Autoknowtive
1999 Audi A3 5-door
Photo: NetCarShow
Audi A3
Audi has built the A3 since 1996. Autoknowtive’s catalog has 18 of them, from the 1999 Audi A3 5-door to the 2025 Audi A3 Sedan. Body styles here: Hatchback and Convertible. Sold new in North America, Europe and Asia.
- Built
- 1996–today
- Brand from
- Germany
- Part of
- Volkswagen Group
- Body styles
- Hatchback and Convertible
- Sold new in
- North America, Europe and Asia
- In the catalog
- 18 cars, 3 of them concepts
How it changed
Power went from 131 hp in the 1999 A3 5-door to 150 hp in the 2025 A3 Sedan. It got heavier along the way: 1,295 kg for the 1999 car, 1,320 kg for the 2021. The most powerful here is the 2004 Audi A3 Sportback at 170 hp (127 kW). Quickest from 0 to 62 mph: the 2011 Audi A3, in 7.8 s.
Every A3 in the catalog
2000 Audi A3 3-door
The A3 was initially available only with a 3-door hatchback body, to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front and four-wheel drive.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2003 Audi A3 3-door
In the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Walter de'Silva. Originally launched as a 3-door hatchback only with four cylinder engines, it featured a new mechanical platform, a redesigned and more spacious interior, new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection and standard six-speed gearboxes (except on the base 1.6).
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2004 Audi A3 Sportback
A3 Sportback is 8 cm (3 in) longer than the base 3-door body, and includes improved rear cabin space and a larger luggage compartment (370 litres).
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet
Sporty, elegant, emotion-packed - the new Audi A3 Cabriolet is making its appearance in perfect time for spring 2008. The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2008 Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro Concept
A TDI from Audi is more than just another diesel - it is, in fact, a dynamic power unit and a rich source of driving pleasure.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2009 Audi A3 Sportback
Audi is further expanding the sporty profile of the A3 and the Audi A3 Sportback. High-tech components, such as the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the shock absorber control system Audi magnetic ride, further enhance driving pleasure.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2011 Audi A3
Audi unveiled an attractive technical study - the Audi A3 Concept - at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand's technological expertise - from the improved MMI operating system, to the high-tech infotainment system, to the drivetrain.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2011 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
Audi has unveiled an attractive technical study - the Audi A3 e-tron concept - in Shanghai. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand's technological expertise - from the enhanced MMI operating system, to the high-end infotainment system, to the drivetrain.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2011 Audi A3 Sportback
Refined style, agile driving fun and elaborate technology - the Audi A3, the A3 Sportback, the A3 Cabriolet and the S3 are the sporty models in the compact segment.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2014 Audi A3 Clubsport quattro Concept
Audi presented the A3 clubsport quattro concept at the 2014 Wörthersee Meeting in Reifnitz (Kärnten). The concept study is based on the S3 Sedan and has a five-cylinder TFSI engine under the hood producing 386 kW (525 hp).
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2014 Audi A3 Sedan
With the launch of the A3 Sedan in spring 2013, Audi is entering the world's largest market segment, the class of compact sedans. The dynamic four-door car offers all of the strengths of the A3 model series - with low weight thanks to lightweight design, powerful and highly efficient engines and numerous high-end solutions for infotainment as well as driver assistance systems.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2014 Audi A3 Sportback S-Line
Sporty, versatile and functional - Audi presented the new A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment is groundbreakingly light thanks to ultra lightweight technology.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2017 Audi A3
The successful model from Audi is now even more attractive: The Audi A3 approaches the starting line with new driver assistance systems and engines as well as newly designed headlights and taillights.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet
In infotainment, the new Audi A3 again sets new standards. The MMI radio plus with the electrically extended 7-inch diagonal monitor is standard equipment.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2021 Audi A3 Sedan
2021 Audi A3 Sportback
2025 Audi A3 Sedan
Audi A3 now features two decorative fabric inlays: a technical textured fabric that is also made from 100 percent recycled polyester and Dinamica microfiber.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
Specs side by side
| Car | Power | Torque | 0–62 mph | Top speed | Weight | Engine | Drive | Gearbox | EPA combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 A3 5-door | 131 hp (98 kW) | 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) | 9.1 s | 126 mph (203 km/h) | 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) | 1.9 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2000 A3 3-door | 131 hp (98 kW) | 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) | 9.1 s | 126 mph (203 km/h) | 1,295 kg (2,855 lb) | 1.9 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2003 A3 3-door | 140 hp (104 kW) | 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) | 9.5 s | 129 mph (208 km/h) | 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | Front Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2004 A3 Sportback | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.9 s | 137 mph (220 km/h) | 1,480 kg (3,263 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2008 A3 Cabriolet | 140 hp (104 kW) | 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) | 9.7 s | 127 mph (204 km/h) | 1,475 kg (3,252 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | Front Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 25 mpg |
| 2008 A3 TDI clubsport quattro | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.8 s | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 1,425 kg (3,142 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2009 A3 Sportback | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.9 s | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 1,465 kg (3,230 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 24 mpg |
| 2011 A3 | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.8 s | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 1,425 kg (3,142 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 32 mpg |
| 2011 A3 e-tron | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.8 s | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 1,425 kg (3,142 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2011 A3 Sportback | 170 hp (127 kW) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) | 7.9 s | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 1,465 kg (3,230 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 32 mpg |
| 2014 A3 Clubsport quattro | 150 hp (112 kW) | 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) | 8.4 s | 133 mph (214 km/h) | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2014 A3 Sedan | 150 hp (112 kW) | 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) | 8.5 s | 139 mph (224 km/h) | 1,457 kg (3,212 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2014 A3 Sportback S-Line | 150 hp (112 kW) | 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) | 8.4 s | 133 mph (214 km/h) | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2017 A3 | 150 hp (112 kW) | 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) | 8.2 s | 133 mph (214 km/h) | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 34 mpg |
| 2017 A3 Cabriolet | 150 hp (112 kW) | 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) | 8.8 s | 137 mph (220 km/h) | 1,615 kg (3,560 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 28 mpg |
| 2021 A3 Sedan | 150 hp (112 kW) | 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) | 8.4 s | 144 mph (232 km/h) | 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) | 1.5 L inline-4 | Front Wheel Drive | 7-speed automatic (S TRONIC) | — |
| 2021 A3 Sportback | 150 hp (112 kW) | 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) | 8.4 s | 139 mph (224 km/h) | 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) | 1.5 L inline-4 | Front Wheel Drive | 7-speed automatic | — |
| 2025 A3 Sedan | 150 hp (112 kW) | — | — | — | — | inline-4 | Front Wheel Drive | 7- automatic speed S Tronic | 28 mpg |
Power is the figure quoted for that version. Fuel economy is the best EPA combined rating, US models only.
Rivals
Cars from other brands in the same class, with similar power and from the same years:
Think you’d know one?
Every car on this page can turn up in the game. Spot It starts with a blurry close-up, Model Year asks you to date the photo, and the Daily gives you six guesses at one car. More Audi models are on the Audi page.