4 million sales, three generations and 500,000 UK sales, that will be 20 years of the Audi A3

Stellar four million sales success for the premium compact model since 1996

• Originator of the premium compact segment celebrates its A3 anniversary
• More than four million units delivered worldwide since 1996
• Over 500,000 deliveries in the UK alone over two decades
• From three-door to Cabriolet to the flagship RS 3

The brand with the four rings is celebrating the anniversary of its mainstay, the Audi A3. The successful Audi model debuted 20 years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 

Today the premium compact is available in a choice of four body styles, four drive systems and a broad selection of trim lines.

Audi introduced the Audi A3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1996. The car was developed from the ground up on the basis of the Golf IV platform, which followed in 1997. 

From the very first generation, the Audi A3 has boasted innovations and quality features from higher model classes, making it the founder of the premium compact class. 

The A3 initially was available exclusively as a three-door hatchback in three trim lines and with four different petrol and diesel engines. 

In September 1998, Audi brought quattro permanent all-wheel drive to the compact segment for the first time in the A3. A five-door variant joined the model series in March 1999.

And the brand reached a milestone with the first generation of the high-performance Audi S3 in the spring of that same year: the 1.8 litre, inline four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and five valves per cylinder produced 210PS.

The split grille still used in the second-generation Audi A3 was replaced in 2005 by the Singleframe, which went on to become the brand’s defining design element. Audi also expanded the A3 family to include its first open-topped variant: The A3 Cabriolet launched in 2008 with a classic cloth top.

Now in the third generation, the Audi A3 is available for the first time as a saloon. This version of the A3 celebrated its premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. In 2016, each and every variant in the entire model series received a technology update.

The Audi RS 3 Sportback is the spearhead of the model series. The first generation was launched in 2011 with a 340PS, five-cylinder engine. The second edition of the RS 3 Sportback with 367PS followed in 2015.

At this year’s Paris Motor Show, Audi presented the RS 3 Saloon powered by a 2.5 TFSI engine with 400PS,  making it the most powerful five-cylinder engine on the market.

Cockpit: from analogue to digital

The first and second generation of the Audi A3 rolled off the assembly line with an analogue speedometer and tachometer. The current A3 is available with the optional Audi virtual cockpit. The all-digital cockpit depicts the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a TFT screen with a 12.3-inch diagonal.

The driver can switch between two views by pressing the “View” button on the multifunction steering wheel. In Classic mode, the instruments are as large as conventional analogue instruments. 

In Infotainment mode, however, a central window dominates. It provides more space for the navigation map or displays easy-to-read lists from the Telephone, Radio and Audio functions. Tachometer and speedometer are displayed here as small round gauges.

Drive system: from conventional to alternative

The A3 is also the forerunner in the Audi model portfolio when it comes to drive system variants. 

Besides eight conventional petrol and diesel engines, the A3 model series has also been available in the UK with two alternative drive systems since the launch of the third generation: a natural gas-powered model available  and a plug-in hybrid.

The Audi A3 e-tron is the premium brand’s first plug-in hybrid, pairing a 1.4 TFSI with an electric motor. 

The combustion engine produces 150PS and delivers 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque; these figures for the electric motor are 75 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft), resulting in overall system power of 204PS. 

When connected to a 380 volt three-phase outlet, it takes just over two hours to fully recharge the lithium-ion battery (8.8 kWh).

Transmission: first dual-clutch automatic transmission

The racing-inspired electrohydraulic dual-clutch transmission made its debut in an Audi series production model with the second-generation A3. 

It enabled lightning-fast gear changes with no break in propulsive power. Today the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is firmly established and is available in nearly every model family.

Light: from halogen to Matrix LED

The A3 reflects the development of lighting technology over the last 20 years. The first Audi A3 was equipped with halogen lights. Today the premium compact comes standard with xenon headlights. 

Optional Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road with a light very similar to daylight without causing glare for other road users.

