SPOT.
Photo of a Audi A3

Audi A3

Over 6 million in 30 years: the A3 that made compact cars premium.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 33 sources

At a glance

0250500
89–401 hpPower
07.515
3.8–13.7 s0–100 km/h
0150300
177–300 km/hTop speed
0250500
145–500 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,090–1,710 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.211121314

Engine
1.0–3.2 L gasoline; 1.6–2.0 L TDI; RS 3 turbo I5; plug-in hybrids27910
Layout
Front engine; FWD or quattro AWD, depending on version2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 4–6-speed automatic; 6/7-speed S tronic dual-clutch2
Built at
Ingolstadt, Germany; Győr, Hungary; Brussels, Belgium; Curitiba, Brazil2
Units built
Over 6 million by 20261

The story

1996: Paris debut defines premium compact19961999: Five doors for A3, two intercoolers for S319992003: 8P grows up, adds a 3.2 L VR620032005: Sportback brings the A3 to America20052012: 8V becomes Audi's first MQB model20122015: US A3 swaps hatch for Sedan20152022: 2022 quattro: 48 volts, smooth shifts20222024: TFSI e reaches 143 km on battery20242026: 30 years, over 6 million A3s2026 Audi A3 (first generation) (8L): 1996–20068LAudi A3 (second generation) (8P): 2003–20138PAudi A3 (third generation) (8V): 2012–20208VAudi A3 (fourth generation) (8Y): 2020–present8Y 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones12
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1996–2006Audi A3 (first generation) (8L)
2003–2013Audi A3 (second generation) (8P)
2012–2020Audi A3 (third generation) (8V)
2020–presentAudi A3 (fourth generation) (8Y)
1996Paris debut defines premium compact
1999Five doors for A3, two intercoolers for S3
20038P grows up, adds a 3.2 L VR6
2005Sportback brings the A3 to America
20128V becomes Audi's first MQB model
2015US A3 swaps hatch for Sedan
20222022 quattro: 48 volts, smooth shifts
2024TFSI e reaches 143 km on battery
202630 years, over 6 million A3s
  1. 1996

    Paris debut defines premium compact

    Audi launches the three-door A3 at the Salon Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, establishing the premium compact class.1

  2. 1999

    Five doors for A3, two intercoolers for S3

    A five-door A3 joins the range; the three-door S3 sends its 1.8 L turbo four through a six-speed manual to all four wheels.1

  3. 2003

    8P grows up, adds a 3.2 L VR6

    A larger cabin and four-link rear suspension mark the second generation; the new VR6 can be paired with S tronic.12

  4. 2005

    Sportback brings the A3 to America

    America's first A3 is a Sportback: 200 hp for the 2.0T, then a 250 hp 3.2 quattro S-line with DSG and a tested 5.8 seconds to 60 mph.23

  5. 2012

    8V becomes Audi's first MQB model

    The 8V introduces MQB to Audi. A Sedan follows in 2013, then the compact-class plug-in-hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron in 2014.1

  6. 2015

    US A3 swaps hatch for Sedan

    For model year 2015, the US swaps hatch for sedan. The 220 hp quattro wins Car and Driver's comparison with BMW's 228i and Mercedes-Benz's CLA250 4MATIC.45

  7. 2022

    2022 quattro: 48 volts, smooth shifts

    The mild-hybrid turbo four and dual-clutch deliver smooth traffic manners and crisp shifts; the quattro feels planted and direct on the road.6

  8. 2024

    TFSI e reaches 143 km on battery

    The Sportback plug-in hybrid gains a 25.7 kWh gross battery, up to 143 km of WLTP electric range and DC charging at up to 50 kW.7

  9. 2026

    30 years, over 6 million A3s

    The 2026 update brings an 11.9-inch instrument screen and 12.8-inch touchscreen as the family celebrates 30 years and passes 6 million built.18

Every generation

  • Audi 50
    Audi 50Until 1978
  • Audi A3 (first generation)
    8L1996–2006
  • Audi A3 (second generation)
    8P2003–2013
  • Audi A3 (third generation)
    8V2012–2020
  • Audi A3 (fourth generation)
    8Y2020–present

Power over the years

From 89 hp to 401 hp in 27 years.

