The Audi A3 is a small family/subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed since 1996 by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group, now in its third generation.
The first two generations of 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.
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.
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.
The A3 Sedan includes a body 11 mm (0.43 in) wider and 9 mm (0.35 in) lower than that of the A3 Sportback. Other features include 16- to 18-inch-wheels (optional 19-inch wheels via quattro GmbH) and electronic stabilization control with electronic differential lock.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
The German model went on sale in late summer 2013. Early models include 1.4 TFSI (140 PS), 1.8 TFSI (180 PS), and 2.0 TDI (150 PS).
Delivery of the UK models began in autumn of 2013. Early models include 1.4 TFSI (140 PS), 1.8 TFSI (180 PS), and 2.0 TDI (150 PS).
In international markets like Pakistan, Audi has introduced it with a 1.2 TFSI engine. This has allowed Audi to bypass high import duties on larger displacement engine, offer the car at a competitive price and become a leader in imported luxury car segment.
The A3 cabriolet model was offered starting in 2014. It has a three-box bodystyle and a larger boot than the previous model (320 litres versus 260).
The Audi A3 Sportback includes a wheelbase 58 mm (2.28 in) over previous model, 35 mm (1.38 in) longer than that of the A3 and a front axle shifted forward by 40 mm (1.57 in) over the previous model. Other features include a choice of 13 body colours (three solid finishes, eight metallic finishes and two pearl-effect finishes), optional high-gloss package adding accents around the windows (standard with the Ambiente trim line), six-speed manual transmission (optional S tronic) for all engine models, 16 or 17-inch wheels depending on trim line (optional 18-inch wheels), Audi drive select (standard with Ambition) with optional S tronic, and optional electromagnetic damper control system.
German models went on sale in February 2013. Early models include 1.4 TFSI (122 PS), 1.8 TFSI (180 PS), 1.8 TFSI quattro (180 PS), and 1.6 TDI. 1.2 TFSI (105 PS), 1.4 TFSI (140 PS), 2.0 TDI (150 PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (150 PS), and 2.0 TDI (184 PS) were available in later date.
It is a version of the A3 Sportback with 1.4 TFSI (110 PS) engine powered by compressed natural gas or Audi e-gas synthetic methane; gas tank made of gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer; and an electronic gas pressure regulator. The synthetic methane was produced by waste product from a nearby Werlte biogas plant operated by power utility EWE.
A production model was to be available by the end of 2013.
The plug-in hybrid concept car was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. In May 2013 Audi confirmed its decision to produce a plug-in hybrid version of the A3, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, which was scheduled for retail sales in Europe by late 2013, and by mid 2014 in the U.S. and the UK. The A3 e-tron shares the same plug-in hybrid powertrain used in both the Volkswagen Golf GTE and Passat GTE.To charge the A3 e-tron, the Audi four rings logo is pulled along to reveal a charging socket.
The A3 Sportback e-tron is powered by a 1.4 L TSI gasoline engine that delivers 148 bhp (110 kW) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) of torque, coupled with a 101 bhp (75 kW) electric motor, which is integrated into the car's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, for a total combined output of 201 bhp (150 kW) and 243 lb⋅ft (329 N⋅m).
