Launched at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi's second-gen A3 -- the Typ 8P -- was designed by Walter de'Silva. Initially produced with four-cylinder engines as a 3-door hatchback, the A3 boasted a new mechanical platform, a more spacious interior, new Fuel Stratified Injection petrol engines, and a standard 6-speed gearbox (with the exception of the base 1.6).
In mid-2003, two sports models were added to the lineup -- featuring 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 VR6 engines, respectively. Quattro all-wheel drive and the S-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox were available as optional features (quattro was standard on the V6) for all models with 140 PS (103 kW) or more.
Further additions to the A3 range came in June 2004 with the introduction of a new 5-door body type, the 'Sportback' -- 8 cm (3 in) longer than the 3-door and featuring better rear cabin room and a larger size luggage compartment (370 litres). As well as the new body, the A3 was given another facelift, with the front grille inspired by the A8 W12.
The following year, the S-Line trim level was released, with sporty design elements for certain models, and the 3-door version got the same frontend as the Sportback. The A3 also made its North American debut, offered exclusively as a Sportback and with the base 2.0 TFSI engine (2005) and the 3.2 V6 quattro (2006). In April 2006, the range was expanded further with the inclusion of the powerful 2.0 TDI engine (170 PS or 125 kW).
The S3 version arrived in August 2006, replaced the current range-topping model. The 2.0 TFSI was upgraded to 265 PS (195 kW) -- made possible by the increased turbo pressure of 2.2 bar -- and came with the standard 6-speed manual and Quattro. The S3 was capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and had a lowered ride height (25 mm or 1 inch). All variants had 225/40 R18 tyres as standard.
Engines
1.6 L (1595 cc), 75 kW (102 PS) 1.6 L (1598 cc) FSI, 85 kW (115 PS) 2.0 L (1984 cc) FSI, 110 kW (150 PS) 2.0 L (1984 cc) FSI turbo, 147 kW (200 PS) 3.2 L (3189 cc) V6, 184 kW (250 PS) 2.0 L (1984 cc) FSI turbo, 195 kW (265 PS) (S3) 1.9 L (1896 cc) turbo diesel, 77 kW (105 PS) 2.0 L (1968 cc) turbo diesel, 103 kW (140 PS) 2.0 L (1968 cc) turbo diesel, 125 kW (170 PS)
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