Images: Audi 8PA.I A3 Sportback (2005-08)
Released in in February 2005, the Audi 8PA Series I (8PA.I) A3 Sportback was a five-door hatchback – please note that the three-door 8PA1 A3 had been reviewed separately. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the A3 Sportback range initially consisted of 1.6, 2.0 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 variants; beyond the variants, the A3 Sportback was also offered in Attraction and Ambition variants. From 2006, the 3.2 was offered in an S-Line edition and, in 2007, the range was expanded with the fuel-efficient 1.9 TDI e and 1.8 TFSI; the latter effectively replacing the 2.0 FSI… Read full Audi 8PA A3 Sportback review
Images: Audi 8PA.II A3 Sportback (2008-12)
Released in October 2008, the 8PA Series II (8PA.II) A3 Sportback introduced a revised range updated styling, new engines and a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’). The A3 Sportback was offered with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine (1.4 TFSI), while the 3.2-litre V6 was discontinued; the ‘S-Line’ sports package could also be optioned for the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI variants. Visually, the 8PA.II A3 Sportback could be identified by its daytime running lights, modified grille, revised front and rear bumpers and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there were additional chrome elements on the air vents and three-spoke steering wheel; the instrument cluster also had single-colour black dials.
