Audi A3

The Audi A3 is a small, luxury family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi. Also referred to as Typ 8L, it was introduced in Europe in 1996. It was available as a three-door hatchback in front as well as four-wheel drive. In 1999, two powerful versions of Audi A3 were launched ; a 1.8 Turbo with 132 kW and a 1.9 TDI Diesel with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger. A five-door hatchback was also introduced in the same year.

The second generation of the A3, nicknamed Typ 8P, was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. A three-door hatchback with four cylinder engines, it came with a PQ35 platform, spacious interior, petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection and six-speed gearbox. Two additional sports models were introduced later in the year; a 2.0 Turbo FSI version with 147 kW and a 3.2 VR6 engine with 184 kW. In June 2004, the Audi A3 Sportback was introduced with a new front grille, improved rear cabin space and bigger luggage compartment. The new Audi A3 is the hot hatch S3 launched in August 2006. It came with a 2.0 TFSI engine uprated to 195kW. Its top speed is 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The engine was replaced by a turbocharged TFSI with 118 kW in January 2007.

Used Audi A3s are sold by most Audi dealers in the UK.