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Audi A3

 

The A3 is a compact luxury car built by Audi since 1996 . It uses the Volkswagen A platform shared with the VW Golf , Skoda Octavia and Seat León .

First generation (1996-2002)

The original A3 bears a close resemblance to its contemporary sister car, the Mk. IV VW Golf . It exists as a three-door hatchback and a five-door hatchback, in both front- and four-wheel drive, all with four-cylinder transverse-mounted engines. The front-wheel drive versions feature three petrol engines and three diesels. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T Quattro uses a 132 kW (177 hp) version of the 1.8 L turbo engine and the same Haldex -based Quattro drivetrain as the Audi S3 and the original Audi TT . Unlike the S3, the A3 Quattro does exist as a five-door model.

In late 2001 , the A3 range was revised with new light clusters, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi's ESP (Electronic Stability Program) traction-control and brakeforce distribution computer became standard equipment.

 

Engines

 

Second generation (2003-)

In the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3. The premium version of the A3 is the 3.2 Quattro with a 24-valve 250 hp (186 kW) VR6 engine. It delivers a peak-torque range with a maximum value of 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) from 2500–3000 rpm. The new Audi A3 (three doors and SportBack) has been drawn by Italian Walter Da Silva.


 

US Market

A five-door version was launched in the United States market in May 2005 priced at US$ 25,450. It uses the 200 hp (149 kW) turbocharged 2.0 L I4 engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission . A DSG clutchless manual transmission is optional and priced at $1,400. The American A3 will initially be limited to front wheel drive , though a Quattro ( all wheel drive ) version with a 3.2 L VR6 engine will be made available in the future.

The American A3 comes with a great deal of standard equipment, including 17-inch wheels, a 140-watt sound system with 10 speakers and CD player, automatic climate control, and an Electronic Stabilization Program . The $1,800 Sport Package includes colored wheels, a sport suspension, and an upgraded interior with leather sport seats. For $2,025, the Premium Package adds a trip computer, leather seats, and other convenience features. A panoramic sunroof, called "Open Sky System" that comprises a sun-roof and a glass panel over the backseat passengers is optional, as are a navigation system and upgraded Bose audio system.

Audi S3

 

The Audi S3 is a high-performance version of its small hatchback , the A3 . The S3 is equipped with a turbocharger and four wheel drive . Although dubbed Quattro , the S3 uses a different four-wheel drive system. The A3 shares its chassis with the Volkswagen Golf , Audi TT , SEAT Toledo and Škoda Octavia . The 1.8 L turbocharged engine makes 225 hp and a maximum 280 N·m of torque , most of which is available from 2200 through to 5500 rpm. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.

With compact dimensions and a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments, piloting the S3 is hardly different to any other medium-sized hatchback .Standard features include Xenon lowbeam headlights, 17 in alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tires, leather/Alacantra combination seat coverings, cruise control, air-conditioning, and a sunroof. Options include a Bose sound system and full leather seats.The S3 is sold in the United Kingdom , Europe and Australia , but is not yet officially marketed in the United States .

The first generation S3 was produced between 1999 and 2003 . Although the second generation Audi A3 came out in 2003, the updated S3 has yet to be launched. According to the German car magazine Auto Motor Sport, it will have a 3.2 litre V6 with turbo, generating 330 hp.

 

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