A new generation of the Audi A3 was unveiled online in 2020 during the pandemic.
But the show had to go on, and the compact premium German car had to be changed.

The first generation of the A3 was unveiled in 1996, and it was an inspired decision. The customers who were looking for a premium car but small enough to fit in city traffic finally had an option. The BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback were released later.

From the outside, the 2020 A3 looked surprising with its muscular stance. The lower side of the car was wider with flared front and rear wheel arches. At the front, the grille was wider and smaller than the one installed on the previous generation. The fake air-intakes on the lower apron were smaller. In the back, Audi installed the biggest roof-spoiler on an A3. On the lower side, the car-maker decided to get rid of the fake exhausts and the pipes were completely hidden under the car.

Inside, the A3 took its inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus, with its vents surrounding the driver. A 10” TFT display was installed for the instrument cluster, with an option for a 12” panel on upper trim levels. Another 10” display was mounted on the center stack for the infotainment system, and under it, it featured the HVAC controls.

From the technical point of view, Audi offered a choice of diesel, gasoline, and hybrid versions. The front independent suspension was standard for the entire range. In the back, only the versions with over 150 hp would benefit from the independent suspension while the less-powered ones had to stick with a twisting-beam system.

Audi refreshed the S3 lineup along with the A3 range, and the Sportback version was the most balanced one between the three-door and the sedan.
The first generation of the S3 was a premium hot-hatch available exclusively as a three-door hatchback, but the customers asked for more of everything: power, gears, and doors. Then, the German carmaker answered their requests and produced the S3 in all shapes and sizes offered by the A3 lineup: three and five-door hatchback, sedan, and convertible.

At the front, Audi introduced new Matrix-LED headlights with an LED signature for the daytime running lights. Their sharp design with angular lines stood on the sides of the massive, singleframe grille. To distinguish itself from other A3 Sportback versions, the S3 featured silver door-mirrors caps and a specific roof-spoiler on top of the tailgate. In the back, the double, twin-exhausts with oval tips confirmed the car’s special status. The carmaker installed standard 18” light-alloy wheels, with an option for 19”.

Inside, the S3 Sportback featured a sporty design with high bolstered seats at the front. Audi installed the leather upholstery as standard and embroidered the S3 logo on the seats and on the flat-bottom steering wheel. As an option, the carmaker installed heated and ventilated sports seats. The carmaker introduced a new generation of its MMI infotainment system on the center stack, with a 7” pop-up screen.

Audi installed the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine from the rest of the S3 range under the hood. It provided plenty of power for the compact convertible, and its all-wheel-drive system was fitted as standard.

The Audi hot-hatch turned a lot of heads when it arrived on the market with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine.
The recipe remained the same over the years. But in 2013, the German carmaker from Ingolstadt showed the new S3 generation.

The premium-compact hatchback is based on the same Audi A3 platform, but it is better than its predecessor by any means. First, is the look. The front axle was moved forward, for a shorter front overhang. The bumper is more aggressive and the DRL is LED-equipped. The 225/40 R18 tires are fitted as standard on 7.5J x 18” light-alloy wheels. A roof-spoiler and the four exhausts are completing the image.

Inside, the sport bucket seats are bi-color, for a sportier, and nicer, look. The dashboard features an optional Audi MMI interface which raises from behind. When it is closed, it doesn’t clutter the image and everything looks nice and clean.

For the drivetrain, there is a new multi-disc clutch system to transfer the torque between the front and rear wheels. It lost the beloved Torsen center differential for better fuel consumption, but the Audi engineers promised that they didn’t spoil the fun. The standard version comes with a six-speed manual, but the optional six-speed S Tronic gearbox is better, and faster on the 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint.

Audi launched its first generation S3 Sportback model in 2008.
This car was introduced to the large public at the same time with the S3 facelift and features a 5-door body configuration and plenty of new exterior changes as compared to the initial S3. Front and rear fascias were slightly redeveloped - as this model was practically a 5-door version of the new S3 - while the car was equipped with a 2.0 TFSI unit delivering a massive 265 hp and a new 6-speed S tronic transmission. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system is also a standard feature for this model, as also the sport seats, anti-theft alarm or deluxe automatic air conditioning.