15 LEDs in each Matrix LED headlight radiate from three reflectors to produce the high beam. A camera on the interior mirror feeds information to the controller. 

The controller turns individual LEDs on or off as needed, or dims them in 64 steps. The Matrix LED headlights can thus realise several million different light distributions. They specifically illuminate road signs with 30 percent less power to prevent glare caused by reflections.

Assistance systems: on the home stretch to piloted driving

The numerous driver assistance systems in the A3 exemplify the premium brand‘s rapid pace of development in electrical systems and electronics. The current model generation offers such systems as Audi active lane assist or Audi pre sense front including predictive pedestrian protection.

The optional traffic jam assist in the current A3 is groundbreaking. The system maintains distance to the vehicle ahead in traffic. If the customer combines the traffic jam assist and S tronic, the A3 automatically sets off again following brief stops. 

In slow-moving traffic up to 37mph on well-paved roads, the traffic jam assist even takes over the steering – a key step toward piloted driving.

Model of success: more than four million units delivered globally since 1996

The Audi A3 has now become a global player, having conquered the roads of more than 100 sales markets. Audi produces the Audi A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Sportback e-tron and A3 Sportback g-tron* models at its site in Ingolstadt. In 2001, the Audi Group expanded portions of A3 production with a facility in Győr, Hungary. 

Today, the Audi A3 Saloon and A3 Cabriolet come off the assembly line there. Audi produces the A3 Sportback and the A3 Saloon for the Chinese market at its factory in Foshan. Total production volume since the car made its debut 20 years ago is more than four million A3 models.

UK SALES - November see's a 2.9% growth and is still running ahead for the YTD.

• UK new car market rises 2.9% in November, with 184,101 vehicles registered on British roads.
• Alternatively fuelled vehicles achieve record market share of 3.6% in the month, with demand up by a quarter.¹
• 2,514,764 new cars registered from January to November – a record for the period.

184,101 new cars were registered in the UK this November, with the market increasing by a steady 2.9%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

The growth has helped deliver more than 2.5 million new cars on to British roads so far this year – the first time the milestone has been reached in November.

Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) remained strong in the month, growing 25.1% to 6,663 units, representing 3.6% of the market – the highest ever achieved. 

Petrol registrations grew 7.9% to 88,541 units, while diesels just edged ahead on market share with 88,897 vehicles registered, a fall of -2.9%.

Superminis continued to be the most popular body style – making up more than a quarter (29.7%) of all cars registered in November, followed by small family cars and SUVs. Executive and city cars enjoyed the biggest growth, up 27.7% and 25% respectively. 

Meanwhile, fleets accounted for more than half of the market, as registrations to private buyers fell slightly by -1.2%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Our industry continues to make vehicles that are ever safer, more refined, more efficient and more enjoyable to drive – and the latest advanced technology and cutting-edge designs are continuing to attract buyers into showrooms. 

It's encouraging to see that alternatively fuelled vehicles, although still a small proportion of the market, have seen strong growth this month achieving a record market share. 

Long-term government support and incentives are essential if these vehicles are to command a larger market share in the future.”

Hugely popular UK buying guide hails drop-top Audi A3 a ‘best Convertible’ for 2017

Hugely popular UK buying guide hails drop-top Audi A3 a ‘best buy’ for 2017 

• A3 range recently overhauled with latest technology updates and sharp new styling
• A3 Cabriolet available in SE, Sport and S line specification
• Five petrol and diesel engines, manual and S tronic and the option of quattro all-wheel drive
• New S3 Cabriolet power boosted to 310PS and torque to 400Nm  
• Pricing ranges from £26,875 OTR for the 1.4 TFSI 150PS to £40,670 OTR for the S3 Cabriolet

Critical acclaim has frequently been heaped on the Audi A3 range since the first generation was introduced in 1996, and the latest recognition for the premium compact star has come in the form of a Best Cars trophy from trusted review website Carbuyer.co.uk, which has singled out the A3 Cabriolet as the Best Convertible for 2017.

