In 2012, at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the third generation of its compact-class contender, the A3 Sportback.
It is based on the MQB platform, Volkswagen’s modular platform used for more vehicles in the group. But the A3 is the first to use it. The Sportback was available in three or five-door bodywork.

Later on, from the A3 family, another three vehicles emerged: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan and the Q3 crossover. The outside dimensions were slightly bigger than those of its predecessor, with a total length of 4310 mm (169,7 in), a 1785 mm (70.3 in) width and a 1421 mm (55.9 in) height.

The cabin is large enough for five passengers, especially the five-door versions. The car has received a very good crash-test rating, being credited with a 5 star EuroNCAP rating under the new regulations. Numerous safety features were installed in the A3, such as lane assist, radar for collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and an automated system that braked the vehicle after a collision.

The available engines available at the launch were four-cylinder turbocharged units with either gasoline or diesel. The base was a 1.4-liter with 122 hp, while the top version was a 1.8-liter TFSI four-pot with 180 hp. For the diesel, there was only a 2.0-liter TDI engine available with 150 hp.

All-wheel-drive quattro transmission was available for the top diesel and gasoline versions.

Inside, a new MMI unit is installed with handwriting recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.