Audi A3

Audi A3: generations: what actually changed for a buyer

Restyling belongs inside its generation. The nine catalogue slices are four numbered generations.

Restyling belongs inside its generation. The nine catalogue slices are four numbered generations.

1 generation (1996-09-01–2000-08-31, Hatchback 3-door, 12 versions here) is the lightest, cheapest-to-run Diesel cluster and the first AWD petrol. 1.6 MT 101 hp kerb 1090 kg (10.79 kg/hp) is the lightest A3 in this file. 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD does 0–100 in 7.5 s at 7.22 kg/hp, mixed 9.3 L/100 km. 1.9 AT 90 hp Automatic 4 is the slowest 1 generation car here: 13.7 s, 177 km/h. Tank 55 L, clearance 140 mm. Eco class not measured on these rows.

1 generation, restyling (2000-09-01–2003-07-31, Hatchback 5-door, 12 versions) keeps the same 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD 7.5 s / 226 km/h / mixed 9.3, and adds two 1.9 MT 130 hp Diesel rows (FWD 9.2 s / 205 km/h, AWD 9.1 s / 203 km/h, torque 310 Nm). The 5-door body does not change the 140 mm clearance or 55 L tank. Many Diesel consumption figures are not measured.

2 generation (2003-03-01–2005-05-31, Hatchback 3-door, 12 versions) is the only generation with a 3189 cm³ Gasoline 6, V low angle: 3.2 MT 250 hp / 320 Nm AWD, 6.5 s, 250 km/h, mixed 9.8, kerb 1495 kg (5.98 kg/hp, the lowest kg/hp in the whole catalogue). 3.2 S-tronic is 6.4 s, kerb 1525 kg, consumption not measured. Clearance drops to 120 mm. 2.0 MT 200 hp and 2.0 DSG 200 hp AWD have 0–100, top speed, consumption, kerb and gross not measured.

2 generation, restyling 1 (2004-06-01–2008-06-30, Hatchback 3-door, 12 versions) is where 2.0 MT 200 hp AWD becomes a measured buy: 7.0 s, 234 km/h, mixed 8.8, kerb 1470 kg (7.35 kg/hp). 2.0 S-tronic 200 hp AWD is 0.1 s slower (7.1 s) but mixed 7.6 versus 8.8 — the robot saves 1.2 L/100 km. Diesel peak here is 2.0 S-tronic 170 hp / 350 Nm AWD, 7.8 s, 222 km/h. Some kerb weights and CO2 are not measured.

2 generation, restyling 2 (2008-04-01–2013-04-30, Cabrio, 12 versions) is the same generation as a Cabrio: tank still 55 L, clearance mostly 140 mm (two rows 120 mm: 1.6 MT 105 hp Diesel and 1.6 AT 102 hp). Fastest Cabrio 2 generation car here: 2.0 MT 200 hp FWD, 7.2 s, 236 km/h, mixed 7.9. Slowest: 1.6 AT 102 hp Automatic 6, 12.5 s, 183 km/h; kerb not measured. 1.2 MT 105 hp is the small-turbo alternative: 11.0 s, mixed 5.5, CO2 120, Euro 5.

3 generation (2012-03-01–2017-01-31, Cabrio, 12 versions) Cabrio mass is the buyer tax: 1.4 MT 150 hp is 1440 kg versus 1235 kg on the later Sedan 1.4 MT 150 hp — 205 kg more, 0–100 8.9 s versus 8.2 s. Clearance 165 mm where measured (two rows not measured). Fastest Cabrio 3 generation: 1.8 MT 180 hp FWD 7.7 s / 242 km/h; AWD 1.8 S-tronic 180 hp is 7.6 s but 1615 kg and mixed 6.6. Peak Diesel: 2.0 MT 184 hp / 380 Nm FWD 7.9 s / 241 km/h. Most CO2 values not measured.