Citing the reasons behind the win, Editor of Carbuyer Stuart Milne commented: "Convertibles are all about feeling the wind in your hair first and image second. 

No car fulfils these requirements better than the Audi A3 Cabriolet. It’s endlessly classy and desirable, plus it offers space for you and up to three passengers.

"The fabric roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 31mph, and once it’s stowed the boot is still useable. There’s lots of scope for personalisation, and like every other A3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. If you want technology to give your A3 Cabriolet a real edge, then the optional Virtual Cockpit replaces the standard dials with a TFT screen. Very smart indeed."

As the beneficiary of a comprehensive update programme applied to the full model range earlier this year, an enhanced specification list is chief among the improvements and now includes Audi smartphone interface, cruise control, light and rain sensors and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard on the entry-level SE. Sport models gain Audi drive select and MMI Navigation with a three-month free trial of the Audi connect suite, while the already richly appointed  S line is fitted with LED headlights front and rear and dynamic ‘scrolling’ indicators for the rear lights. An LED interior lighting pack rounds off the new additions.

The pin-sharp Audi virtual cockpit can also be chosen along with a host of other technology from the larger Audi models, from the MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi Phone Box, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and the even more illuminating Matrix LED headlights.

A multitude of key driver aids can also dramatically improve the overall comfort and safety of each journey. Particular highlights from the assistance system portfolio include Traffic Jam Assist, which actively works with the adaptive cruise control system and can accelerate, brake and even steer the A3 Cabriolet at speeds of up to 37mph, active lane assist which can gently steer the car to keep it in lane above 40mph and emergency assist, which is capable of intervening and bringing the car to a gradual standstill if no response is detected from the driver.

USA - The A3’s more powerful 2.0-liter TFSI® engine offers an increase of 16 hp & 21 lb-ft of torque over the previous generation A3 1.8T

• The A3’s more powerful 2.0-liter TFSI® engine offers an increase of 16 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque over the previous generation A3 1.8T
• Front-wheel drive models also receive a new seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 2017 A3 2.0T boasts a 29-mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, giving customers both performance and efficiency; on sale Fall 2016

Continuing on its path of offering a strong entry to the Audi premium lineup, the 2017 A3 Sedan and Cabriolet models are now available with a more efficient 2.0-liter TFSI® engine and seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission. Offering a competitive EPA-estimated 29-mpg combined fuel economy rating, the A3 2.0T is a powerful yet capable choice for customers in the entry-level luxury sedan segment.

The A3 sedan with 2.0-liter engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine previously offered on A3 front-wheel drive models. This new 2.0-liter engine offers increased performance and the driving dynamics expected of an Audi, with an increase of 16 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous generation A3 1.8T.

The 2.0T engine is mated to a new seven-speed S tronic® dual clutch transmission with front-wheel drive, which can deliver 186 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque and sprints from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds for the sedan, a reduction of 0.6 seconds compared to the previous model. To help increase engine efficiency, the A3’s 2.0T engine utilizes a combustion method with shorter compression and longer expansion phases. The compression ratio was increased to 11.7:1 from 9.6:1, further improving the engine’s efficiency and allowing for greater power and torque delivery.

The A3 Sedan and Cabriolet showcase every aspect of Audi expertise found in the brand’s full-size luxury vehicles, in an affordable premium compact model. The model line offers a host of standard premium features such as leather seating surfaces, panoramic sunroof on the sedan, dual-zone automatic climate control, xenon plus front lighting with LED daytime running headlights and LED taillights.

New for 2017 is a redesigned exterior that includes a new headlight design and updated design cues such as an all-new front fascia with a wider Singleframe® grille, making the A3 appear even sportier and more aggressive on the road.

