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IN recent months, motorists in Mutare and surrounding areas have fallen head over heels with Audi, particularly the A3.
One of the proud owners of an A3 phoned me and asked if I could review his prized asset. Well, I am duty bound to take your concerns on board and I will do as requested. Anyway, this is your column.
The Audi A3 is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1996. The first two generations of A3 were based on the Volkswagen Group. A platform, which they share with several other models such as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Caddy and Volkswagen Touran as well as SEAT León, SEAT Toledo and Škoda Octavia.
The third-generation A3 uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi’s return to the production of smaller cars following the demise of the Audi 50 in 1978.
The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, in order to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front and four-wheel drive. All engines were an inline four-cylinder configuration, and were transversely mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 was the second model in the Audi line-up to use five valves per cylinder.
In 1999, Audi expanded the range with the introduction of more powerful versions: a 1.8 Turbo rated 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with Unit Injector “Pumpe Düse” (PD) technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based on-demand four-wheel-drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. Also in 1999, Audi also introduced a five-door body.
In late 2000, the A3 range was revised with new headlights and rear lamps, other minor cosmetic changes, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox, on the 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI.
Audi’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction-control and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.
Although the first-generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, the first generation model continued to be sold in some markets.
Production of the first generation model stopped in Brazil in 2006.
Audi released the A3-derived Audi S3 in 1999, offered only as a three-door hatchback. The inline-four 20v 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). Early models (1999–2001) had 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) which is said [who?] to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT. Later models (2001–2003) had variable valve timing and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engine provides a maximum 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) of torque, most of which is available from 2,200 through to 5,500 rpm. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.
At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Gary Telaak during 2000.
Originally launched only as a three-door hatchback with four-cylinder engines, it featured a new automobile platform (the PQ35 platform), a redesigned and more spacious interior, new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), and standard six-speed manual gearboxes.
In mid-2003, the line was updated with two sports-oriented models, a 2.0 Turbo-FSI version rated 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp), and a 3.2 L VR6 engine (for the first time) with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). Haldex Traction-based quattro on-demand four-wheel drive, and the S-Tronic semi-auto gearbox were introduced as options (quattro is standard on the VR6) on every model with engine over 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp).
In 2005, the “S line” trim level, offering new decorative elements, became available and the three-door A3 received the same front end styling features as the Sportback model.
The five-door “Sportback” model was introduced in June 2004. The A3 Sportback is 80 mm (3 in) longer than the base three-door body, and includes improved rear cabin space and a larger luggage compartment (370 litres). It also received the new “single frame” front grille originally introduced in the A8 W12, which was later adopted across the whole A3 range.
The S3 was face-lifted in 2000, where it was given one-piece headlights/indicator units, different front wings, rear lights clusters, and some minor upgrades to interior trim. There had been minor changes to the design previous to this, including digital clock on the dash.
Standard features include xenon HID headlamps with high pressure washers and auto levellers, front fog lamps, 17” “Avus” alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tyres, electrically adjustable Recaro leather seats, climate control, alarm and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control (ASR).
Options include a Bose sound system, boot/trunk or in-dash mounted 6-disc CD changer, metallic paint, 18-inch 9-spoke RSTT wheels, glass sunroof, centre arm rest, privacy glass (B-pillar backwards), auto-dipping rear-view mirror, parking assist, luggage net, heated front seats, cruise control, aluminium door mirror casings and part leather/alcantara (blue/silver/yellow) combination seat coverings.
Online Reporter