0200400600 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1996 · 89 hp · 8L 1.9 TDI1999 · 207 hp · 8L S3 1.8 turbo2006 · 200 hp · US 2.0T Sportback2006 · 250 hp · US 3.2 quattro S-line DSG2011 · 335 hp · RS 3 Sportback 2.5 turbo2015 · 220 hp · US A3 2.0T quattro Sedan2015 · 362 hp · RS 3 Sportback upgrade2016 · 181 hp · 8V 2.0 TDI2022 · 201 hp · A3 quattro 48-volt mild hybrid2023 · 401 hp · RS 3 performance edition2024 · 201 hp · Sportback 40 TFSI e, system output2024 · 268 hp · Sportback 45 TFSI e, system output 401 hp RS 3 performance edition 89 hp 8L 1.9 TDI
1234679111415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1996898L 1.9 TDI
19992078L S3 1.8 turbo
2006200US 2.0T Sportback
2006250US 3.2 quattro S-line DSG
2011335RS 3 Sportback 2.5 turbo
2015220US A3 2.0T quattro Sedan
2015362RS 3 Sportback upgrade
20161818V 2.0 TDI
2022201A3 quattro 48-volt mild hybrid
2023401RS 3 performance edition
2024201Sportback 40 TFSI e, system output
2024268Sportback 45 TFSI e, system output

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • A3 hatchback, Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet

    Standard

    A3 hatchback, Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet

  • A3 S line

    Standard

    A3 S line

  • A3 Sportback e-tron

    Standard

    A3 Sportback e-tron

    2016

    204 hp
  • A3 allstreet

    Standard

    A3 allstreet

    2024–present

  • S3: hatchback, Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet

    Performance

    S3: hatchback, Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet

  • RS 3 Sportback (8P)

    Performance

    RS 3 Sportback (8P)

    2011–2012

    335 hp
  • RS 3 Sportback and Sedan (8V)

    Performance

    RS 3 Sportback and Sedan (8V)

    2015–2020

  • Limited

    RS 3 competition limited

    2026

    394 hp

  • Limited

    A3 S line dynamic limited

    120 hp

  • Limited

    RS 3 performance edition

    2023

    401 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • 8L three-door: thick rear pillars and a rising shoulder line give a coupe-like profile.1
  • 2004 Sportback: five doors, with a stretched, wagon-like rear.12
  • 2024 update: Sportback/Sedan get a broad, flat hexagonal grille without a frame.18
  • 2024 update: slim, wedge-shaped headlights with pixel-style daytime lights along the top.18

Year by year

  1. 2000 / MY2001 (8L)

    For MY2001, the 8L gained clear-lens projector headlights, altered taillights and an updated interior.213

  2. 2002 (S3)

    Original S3 facelift: single-piece headlight/indicator units, revised front fenders and rear light clusters.2

  3. 2005 (8P three-door)

    The three-door switches from the Doubleframe grille to the Singleframe already used by the Sportback.21

  4. 2016 facelift

    Jagged headlight lower edges, a wider grille and horizontal rear light graphics; Virtual Cockpit becomes available.914

  5. 2024 exterior update

    Sportback and Sedan get a flatter, wider frameless grille, large angular intakes and a new rear bumper with a distinct diffuser.18

  6. 2026 cockpit/light update

    New panoramic cockpit; new S3 daytime-light pattern, three revised base-car patterns, and specific S3/RS 3 badges in the grille.8

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi A3
    A3
    Photo of a Audi A4
    Audi A4

    Audi A4

    The 8V A3 Sedan has a shorter body: it is 240 mm shorter than the A4.14

  • Photo of a Audi A3
    A3
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLA250
    Mercedes-Benz CLA250

    Mercedes-Benz CLA250

    2015 A3: slimmer headlights and a less steeply falling roofline; the CLA has large wraparound headlamps.4

Against its rivals

  • A3 vs BMW 228i (2014)

    Skidpad grip

    A30.9 g
    BMW 228i (2014)0.9 g
    5
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC (2014)

    A3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC (2014)

    Price as tested lower is better

    A3$39,845
    Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC (2014)$37,455
    5
  • Chevrolet Volt (2017)

    A3 vs Chevrolet Volt (2017)