The A3 Sedan and Cabriolet models are also available with the higher output 2.0 TFSI quattro® all-wheel drive turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed S tronic® dual clutch automatic transmission.

Pricing Detail:

Model year 2017 A3 Sedan and Cabriolet with available 2.0-liter FWD engine starting manufacturer suggested retail prices; on sale fall 2016.

MODEL	PREMIUM	PREMIUM PLUS	PRESTIGE
A3 Sedan FWD	$31,200	$34,450	$40,150
A3 Cabriolet FWD	$37,600	$40,850	$46,550

Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

USA - New for 2017 the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron gets enhancements across the board, from drive to interior.

• Updated e-tron model for 2017 continues to provide efficiency without sacrificing performance, offering an all-electric driving option when it’s wanted, and the freedom to drive further when it’s needed
• Product enhancements include improved technology offerings such as the available Audi virtual cockpit and standard driver assistance systems including Audi pre sense® front
• Unique body styling and available e-tron Sport package further differentiate the plug-in hybrid from the rest of the A3 model line

Audi of America’s refreshed A3 Sportback e-tron is poised to continue to bring new owners to the electric plug-in hybrid family. The compact vehicle in the A3 model-line combines performance with impressive efficiency, and now offers even more technology, for a premium driving experience that is truly Audi.

The A3 Sportback e-tron continues to be a success for Audi, with nearly 13 percent of all A3 sales being comprised of e-tron sales. As the brand’s first step towards providing an electrified future in the U.S., the e-tron offers a versatile choice for the full array of daily commuting challenges, some of which can be handled on battery power alone.

2017 A3 Sportback e-tron

Combining the benefits of a hybrid with all-electric range, the A3 Sportback e-tron continues to feature a 1.4-liter TFSI® engine and a permanent magnet-driven electric motor to produce 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With impressive off-the-line acceleration, the e-tron sprints from 0-60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.

As the only Audi available in a Sportback model and with more than 43.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, the A3 e-tron offers customers a premium driving experience with every day utility. 

New for 2017, the e-tron comes equipped with even more standard features including panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights with available e-tron signature LED headlights (Premium Plus and Prestige only) and standard driver assistance systems such as Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front.

Expanded technology offerings include the available Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto integration for compatible devices, Audi connect PRIME and PLUS services (6-month trial subscription) and MMI® Navigation plus with MMI touch, further raising the bar as to drivers can expect from electric vehicles. 

Specially designed for e-tron, the Audi virtual cockpit includes unique displays such as a power meter screen which shows the range and consumption figures for both the electricity and gasoline, placed in the driver’s line of vision.

Also exclusive to the A3 Sportback e-tron is the available Sport package which adds a 3-spoke, flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, 18” 15-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season tires, front sport seats, and an S line roof spoiler, further differentiating the e-tron from the rest of the A3 model line.

Four unique drive modes within the Audi drive select system continue to allow e-tron drivers to dictate how to use the vehicle’s electric range to best suit their needs. 

From hybrid mode, which automatically chooses the most efficient power source based on speed and performance demand, to Sport mode, which uses all available power from both the combustion engine and the electric motor to deliver all-out performance, the e-tron is a versatile choice for a variety of daily driving needs.

The e-tron will be priced from $38,900 at the Premium trim level to $47,550 at the Prestige trim. In California, the vehicle’s largest market, purchasing customers who are residents of the state may also qualify for additional state and federal incentives and tax credits.

Tax credits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, and customers should consult their tax professionals and IRS.gov for more information about tax credits and incentives.

Pricing Detail:

MODEL	PREMIUM	PREMIUM      PLUS	PRESTIGE
A3 Sportback e-tron	$38,900	$42,000	$47,550

Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Federal tax credits are only available to qualifying taxpayers that purchase a new Audi A3 e-tron vehicle, and are not available to lease customers. Qualifications for state incentives will vary. All tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Please consult a tax professional for advices. This content does not constitute tax advice.