The iconic Audi A3 3-door was first launched in the European market in 1996, signaling Audi's comeback to smaller cars since the Audi 50 was discontinued in 1978. This vehicle was the first Volkswagen Group model that utilized the "PQ34" or "A4" platform. Its design was greatly inspired by the popular Volkswagen Golf Mk4 which was released the following year. In total, the platform was employed in seven cars within three years.
Essentially, the A3 featured a three-door hatchback body design, aimed at representing a more sport-oriented vibe than the Golf. It was initially available with both front and four-wheel drive, fitted with transverse inline four-cylinder engines. It also boasted a five-valve per cylinder system, a 111 kilowatts (148 hp) engine, and a Haldex Traction-based four-wheel-drive system, all seen in the Audi S3 and the Audi TT.
The British market gained access to the Audi A3 in November 1996. It wasn't until 1999 that more powerful versions were added which included a 1.8 turbo with 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with unit injector "Pumpe Düse" (PD) technology and a variable geometry turbo. Towards the close of 2000, updates were made to the A3 in the form of cosmetic changes, a revised interior, and the inclusion of a new six-speed manual gearbox for the 1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and the 1.9 TDI with 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp).
European drivers of the A3 could enjoy the benefits of Audi's high-tech electronic stability control, traction-control, and brake force distribution tools as standard. The first-generation A3 continued to be sold in some countries even after being replaced in Europe in 2003. It was only in 2006 that the production of this generation stopped in Brazil.
Safety
The Audi A3 3-door was praised by the Euro NCAP, receiving a safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The report noted the potential for significant knee injuries posed by the column lock adjuster lever and bracket. However, its pedestrian protection system earned just two stars out of a total of four.
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