3 generation, restyling (2016-04-01–2020-02-29, Sedan, 12 versions) is the numbers-dense used-car sweet spot: Euro 6, tank 50 L, clearance 140 mm, wheels listed. Fastest AWD: 2.0 S-tronic 190 hp Gasoline 6.2 s / 242 km/h. Fastest FWD: 2.0 MT 190 hp Gasoline 6.9 s / 250 km/h and 6.79 kg/hp. Lowest mixed: 1.6 S-tronic 110 hp Diesel 3.7 L/100 km, CO2 98. Distinguish same names: 1.6 MT 110 hp versus 1.6 MT 116 hp; 1.6 S-tronic 110 hp versus 1.6 S-tronic 116 hp; 2.0 MT 190 hp Gasoline versus 2.0 MT 150 hp Diesel AWD; 2.0 S-tronic 190 hp Gasoline AWD versus 2.0 S-tronic 150 hp Diesel FWD.

4 generation (2020-03-01–2024-04-30, Hatchback 5-door, 12 versions) introduces badge names and Plug-in. 45 TFSI e S-tronic 245 hp / 400 Nm is the strongest 4 generation row: 6.8 s, 232 km/h, city 1.3 L/100 km, highway and mixed not measured, tank 40 L, CO2 31, kerb 1585 kg (6.47 kg/hp). 40 1.4 TFSI e S-tronic 204 hp is 7.6 s, tank 40 L, CO2 30. Two 40 2.0 TFSI S-tronic 190 hp rows: FWD 6.8 s / 244 km/h (cylinders 4; layout not measured; boost not measured) versus AWD 7.0 s / 241 km/h — AWD is 0.2 s slower and mixed 6.8 versus 5.9. 30 TDI MT 116 hp: torque, 0–100, top speed, consumption, kerb and gross not measured; CO2 96. 30 g-tron S tronic 131 hp LPG: kerb and gross not measured.

4 generation, restyling 1 (2024-03-01–stop not measured, Hatchback 5-door, 9 versions) is the current buy list. Two 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic 204 hp AWD both do 6.3 s; one 245 km/h, mixed 7.3, tank 50 L, CO2 167; the other 250 km/h, mixed 6.9, tank 55 L, CO2 163, wheels 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17. Two 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic 150 hp: 224 km/h versus 232 km/h, mixed 3.7 versus 3.6. Two 35 1.5 TFSI S-tronic 150 hp: 8.4 s versus 8.2 s. 35 1.5 TFSI S-tronic Allstreet 150 hp matches 8.4 s / mixed 5.7. 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic Allstreet 150 hp is 8.5 s versus 8.4 s on the non-Allstreet 232 km/h TDI. Clearance not measured on all nine.

Engines and specs (hp, Nm, size, fuel, layout, boost, gearbox, drive)

Older slices keep the same naming rule. 3 generation Cabrio: 1.8 S-tronic 180 hp AWD; 1.4 MT 125 / 140 / 150 hp; 1.4 S-tronic 140 hp and 1.4 S-tronic 125 hp; 1.8 MT 180 hp; 1.6 MT 110 hp Diesel; 2.0 MT 150 hp / 340 Nm FWD; 2.0 MT 150 hp / 320 Nm AWD; 2.0 S-tronic 150 hp; 2.0 MT 184 hp. 2 generation restyling 2 Cabrio: 1.4 MT 125 hp; 1.6 S-tronic 102 hp; 1.6 MT 105 hp Diesel; 1.8 MT 160 hp; 1.6 AT 102 hp; 2.0 S-tronic 140 hp Diesel; 1.2 MT 105 hp; 1.6 MT 102 hp Gasoline; 1.9 MT 105 hp; 2.0 MT 140 hp Diesel; 2.0 MT 200 hp Gasoline; 1.8 S-tronic 160 hp. 2 generation restyling 1: 1.4 S-tronic 125 hp; 2.0 MT 200 hp AWD; 1.9 S-tronic 105 hp; 2.0 S-tronic 170 hp AWD; 1.4 MT 125 hp; 1.6 MT 115 hp; 1.8 MT 160 hp AWD; 2.0 S-tronic 200 hp AWD; 1.9 MT 105 hp; 2.0 MT 140 hp Diesel; two 2.0 S-tronic 140 hp (AWD and FWD). 2 generation: 1.6 MT 115 hp; 1.6 AT 115 hp; 3.2 MT / 3.2 S-tronic 250 hp; 1.9 MT / 1.9 S-tronic 105 hp; two 2.0 MT 140 hp (AWD and FWD); 2.0 S-tronic 140 hp AWD; 2.0 MT 200 hp; 2.0 DSG 200 hp; 1.6 MT 102 hp. 1 generation restyling: 1.8 MT 150 hp AWD; 1.8 AT 180 hp; 1.9 AT 90 hp; two 1.9 MT 100 hp AWD (same 11.0 s / 188 km/h / mixed 5.0 in this slice); 1.9 AT 110 hp; two 1.9 MT 130 hp (FWD and AWD); 1.9 AT 130 hp; 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD; 1.9 MT 90 hp; 1.9 MT 110 hp. 1 generation: 1.9 MT / 1.9 AT 90 hp; 1.9 MT / 1.9 AT 110 hp; 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD; 1.8 AT 180 hp; 2.0 MT 150 hp; 1.6 MT / 1.6 AT 101 hp; 1.8 AT 125 hp; 1.8 MT 125 hp; 1.8 AT 150 hp.

