Audi A3: specs, features and models
Find your perfect version of this posh German hatchback with our full guide to the Audi A3 specs, features and models
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 28 May 2025
A mainstay of 'top 10 best-selling new and used cars' lists year in, year out, the A3 is an extremely popular pick. Buyers love its practicality, quality and style, to name just a few of its selling points.
If you're in the market for a top drawer hatchback, we have all the popular Audi A3 models explained below, including Audi A3 Saloon specs and Audi A3 Sportback specs.
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Audi A3 generations
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It all started in 1996 when Audi launched its first premium family hatchback, which hit the ground running and was based on the highly-regarded Volkswagen Golf, already in its fourth generation.
2003 saw Audi launch its second generation of the A3 – improving styling and offering a wide selection of engines.
In 2008, it got a facelift with modern touches like LED daytime running lights and more tech. The slick third-generation A3, with its pop-up infotainment display, followed in 2012.
The third gen was a car of firsts – the first A3 to get a fully customisable and digital instrument cluster, the first A3 to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the first A3 to get saloon and convertible body styles.
Audi turned the modern minimalism dial up to 11 for the A3's fourth generation, which is loaded with kit and powered by the most efficient engines to date.
Throughout its life so far, the A3 has not only looked like one of the highest-quality hatchbacks on the market, it's driven like one.
The ride is planted and refined, many engines come with the option of 'quattro' all-wheel drive with rally pedigree – and you can even go for an S3 or the ultimate RS 3 for top-tier performance.
Read more about Audi A3 generations in our detailed guide below.
Audi A3 fourth generation (Typ 8Y, 2020-present)
Audi's latest A3 is the fourth-generation model, which got a cosmetic facelift in 2024 with even more aggressive looks. It's the one to go for if you want something newer and value style, luxury and low running costs.
Audi A3 third generation (Typ 8V, 2012-2020)
The third-generation A3 is an extremely popular car that many buyers still love to pick up second-hand because it's built to a high standard and represents strong value for money.
It's also the newest A3 generation to have a Cabriolet variant – perfect for the summer months.
Audi A3 second generation (Typ 8P, 2003-2012)
The second-generation model was a hit in Britain, with engines ranging from a highly efficient 1.6-litre diesel to a bonkers, 250hp 3.2-litre V6. We also saw the introduction of a convertible A3 with the 'Cabriolet' body style for this generation.
Audi A3 first generation (Typ 8L, 1996-2003)
Audi's first-ever A3 might've come years after the Volkswagen Golf and other rival hatchbacks, but it marked a turning point for compact premium motoring.
It arrived long before its modern-day rivals, the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series.
Audi A3 2020-2023: specs, features and models
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Features:
All A3 models from 2020-2023 get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment display, as well as standard cruise control and rear parking sensors.
S line is a very popular trim, which adds dual-zone climate control, LED tail lights with those stylish scrolling indicators, tinted rear windows and a firmer suspension that's been lowered by 15mm.
Higher trim levels get things like Matrix LED (adaptive) headlights, a panoramic sunroof, Alcantara or Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display and a 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system. You can also get most of these as options in lower-trim models.
Specs:
Below are some popular engine options, including Audi 30 TFSI specs, Audi A3 35 TFSI specs and Audi A3 40 TFSIe specs:
30 TFSI – 1.0-litre petrol, 110hp, 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, 51.4mpg
35 TFSI – 1.5-litre petrol, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, 48.7mpg
30 TDI – 2.0-litre, 116hp, 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, 61.4mpg
35 TDI – 2.0-litre diesel, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, 61.4mpg
40 TFSIe – 1.4-litre petrol, 204hp, 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, 13kWh battery, 40 miles of electric-only range
45 TFSIe – 1.4-litre petrol, 245hp, 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, 13kWh battery, 37 miles of electric-only range
Sportback
The A3 Sportback specifically refers to the five-door hatchback variant, although Audi stopped selling the three-door model many years ago.
