Audi A3 photos

1996 — present · 4 generations · hatchback, sedan, convertible

The compact Audi A3 family has been in production since 1996 across four generations, offering practical hatchbacks, convertibles, and sedans.

693
photos
4
generations
345
versions
89–329 (66–245 kW)
hp

Generations

4

About the model

The Audi A3 story began in 1996 with the first generation 8L, produced until 2003 strictly as a hatchback to establish the brand in the premium compact segment with transverse engines.

The second generation 8P spanned from 2003 to 2012, expanding the lineup by adding an open-top convertible alongside the traditional hatchback, while introducing updated direct-injection engines and dual-clutch transmissions.

Generation three 8V arrived in 2012 and ran until 2020 on the modular MQB architecture. For the first time, a compact sedan joined the existing hatchback and convertible body styles, bringing advanced driver assistance and refined turbo powertrains.

Since 2020, the fourth generation 8Y has been produced in hatchback and sedan formats, featuring fully digital cockpit interfaces, mild-hybrid engine options, and revised running gear.

Tuning and versions

15 · 8 ateliers
News

Audi news

All Audi news
Audi's Upcoming Electric Targa Sports Car Will Share the Next Porsche 718 EV Platform
Audi's Upcoming Electric Targa Sports Car Will Share the Next Porsche 718 EV Platform
Porsche CFO Jochen Breckner confirmed that the production version of the Audi Concept C, known internally as C-Sport, will use the dedicated electric architecture developed for the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman. Both Porsche's electric sports cars and Audi's open-top targa are scheduled to debut in 2027.
28.Oct.2026
Audi Will Build the Q7, Q8, and Q9 SUVs at Its Future Plant in Georgia
Audi Will Build the Q7, Q8, and Q9 SUVs at Its Future Plant in Georgia
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed that the company's upcoming US factory, with an annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles, will assemble combustion and plug-in hybrid Q7, Q8, and Q9 SUVs starting in the early 2030s.
27.Oct.2026
2026 Audi A6 Sedan with 362-HP V-6 Tested in MotorTrend Car of the Year Finals
2026 Audi A6 Sedan with 362-HP V-6 Tested in MotorTrend Car of the Year Finals
MotorTrend evaluated the redesigned 2026 Audi A6 sedan during its Car of the Year testing, putting both Prestige and Sport trims through proving ground and road tests. Now powered exclusively by a 362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6, the luxury sedan reached the finalist round thanks to its cabin technology and handling, despite criticism of its throttle response and firm steel-spring ride.
20.Oct.2026
Next-Generation Audi Q7 Earns Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
Next-Generation Audi Q7 Earns Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
European safety organization Euro NCAP has tested the new-generation Audi Q7, awarding the SUV a maximum five-star rating alongside a 100% score for post-crash safety. At the same time, testers noted weak head protection for cyclists and increased frontal impact severity for oncoming vehicles.
19.Oct.2026
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