Approx. 350 liters (12.4 cu ft) with rear seats up
Weights
Curb Weight 1.6:
Approx. 1150 kg (2535 lbs)
Curb Weight 1.8T:
Approx. 1240 kg (2734 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100
Tire Size Standard:
195/65 R15
Tire Size Optional:
205/55 R16, 205/50 R17
Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating 1999:
4 out of 5 stars (post-facelift model tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front belt tensioners
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with optional amplifier and subwoofer. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Climatronic automatic climate control system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional
Parking Sensors:
Not available on 1996 models
Connectivity
OBD Ii:
Introduced with OBD-II standard in 1996, facilitating electronic diagnostics.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil type).
Timing Belt Interval 1.6 8V:
Every 90,000 km (56,000 miles) or 5 years
Timing Belt Interval 1.8 20V T:
Every 120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 5 years
Timing Belt Interval 1.9 Tdi:
Every 90,000 km (56,000 miles) or 5 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
VW 500.00 or VW 501.01 (e.g., 5W-40 or 10W-40). Check for specific API or ACEA ratings.
Engine Oil Spec Tdi:
VW 505.00 (Diesel engine oil, e.g., 5W-40 or 10W-40).
Coolant Spec:
G 12 (VW TL 774-C) antifreeze/coolant concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Ignition Coils 1.8T:
Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running.
Mass Air Flow Sensor Maf:
MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, affecting air-fuel mixture and performance.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulators can break, causing windows to drop.
Rear Axle Bushings:
Worn rear axle trailing arm bushings can cause handling instability and noise.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch assembly wear is common with high mileage, especially in urban driving.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Audi History:
Audi AG, a German automobile manufacturer, part of the Volkswagen Group. Known for its 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Advancement through Technology) slogan.
Model Evolution
A3 Introduction:
The A3 (Typ 8L) was Audi's first compact car and marked the brand's entry into the premium compact segment. It was introduced in Europe in 1996.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the Volkswagen Group A3 platform, sharing components with the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, SEAT Toledo, and Škoda Octavia.
Production
Production Start:
1996
Production End Gen1:
2003
Production Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year Nomination:
While not winning in 1996, the A3 established Audi as a serious contender in the premium compact segment.
Ratings
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally rated well for build quality and refinement for its era.
Certifications
Iso 9001 Production:
Audi factories adhere to strict quality management standards.
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