Power per litre (hp / cm³ × 1000): 45 TFSI e S-tronic 175.6; 40 1.4 TFSI e S-tronic 146.2; 3 gen restyle 1.0 MT / 1.0 S-tronic 115.1; 3 gen restyle 1.4 MT 107.5; 3.2 250 hp only 78.4; 1 gen 1.9 MT 90 hp 47.5.

Performance and economy

0–100 extremes: fastest measured 2.0 S-tronic 190 hp AWD (3 gen restyle) 6.2 s; then restyle-1 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic 6.3 s; 3.2 S-tronic 6.4 s; 3.2 MT 6.5 s. Slowest measured 1.9 AT 90 hp (1 gen) 13.7 s. Top speed 250 km/h on 3.2 MT, 3.2 S-tronic, 3 gen restyle 2.0 MT 190 hp, and one restyle-1 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic; lowest 177 km/h on 1 gen 1.9 AT 90 hp.

Mixed consumption: lowest measured Diesel 1.6 S-tronic 110 hp (3 gen restyle) 3.7; restyle-1 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic 232 km/h 3.6; 4 gen 30 TDI S-tronic 3.7. Highest measured mixed 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD 9.3 (1 gen and restyling) and 2 gen 3.2 MT 9.8. Plug-in city 1.3 on 45 TFSI e S-tronic; highway and mixed not measured. 30 TDI MT, 2 gen 2.0 MT 200 hp, 2.0 DSG, 1.6 AT 115 hp consumption not measured.

CO2: lowest measured 40 1.4 TFSI e S-tronic 30, 45 TFSI e S-tronic 31; 4 gen 30 TDI MT 96; 3 gen restyle 1.6 S-tronic 110 hp 98. Highest measured restyle-1 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic 167 (245 km/h row) and 163 (250 km/h row). Most 1–2 generation CO2 not measured.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb: lightest 1.6 MT 101 hp 1090 kg; 3 gen restyle 1.0 MT 1185 kg; Cabrio 3 gen 1.8 S-tronic and 2.0 MT 150 hp AWD 1615 kg; Plug-in 45 TFSI e S-tronic 1585 kg, 40 1.4 TFSI e S-tronic 1560 kg. Gross: 3.2 S-tronic 2085 kg; Plug-in 2075 / 2065 kg. Several kerb/gross rows not measured (30 TDI MT, 30 g-tron S tronic, some 2 gen restyle 1 diesels).

Tank 55 L on 1–2 generation (and one restyle-1 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic 250 km/h); 50 L on 3–4 generation except Plug-in 40 L. Clearance 140 mm on 1 generation and 3 gen restyle Sedan; 120 mm on 2 generation hatch; 165 mm on 3 generation Cabrio where measured; 4 generation restyle 1 clearance not measured. Wheels listed on 3 gen restyle Sedan: 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, plus 235/35 R19 on the 190/150 2.0 rows; 1.0 and 1.6 Diesel stop at R18. Rear axle on 3 gen restyle 1.0 MT, 1.0 S-tronic, 1.6 MT, 1.6 S-tronic: Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem; independent spring on the 2.0 and 1.4/1.5 rows.

