Audi, whose history dates back to the 19th century, is one of the most important companies in the automotive world. The company, which can produce cars with modern features in every segment, is also one of the leading manufacturers of luxury vehicles. However, when it comes to Audi’s hatchback and sedan models, the Audi A3 has an extremely important place in its category. The Audi A3 model, which was first released in 1996, has both changed and developed technologically in the past years.
Details such as a high-quality and ergonomic interior design, a striking exterior design, a wide model range and very strong sales figures make the cars very popular in their market. Today, we have compiled for you the journey of the transformation of the Audi A3 models until today.
A3 models from yesterday to today:
- A3 (1996-2003)
- A3 (2003-2013)
- A3 (2013-2019)
- A3 (2020-Current)
And the first A3 enters the market: A3 (1996-2003)
Introduced at the 1996 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi A3 encountered an unexpected demand when it was launched. It was initially launched only as a three-door hatchback. The five-door model debuted in 1999. The engines of this year’s model have been expanded to more powerful versions.
The three-door A3 had a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. When it went on sale in 1996, its price started at £14,500. In 1999, Audi expanded the A3 range with more powerful versions and introduced a five-door model at customer request. As the A3’s popularity grew, the car received new lighting, different interior design and minor cosmetic adjustments towards the end of 2000.
Since the first one was so popular, of course the second one was also shot: A3 (2003-2013)
Introduced at the 2003 Genea Motor Show, the second generation A3 had a three-door body design like the first generation. A year later, the five-door version was launched. The second generation A3 offered diesel and gasoline engines called TFSI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection). Trying to catch up with the developing automatic transmission trend, Audi also added a new automatic transmission called ‘S Tronic) to this model.
In 2005, the ‘S Line’ model was launched, which featured more premium details in the interior design of the vehicle and more cosmetic changes in the exterior design. In 2006, the second generation of the S3 was launched, which was offered in both three-door and five-door versions. In this generation, Audi used the FSI gasoline engine obtained from Volkswagen.
2008 was the breaking point for A3
2008 was a very important year for the A3 because the front and rear exterior designs of the car were completely revised and various cosmetic changes were made. A new dual-clutch transmission was added; This meant it had a seven-speed transmission with paddle shifters.
RS3 Sportback, one of today’s most popular A3 models, was launched in early 2011. The RS3 used a 249 horsepower five-cylinder turbocharged engine, which made it stand out. Thanks to this engine, RS3 reached 0-100 km in 4.6 seconds. It featured distinctive styling inside and out, including front wings reinforced with lightweight carbon fiber.
Now with a sharper design: A3 (2013-2019)
The third generation Audi A3 was introduced for the first time in both three- and five-door models. Additionally, a sedan body style was added to the A3 lineup this year. The S3 and RS3 had updated powertrain parts and equipment compared to their second-generation versions. The S3 is powered by a 220 horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine. As pressure increases to produce more environmentally friendly cars, Audi has introduced several more environmentally friendly models.
The RS3 was renewed again in 2015 with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It had a five-door design like the A3 Sportback. In the A3, which was renewed in 2017 with a slightly revised appearance and interior improvements, traditional indicators were replaced by 12.3-inch screens. In 2017, the RS3 was launched in sedan form for the first time.
And current model: A3 (2020-Current)
The fourth generation A3, which was introduced online in 2020 due to the pandemic, used the MQB evo platform, which was also used by SEAT Leon Mk4, Skoda Octavia Mk4 and Volkswagen Golf Mk8. The model, which was revised with a sharp and stylish design, had major revisions in interior and exterior design. In addition, the A3 Sportback was launched as a five-door, with the discontinuation of the three-door design, which had lost its popularity compared to the early days. The sedan and cabriolet also featured the same updated styling as the sportback.
The fourth generation A3 was the first generation to be fully digital, with an improved infotainment system, a 10.25-inch virtual display and a 10.1-inch touch insert in the middle. It also featured a new range of economical engines with 1.0 and 1.5 liter TFSI and 2.0 liter TDI engines.
All of the Audi A3 models we have discussed have gained a visible advantage over their competitors with their excellent performance and high-tech features shortly after their launch. So which one was your favorite among these models?
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