Audi A3 generations

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 22 May 2025

All Audi A3 generations listed

The Audi A3 generations have been on a remarkable journey since the model's debut in 1996, evolving from a stylish compact hatchback into a high-tech, premium all-rounder, with your choice of no fewer than four body types.

From the original Typ 8L to the tech-laden Typ 8Y, each version has its own unique traits. Whether you're after quattro all-wheel drive, advanced tech or the desirable sound of a five- or six-cylinder engine, Audi A3 generations have it all.

Full list of Audi A3 generations

Typ 8L: First-generation Audi A3 (1996-2003)

The first-generation Audi A3 launched way back in the mid 1990s as the upmarket German marque's first entry into the family hatchback segment.

Based on the PQ34 platform, it shared many parts with the Volkswagen Golf Mk4. It first landed as a sporty three-door hatchback, but on the turn of the millennium, Audi added a five-door model to the range.

Notable engines include:

• 1.6 102hp

• 1.8 125hp

• 1.8T 180hp

• 1.9 TDI 130hp

Typ 8P: Second-generation Audi A3 (2003-2012)

The second-generation model upgraded this premium hatchback with a more luxurious design, but the renewed PQ35 platform also resulted in improved ride comfort, safety and refinement.

Being the longest-lived A3 generation to date, it saw a number of tweaks over the years. The biggest was its 2008 facelift, which added a restyled grille, LED daytime running lights and more efficient engines.

Notable powertrains include:

• 1.2 TFSI 105hp

• 1.4 TFSI 125hp

• 1.6 102hp

• 1.6 FSI 115hp

• 1.8 TFSI 160hp

• 2.0 TFSI 200hp

• 3.2 250hp

• 1.6 TDI 105hp

• 1.9 TDI 105hp

• 2.0 TDI 140hp/170hp

Typ 8V: Third-generation Audi A3 (2012-2020)

The third-generation A3 was the first to use the Volkswagen Group's newer MQB platform, which helped reduce weight and therefore improve efficiency. It also allowed Audi to add further body styles to the range, including the A3 Saloon and the A3 Cabriolet.

Plenty of tech was also added, including Audi's virtual cockpit – a digital instrument cluster that talks to the easy-to-use infotainment display. Beyond in-car tech, the Typ 8V was the first to get a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, making it one of the first mainstream PHEVs.

The 2016 facelift isn't always easy to recognise for the untrained eye, but it's a great middle ground between early third-gen models and the fourth-gen model. It includes an updated infotainment system and renewed engine options.

Notable engines include:

• 1.0 TFSI 115hp or 116hp

• 1.2 TFSI 110hp

• 1.4 TFSI 125hp or 150hp

• 1.5 TFSI 150hp

• 1.8 TFSI 180hp

• 2.0 TFSI 190hp

• 1.6 TDI 110hp or 116hp

• 2.0 TDI 150hp or 184hp

• 1.4 e-tron 204hp

Typ 8Y: Fourth-generation Audi A3 (2020-present)

The current-generation Audi A3 builds on all three of its predecessors' strengths with sharper styling and a more tech-heavy, minimalist interior. For example, high-spec editions of this family-friendly hatchback have Matrix LED headlights, a powered boot lid, a 360-degree parking camera and a head-up display.

It remained on sale for a short three-year period before Audi gave it a fairly major facelift, with sportier looks and even more standard equipment, including driver assistance systems. However, in the name of efficiency, and with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available, Audi cut the engine options back down to the bare minimum.

Notable powertrains include:

• 1.0 '30' TFSI 110hp or 116hp

• 1.5 '35' TFSI 150hp

• 2.0 '35' TDI 150hp

• 1.4 '40' TFSI e 204hp

• 1.4 '45' TFSI e 245hp

• 1.5 '40' TFSI e 204hp

Audi S3 generations and Audi RS3 generations

We've purposely omitted the performance editions because they're worthy of their own section.

It all started with the 1.8T engine in the Typ 8L – the 180hp unit made it the quickest in its generation, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. That was the inspiration for the first-ever S3, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

• Audi S3 Typ 8L (225hp and 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds)

Later on for the second-generation Typ 8P, Audi added the 250hp 3.2-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine, reducing the 0-62mph time to 6.2 seconds. The S3 counterpart has a smaller engine, but it's half a second quicker.

• Audi S3 Typ 8P (265hp and 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds)

For the third-generation Audi S3 Typ 8V, power for the 2.0-litre engine got a big power boost. The automatic model, quoted below, is 0.4 seconds quicker than the manual.

• Audi S3 Typ 8V (300hp and 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds)

Keeping in line with the mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf R, fourth-generation Audi S3 Typ 8Y models added a touch more power for slightly quicker acceleration.

• Audi S3 Typ 8Y (310hp and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds)

If you're interested in the hottest RS3, consider one of the following models. All come with a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine and quattro all-wheel drive.

• Audi RS3 2012-2013 (340hp and 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds)

• Audi RS3 2015-2016 (367hp and 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds)

• Audi RS3 2017-2018 or 2019-2021 (400hp and 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds)

• Audi RS3 2022-2023 or 2024-onward (400hp and 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds)

What’s the best Audi A3 generation?

Although fourth-generation Typ 8Y models offer the most advanced tech, driver aids and efficiency, we think the third-generation Typ 8V is the best overall generation.

It has a great balance of technology, efficient yet powerful engines and body style options.

You get it all – the newer MQB platform for that premium refinement, a plug-in hybrid option and tech like the Audi virtual cockpit.

Opt for a facelifted model, sold after 2016, for subtle styling updates, refreshed powertrains and more standard equipment.

Explore the latest Audi A3 cars for sale

Exploring the evolution of the Audi A3 generations reveals just how much this family hatchback has grown in style, technology and performance over the years.

We've barely scratched the surface in this brief overview, but at least buyers considering a used Audi A3 for sale can understand the differences between each generation and what makes it special.

Read more about the Audi A3:

• Audi A3 vs. S3

• Audi A3 vs. VW Golf