Which version to choose

Need AWD and a short 0–100 now: restyle-1 40 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic 204 hp (6.3 s, 7.13 kg/hp). The 250 km/h / 55 L / mixed 6.9 / CO2 163 row is the more complete spec; the 245 km/h / 50 L / mixed 7.3 / CO2 167 row is the same 0–100 and kerb 1455 kg. Versus 3 gen restyle 2.0 S-tronic 190 hp AWD: +14 hp, +0.1 s (6.3 vs 6.2 — the older AWD is still 0.1 s quicker), torque 320 vs 320, mixed not fully comparable (5.6 vs 6.9/7.3).

Need the smallest kg/hp in the file: 2 generation 3.2 MT 5.98 kg/hp, 6.5 s, mixed 9.8, 120 mm clearance, AWD. 3.2 S-tronic adds 30 kg and 0.1 s. That is a Hatchback 3-door, not a current 5-door.

Need Plug-in numbers: 45 TFSI e S-tronic 245 hp, 6.8 s, city 1.3, CO2 31, tank 40 L. 40 1.4 TFSI e S-tronic 204 hp is 0.8 s slower, CO2 30. Both FWD, Robotic 6, kerb 1560–1585 kg.

Need Diesel economy on a current Hatchback 5-door: restyle-1 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic 232 km/h mixed 3.6, or the 224 km/h twin mixed 3.7. 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic Allstreet is 8.5 s vs 8.4 s. Same 150 hp / 360 Nm as 4 gen 30 TDI S-tronic. Do not buy 4 gen 30 TDI MT if you need 0–100, top speed, torque or consumption: those are not measured.

Need a used Sedan with full figures: 3 generation restyling. Daily FWD: 1.4 MT 150 hp beats 1.5 MT 150 hp on mixed 4.6 vs 5.0, CO2 106 vs 113, −5 kg, same 8.2 s / 224 km/h — 1.4 MT is 107.5 hp/L vs 100.1. Three-cylinder economy: 1.0 MT and 1.0 S-tronic both 9.9 s / mixed 4.4; robot city 5.4 vs 5.5, but +20 kg. Diesel: 1.6 S-tronic 110 hp mixed 3.7 over 1.6 MT 110 hp 3.8; the 116 hp twins cut 0–100 by 0.3 s (10.4 vs 10.7). Gasoline fun without AWD: 2.0 MT 190 hp 6.9 s / 250 km/h / 6.79 kg/hp. AWD Diesel: 2.0 MT 150 hp 8.3 s, +75 kg vs FWD 2.0 S-tronic 150 hp Diesel.

Need a Cabrio: 3 generation 1.8 MT 180 hp if you want 242 km/h FWD; 1.8 S-tronic if you want AWD and 7.6 s at 1615 kg. Diesel Cabrio: 2.0 MT 184 hp 7.9 s / 241 km/h. Budget Cabrio 2 generation restyling 2: 1.2 MT mixed 5.5 vs 1.6 AT 102 hp 12.5 s / mixed 7.0.

Need the lightest / cheapest-running old hatch: 1 generation 1.6 MT 101 hp 1090 kg. Avoid 1 gen 1.9 AT 90 hp if time matters (13.7 s). The 180 hp 1.8 MT AWD is already 7.5 s in 1996–2003 data — same 0–100 as 1 gen restyling 1.8 MT 180 hp AWD.

Need LPG: only 30 g-tron S tronic 131 hp, Automatic 6, 9.7 s, mixed 4.6, CO2 106; kerb not measured.

Need Allstreet: 35 1.5 TFSI S-tronic Allstreet equals the 8.4 s petrol twin on 0–100 and mixed 5.7; 30 2.0 TDI S-tronic Allstreet costs 0.1 s versus the faster TDI. Clearance not measured, so Allstreet is not a ground-clearance upgrade in this file.

Gearbox arithmetic: robot vs manual on 3 gen restyle 1.0 does not change 0–100 (9.9 s). On 2 gen restyle 1 2.0 200 hp AWD, S-tronic vs MT is +0.1 s and −1.2 mixed L/100 km. 4 gen 35 TFSI MT 8.4 s matches 35 TFSI S-tronic 1498 cm³ 8.4 s but mixed 4.8 vs 5.6.

What not to infer: prices are not in the data. Engine oil, reliability and “for sale” are not measured. Where a cell is empty in the source, it is not measured, not zero.