Audi launched the second generation of the A3 in 2003, and just a year later, in June 2004, it introduced the five-door version that came with a mild change at the front.
The five-door version was introduced at the mid-life of the A3’s first-generation after Audi understood that its customers would buy it, and they did. The car was a big success. But the second generation started with slow sales, and the German carmaker had to do something quick to fix that.

In 2004, along with introducing the Audi A3 Sportback (the five-door version), the carmaker changed the car’s front fascia. The single-frame grille became taller, and the new headlights looked more appealing. Both bumpers had to be changed to fit the new styling. The five-door version was also longer by 80 mm (3.14”) to accommodate the rear passengers. But there was not too much room for their legroom and headroom. Like most of the facelifted cars, the taillights were modified.

The interior was dominated by Audi quality, but also by dark colors and silver trims. In terms of logical layout, everything was about where you’d expect to be, but it didn’t have the appeal of an Alfa 147. The A3 was considered a premium Volkswagen Golf since it was based on the same platform.

All vehicles had to comply with the Euro 4 engines starting with 2005, and that was the major change for the 2005 Audi A3 lineup. The base version was fitted with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline unit that offered just 102 hp. For the diesel fans, the base was the 1.9-liter TDI unit. Most of the cars fitted with diesel engines were subject to the Dieselgate scandal.