Audi A3
|
|
- See also Audi S3
The A3 is a compact automobile sold by Audi since 1996. The mechanicals are shared with the other Volkswagen A platform cars.
| Contents |
1996
Audi_A3_FL_Schwarz_1Serie.jpg
The original A3, manufactured 1996 to 2003, bears a close resemblance to its contemporary sister car, the Mark IV VW Golf. It exists as a three-door hatchback and a five-door hatchback, in both front- and four-wheel drive, all with four-cylinder transverse-mounted engines. The front-wheel drive versions feature three petrol engines and three diesels. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T Quattro uses a 132 kW (177 hp) version of the 1.8 L turbo engine and the same Haldex-based Quattro drivetrain as the Audi S3 and the original Audi TT. Unlike the S3, the A3 Quattro does exist as a five-door model.
In late 2001, the A3 range was revised with new light clusters, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi's ESP (Electronic Stability Program) traction-control and brakeforce distribution computer became standard equipment.
Engines
- 1.6 L (1595 cc/97 in³), 75 kW (101 hp)
- 1.8 L (1781 cc/108 in³), 92 kW (123 hp)
- 1.8 L (1781 cc/108 in³) light-pressure turbo, 110 kW (148 hp)
- 1.8 L (1781 cc/108 in³) light-pressure turbo, 132 kW (177 hp) Quattro
- 1.9 L (1896 cc/115 in³) Diesel, 66 kW (89 hp)
- 1.9 L (1896 cc/115 in³) light-pressure turbo Diesel, 81 kW (109 hp)
- 1.9 L (1896 cc/115 in³) turbo Diesel, 96 kW (129 hp)
2003
Audi_A3_FR_silber_2005.jpg
In the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3. The premium version of the A3 is the 3.2 Quattro with a 24-valve 3.2 L V6 engine. It delivers 250 hp (186 kW) and a peak-torque range with a maximum value of 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) from 2500–3000 rpm.
US Market
A five door version was launched in the United States market in May 2005 priced at US$25,450. It uses the 200 hp (149 kW) turbocharged 2.0 L I4 engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A DSG automatic transmission will be optional and priced at $1,400. The American A3 will initially be limited to front wheel drive, though a Quattro (all wheel drive) version with a 3.2 L V6 engine will be made available in the future.
The American A3 will come with a great deal of standard equipment, including 17 in wheels, a 140 watt sound system with CD player, automatic climate control, and stability control. An $1,800 Sport package includes colored wheels, a sport suspension, and upgraded interior. For $2,025, a Premium package will add a trip computer, leather seats, and other convenience features. A sky roof, called "Open Sky System" that comprises a sun-roof and a glass panel over the backseat passengers is optional.
Common faults
A3 indicator lights sometimes stop flashing (light once and stop) on vehicles four or five years old. This is almost always caused by a defective hazard switch. A replacement part can be obtained from an Audi dealer and is easily fitted by removing the console panel in which the switch is mounted, levering the switch unit out, unplugging the multiplug, replacing it with the new part, and reassembling the console.
References
- "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)
Volkswagen Group
| ||
| Volkswagen | Audi | SEAT | Škoda | Bentley | Bugatti | Lamborghini
| ||
|
Current models: A2 | A3 | S3 | A4 | S4 | RS4 | A6 | S6 | RS6 | Allroad Quattro | A8 | TT | ||
|
Historical models: Audi 50 | Audi 80/90/4000 | Audi 100/200/5000 | Audi Quattro | Audi V8 | Audi S2 | Audi RS2 | ||
|
Concept and future models: A5 | Q5 | Q7 | RSQ (from I, Robot) | Allroad quattro concept | Audi LeMans | Audi Nuvolari | ||
| Audi Centre of Excellence | Audi Driving Experience | Edit this template (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Template:Audi&action=edit) | |