AUDI A3 1996-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

The first generation of the A3 was the first compact-hatchback Audi in the premium segment. The result exceeded expectations and, over time, evolved from a simple, 3-door hatchback, into a full range.

In 1993, BMW launched the E36/5 3-Series Compact as a 3-door hatchback. It was a link to an older BMW 1600 hatchback from the beginning of the '70s. The result was surprising. With a relatively small budget, the car was launched on the market and it found its niche. Audi followed in 1996 with the A3, based on the existing platform of the Volkswagen Golf IV.

Unlike the BMW, the Audi A3 was a completely new bodywork than the rest of the stable. Narrow headlights, small grille, and a simple look. The raked rear-end offered a sportier look to the compact-hatchback than the Golf. Three years after the launch, the A3 received the 5-door version, named Sportback. In 2000, the A3 was facelifted and received new headlights and taillights, along with other bumpers.

Inside, a blue-backlight instrument panel took some of the dials and buttons from its bigger brothers, such as the A4. A high center console and flat center stack fitted with the stereo and climate control offered a better look than the simple, mass-market, Golf.

The A3 was introduced with three important engine options: a 1.6-liter, a 1.8-liter 20 valves, and a 1.9-liter turbodiesel with direct injection (TDI). They were mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Later on, a 1.8-liter turbocharged unit was introduced. After the facelift, the A3 was heavily revised on the drivetrain that included the S3 hot-hatch with 225 hp under the hood and all-wheel-drive system, the same found in the Audi TT. An automatic transmission was offered for selected engines.