Audi A3

What is the Audi A3?

The A3 is Audi’s compact car, with a hatchback body and, in some generations and markets, a saloon. Its smaller footprint makes it suited to everyday city driving, while its five-door versions add room for passengers and luggage. Audi introduced the model as a premium compact car.

The generations listed here are the 8L (2000–2003), 8P (2003–2012), 8V (2012–2020) and 8Y (since 2020). The model expanded from a three-door hatchback to include five-door and saloon body styles. Later generations brought more digital features while keeping the A3 in Audi’s compact-car range.

Engines and power

A3 powertrains have included petrol and diesel engines, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Depending on the market, versions have also used natural gas, LPG or E85 flex fuel. In the EU, engine sizes range from 1.0 to 2.5 litres, with power from 66 kW (90 PS) to 294 kW (400 PS). In the UK, the range spans 1.2 to 2.5 litres and 75 kW (102 PS) to 228 kW (310 PS).

How economical is the Audi A3?

The lowest listed EU consumption for petrol, diesel and hybrid versions is 4.2 L/100 km on WLTP. The lowest EU plug-in hybrid figure is 0.5 L/100 km, a weighted result that assumes some driving is electric. In the UK, the respective lowest figures are 3.4 L/100 km and 1.6 L/100 km, both on NEDC.

In the USA, the best combined EPA rating is 35 MPG, with a listed low of 6.7 L/100 km. Canada’s lowest listed figure is 6.5 L/100 km on its 5-cycle test. These results are not directly comparable: Europe uses WLTP or NEDC, the USA uses EPA testing, and Canada uses its 5-cycle procedure.

Where is the Audi A3 listed?

EU registration figures cover the A3 from 2010 to 2025; the UK series begins in 2000. The figures also include France, the USA and Canada. Engine and fuel choices vary by market, so a local rating is the useful reference for a particular car.