
Optional |
||||||||
|
A3 1.6 TDI |
2013–2017 |
1598 cc I4 |
CLHA 105, CXXB 110 |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 3,000–4,000 rpm 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 3,000–4,000 rpm |
230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–2,750 rpm |
10.5 s |
202 km/h |
6- manual |
6- S tronic |
|
A3 1.6 TDI / 30 TDI |
2017–present |
1598 cc I4 |
DDYA |
115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 3,000-4,000 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–2,750 rpm |
9.8 s |
202 km/h |
6- manual |
7- S tronic |
|
A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI |
2013–present |
1968 cc I4 |
CRBC, CRLB, CRUA, |
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–3,000 rpm |
8.6 s |
213 km/h |
6-spd manual |
6-spd S tronic |
|
A3 2.0 TDI / 40 TDI |
2013–present |
1968 cc I4 |
CUN, CUNA, CUND |
184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm |
380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–3,250 rpm |
7.3 s |
230 km/h |
6-spd manual |
6-spd S tronic |
Fourth Generation
The new Audi A3 was due to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic and Switzerland's self-imposed limit on gatherings of over 1,000 people, the event was cancelled. Instead, it was presented online, and also in Ingolstadt to be watched live.
The new interior and exterior styling is heavily inspired by Lamborghini, LED headlights and taillights, with the option of Matrix LED headlights. It shares the MQB platform with other Audi models, and with the Volkswagen Golf Mk8, SEAT Leon Mk4, and Škoda Octavia Mk4.
It is 3 centimetres longer and wider when compared to the outgoing model, while keeping the wheelbase length the same, trunk cargo space is 380 litres with the seats up, and 1200 litres with the seats folded down. It has a drag coefficient of 0.28, and is powered by 1.5-litre gasoline turbocharged engine with 150hp, 1.0-liter 3-cylinder with 110hp, 2.0-liter TDI with 116hp or 150hp, or the RS3 with a 2.5 litre 5-cylinder with 400hp. It gets a six-speed manual, seven-speed dual clutch automatic, or an electric S-Tronic gearboxes. It also gets the new MMI infotainment system, with a 10.25 or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a secondary screen of 10.1-inches.
The new A3 Sedan was revealed on 21 April 2020, with the front fascia similar to that of the A3 Sportback. Compared with its predecessor, the new A3 Sedan is 4 cm longer (4.50 meters), 2 cm wider (1.82 meters), and 1 cm taller (1.43 meters). However, the wheelbase remains unchanged.
This generation of the A3 sedan is not expected to arrive in North America until late 2021, as a 2022 model. North America will not get the Sportback e-tron like before.
The S3 model has the same 2.0L petrol engine producing 310hp and 400NM of torque, but this time is only available with an automatic gearbox. It also has reduced cargo space (320 liters instead of the 380 litres in the A3) due to the Quattro four wheel drive system.
Like the previous generation, the new S3 also comes as a saloon/sedan.
