Review: Audi 8L A3 (1997-04)

Review: Audi 8L.I A3 (1997-00)

Overview

Released in May 1997, the Audi 8L Series I (8L.I) A3 was initially available as a three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the front-wheel drive Audi 8L A3 was initially available with 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines (the ‘1.6’ and ‘1.8’ variants, respectively). In February 1998, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the turbocharged 1.8T. From September 1999, the A3 was solely available as a five-door hatchback.

The Audi 8L A3 was based on Volkswagen’s PQ34 platform which was shared with the Mk.4 Golf . Compared to the Golf, the A3 was 3 mm shorter (at 4149 mm), the same width (1735 mm), 16 mm taller (1439 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2512 mm); dimensions for the three- and five-door hatchback were the same. Furthermore, the Audi A3 had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and a torsion beam rear axle with trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi 8L A3 included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners; the 1.8T was further equipped with electronic brake force distribution. From January 1999, the A3 was also fitted with front side airbags.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1998 A3 1.6 – equipped with front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25 points. In the offset impact test, the steering column lock, adjuster lever and bracket presented hazards in the knee impact area for the driver and could cause high loads to the upper legs and knee damage. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were achieved.

Features: A3 1.6i and 1.8i

Standard features for the Audi 8L A3 1.6i included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker stereo with radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows and an immobiliser. The 1.8 variant was further equipped with an electronic front differential lock.

Features: Audi A3 1.8T

Compared to the A3 1.8i, the Audi A3 1.8T added sports suspension, a six speaker stereo, contoured sports seats with height adjustment, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather-wrapped gearshift lever and gaiter.

January 1999: Audi A3 update

From January 1999, the A3 was fitted with a six speaker ‘Concert’ stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking and rear carpet mats. The 1.8T was further equipped with a 10-stack CD player. Visually, these post-1999 models could be identified by their integrated door handles.

September 1999: Audi A3 update

 In September 1999, the A3 underwent another update with the three-door hatchbacks replaced by five-door models. All models were fitted with a six-disc CD player, active reflectors and entry lights for all doors and a new interior lighting package with two lights. The 1.6 and 1.8 variants were also fitted with low-profile tyres, while the 1.8T was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Review: Audi 8L.II A3 (2000-04)

Overview

Released in November 2000, the Audi 8L Series II (8L.II) introduced a subtle facelift and mechanical updates. Visually, the Audi 8L.II A3 could be identified by its clear glass ellipsoidal headlights (with 20-25 per cent greater light output), new grille, tail-lights, alloy wheel designs, redesigned door mirrors and a flush-fitted tailgate handle with soft-touch action. Inside, there were new interior trims and fabrics, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, illuminated air vents and a grain/texture pattern on the instrument panel.

Mechanically, the 1.6-litre engine was fitted with a new cylinder head and exhaust system with improved catalytic converter, producing incremental power gains. The 1.8T’s suspension settings were also revised for greater ride quality.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Audi A3 1.8T was extended to include traction control.

Features

Compared to its 8L.I predecessor, standard features for the Audi 8L.II A3 were largely unchanged, though the A3 1.8T was fitted with a power sunroof.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi 8L A3