It's longer, wider and lower than its predecessor for a more sporty stance, but you also get more headroom in the front and more shoulder room in the back, making it a better pick for families.
The industry-standard 380-litre boot remains too.
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Saloon
From the front, the A3 Saloon is identical to its Sportback sibling. It's at the back where things get different because of the saloon-style roofline that drops off more gradually, a bit like the A4 Saloon.
The Saloon also has a slightly bigger 425-litre boot, but it's also tucked away behind a narrower opening because the Saloon's rear windscreen doesn't open with the boot lid. It certainly looks the part, but if you value practicality, you should consider the Sportback model.
Also note that you can only get the Sportback as a plug-in hybrid, not the Saloon.
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Audi A3 2024-onwards: specs, features and models
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Features:
Audi facelifted the A3 in 2024 with new front and rear bumper designs, a new centre console and gear selector, five new paint options and customisable LED daytime running lights.
The entry-level Technik model was ditched, so all cars are Sport trim or above, meaning you get three-zone climate control and all-round parking sensors from the get-go.
Specs:
The biggest difference in performance comes from the battery in the plug-in hybrid 'TFSIe' model, which is now twice the size, marking a huge improvement to electric-only range.
The engine choice also became slimmer, but thankfully, all the popular options remained:
30 TFSI – 1.0-litre, 116hp, 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, 53.1mpg
35 TFSI – 1.5-litre petrol, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, 53.3mpg
35 TDI – 2.0-litre diesel, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, 57.6mpg
40 TFSIe – 1.5-litre petrol, 204hp, 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, 25.7kWh battery, 88 miles of electric-only range
Audi A3 2012-2020: specs, features and models
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Features:
Despite being packed with more computers, equipment and safety kit, the third-generation A3 was up to 90kg lighter than the one it replaced. This, combined with the engine improvements, made for a very efficient hatchback.
In its later years, all versions of the third-gen A3 came with xenon or LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a seven-inch retractable infotainment display.
As with any car, kit levels vary by model year, so be sure to check any individual listing to make sure your A3 comes with what you want.
Specs:
The third-gen A3 had a range of engines available over the years – popular options include:
30 TFSI – 1.0-litre petrol, 116hp, 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, 56.5mpg
35 TFSI – 1.4-litre petrol, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, 56.5mpg
40 TFSI – 2.0-litre petrol, 190hp, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, 49mpg
30 TDI – 1.6-litre diesel, 116hp, 10.4 seconds, 72.4mpg
35 TDI – 2.0-litre diesel, 150hp, 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, 67mpg
e-tron – 1.4-litre petrol, 204hp, 7.6 seconds, 8.8kWh battery, 31 miles of electric-only range
In 2013, Audi added Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) technology to its 1.4-litre petrol, allowing half of the cylinders to shut down under light load and boosting efficiency to 58.9mpg, which is on par with many diesels.
Hatchback
Some earlier models were called 'A3 Hatchback', while later versions were simply called 'A3'. This is the three-door version, so it's 73mm shorter than the five-door Sportback.
Sportback
The main difference between this and the A3 Hatchback is that the Sportback has a pair of rear doors to make it easier for rear-seat passengers to get in and out. It also has a bigger boot (380 litres vs. 365 litres).
Saloon
Audi introduced the A3 Saloon in its third generation, but despite its drastically different looks, it's built on exactly the same platform. It's also longer than the three- and four-door hatchbacks, at 4,466mm.
Cabriolet
Launched two years after the third-gen A3 went on sale, the A3 Cabriolet uses the A3 Saloon's platform. It came as a three-door and has an electrically retractable roof that operates in 18 seconds.
Buy used Audi A3 cars
Whether you're eyeing up punchy petrol engines, torque-y diesels or a plug-in hybrid with over 80 miles of electric-only range, there's a used Audi A3 for sale to suit every single driver.
From trim levels to body styles, we've outlined all of the Audi A3 models explained, so take your pick from the Audi A3 Sportback, Saloon, Hatchback or Cabriolet.
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