    Estimated EV range

    A327.4 km
    Chevrolet Volt (2017)85.3 km
    17

Prices

Value today $1.4K–$3.1K24

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 20052010201520202025 Value today: $1,400–$3,100 2006 · $25,000 · US base, 2.0T2006 · $34,700 · US base, 3.2 quattro S-line2015 · $30,795 · US base, 1.8T2015 · $33,795 · US base, 2.0T quattro2016 · $38,825 · US base, Sportback e-tron2022 · $37,895 · US base, quattro 40 TFSI2024 · $38,502 · DE Sportback 35 TFSI; EUR~$1.082025 · $39,495 · US base, A3 quattro2025 · $49,995 · US base, S32026 · $119,202 · DE RS3 competition SB; EUR~$1.10 2006 · $25,000 · US base 2.0T, 2006 model year 2024 · $12,800 · 2013 A3 TDI Premium, 41k miles, BaT2025 · $18,672 · 2011 Sport Cab, 425 mi, fees; GBP~$1.30, Bonhams Cars Online2025 · $3,116 · 1998 A3; GBP~$1.30, Brightwells2025 · $10,470 · 2000 S3 RHD, TT 225 engine, 131k miles, BaT2025 · $39,000 · 2018 RS3, 30k miles, BaT2025 · $50,000 · 2022 RS3, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $2,868 · 1998 1.8 Sport, 49,000 mi; GBP~$1.30, Brightwells2026 · $2,028 · 2002 1.6 Sport; GBP~$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions2026 · $1,378 · 2002 1.6 SE automatic; GBP~$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions $50.0K BaT, 2025
234561217182425282930313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2006Launch price$25,000US base 2.0T, 2006 model year
2006Price when new$25,000US base, 2.0T
2006Price when new$34,700US base, 3.2 quattro S-line
2015Price when new$30,795US base, 1.8T
2015Price when new$33,795US base, 2.0T quattro
2016Price when new$38,825US base, Sportback e-tron
2022Price when new$37,895US base, quattro 40 TFSI
2024Price when new$38,502DE Sportback 35 TFSI; EUR~$1.08
2025Price when new$39,495US base, A3 quattro
2025Price when new$49,995US base, S3
2026Price when new$119,202DE RS3 competition SB; EUR~$1.10
2024Auction sale$12,8002013 A3 TDI Premium, 41k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,6722011 Sport Cab, 425 mi, fees; GBP~$1.30, Bonhams Cars Online
2025Auction sale$3,1161998 A3; GBP~$1.30, Brightwells
2025Auction sale$10,4702000 S3 RHD, TT 225 engine, 131k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$39,0002018 RS3, 30k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$50,0002022 RS3, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$2,8681998 1.8 Sport, 49,000 mi; GBP~$1.30, Brightwells
2026Auction sale$2,0282002 1.6 Sport; GBP~$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Auction sale$1,3782002 1.6 SE automatic; GBP~$1.30, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Value today$1,400–$3,100

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “7:33.123 with no extra engine output”
    • “Two endurance starts, two class wins”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. 30 years of the Audi A3: three decades of ‘Vorsprung’ in the premium compact segment | audi.com audi.com
  2. Audi A3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 2006 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro S-line Tested caranddriver.com
  4. Tested: 2015 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro caranddriver.com
  5. 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2014 BMW 228i, Mercedes-Benz CLA caranddriver.com
  6. 2022 Audi A3 Quattro First Test Review: Is It Audi Enough? motortrend.com
  7. More powerful and efficient than ever: the new A3 Sportback TFSI e | audi.com audi.com
  8. Upgrade for Audi A3 models | audi.com audi.com
  9. Technologie-Update für den kompakten Bestseller - der neue Audi A3 | Audi Medienportal audi.media-corner.ch
  10. Lateral dynamics in precision: the performance curve of the Audi RS 3 | audi.com audi.com
  11. The Highest Arts: Audi RS 3 performance edition | audi.com audi.com
  12. Glorious five: Audi RS 3 competition limited | audi.com audi.com
  13. Audi A3 8L – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  14. Audi A3 8V – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  15. Audi S3 / RS3 (1999-2021). La saga des Audi A3 sportives ! - L'argus largus.fr
  16. Used Audi A3 buying guide: 2012-present (Mk3) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  17. Tested: 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-In Hybrid caranddriver.com
  18. In top form: the Audi A3 and new A3 allstreet | audi.com audi.com
  19. On the grid with… Audi RS 3 LMS 24hseries.com
  20. Audi A3に限定車、S line dynamic limitedを発売 | Audi Japan Press Center - アウディ audi-press.jp
  21. Audi A3 8P – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  22. Modern Art Monday: The lines and creases of the Audi A3 – Hooniverse hooniverse.com
  23. Audi A3 Alternate Reality Game Concludes gamedeveloper.com
  24. Audi A3 For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  25. Lot 430: Classic Motoring Lot Bidding Ends: Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 1:46PM £3,500-4,500 - Brightwells brightwells.com
  26. | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  27. Learn About Volkswagen Violations | US EPA epa.gov
  28. 2025 Audi A3 Base Price Is Up $2600, S3 Costs $1500 More caranddriver.com
  29. 2011 Audi A3 TFSI Sport For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  30. Right-Hand-Drive 2000 Audi S3 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,470 on December 11, 2025 (Lot #222,992) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2018 Audi RS3 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $39,000 on November 26, 2025 (Lot #221,334) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2022 Audi RS3 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $50,000 on July 1, 2025 (Lot #198,588) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2013 Audi A3 TDI Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,800 on February 22, 2024 (Lot #137,257) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • audi.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • audi.media-corner.ch
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • largus.fr
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • 24hseries.com
  • audi-press.jp
  • hooniverse.com
  • gamedeveloper.com
  • theclassicvaluer.com
  • brightwells.com

Photo credits

Other car files