Spurred on by the initial success, Audi soon began to expand
the model range. By 1999, a five-door model had been launched and while it
didn’t look as good as the three-door, it soon began to outsell it – and the
customer is always right, of course. A 1.8 turbo model with 180 PS was also
launched, along with a long-awaited 1.9 TDI with the new PD (Pumpe Duse) engine
with its variable vane geometry turbo and a choice of 90 or 110 Ps. the 100 PS
version arrived in 2001 along with the 130 PS version. A new A3 1.8tquattro
also made available with the Haldex four-wheel drive system and a choice of the
150 or 180 PS units. While it was called a quattro, it used a different system
to the A4, A6 and A8s due to the transverse engine layout. The Haldex coupling
system adjusted the torque bias from the front to rear as grip requirements
changed, with the car being primarily front-wheel drive during normal motoring.
The 1999 model
range upgrade coincided with the standardisation of split-folding rear seats.
2001 saw the A3’s facelift. this was confined to engine
changes and cosmetic alterations, with revised headlights and tail lamps, an
upgraded interior with changes to upholstery and switchgear, and the
introduction of the 6-speed manual gearbox on the 180 Ps1,8 turbo and the new
130 Ps1,9 TDI. In the UK, Audi’s Electronic stability Programme (ESP) which
combined traction control and brake force distribution was standardised on most
models. Production ended in 2003 with the launch of the all-new type 8P model.
Production ended in 2003 with the launch of the all-new type
8P model.
We should also briefly mention the S3, a car that never sold
in big numbers due to its price, but which was a fantastic car, way above being
merely a hot hatch. This was launched in 1999 as a 3-door only and was powered
by basically the same 20V 1.8 turbo engine and quattro running gear as the 1.8
T.
Audi A3 on road
The power, however, was boosted by a bigger turbo to either
210 PS on pre 2001 cars or 225 PS on later ones which featured variable valve
timing. As befitted the s3’s $47,124 price tag, it was well equipped with xenon
headlights, electric Recaro seats and 17-inch Avus alloy wheels in the days
when such features were big news. Many buyers opted for the optional 18-inch
alloys and the Bose sound system.
Today, the original A3 is still a sought-after used car,
even at the banger end of the market where early examples can be found for well
under $1,683. The build quality lifts it well above the likes of the Ford
Focus, and the A3 still looks modern; I drive past a metallic purple 1.8 sport
from 2001 almost every day and it still looks a nice car and one you could park
anywhere and not be ashamed of, despite its relatively low value.
Problems? The 1.8tengines are well known for the oil pick-up
strainer clogging with black oil sludge, due to infrequent oil changes and many
engines have met their end this way. so, if you have one or are going to buy one,
make dropping the sump and washing it and the oil strainer out a priority – it
is worth the two or three hours work. Many s3’s have had a very hard life and
finding a really nice unmolested one with a low mileage and owner count is
becoming harder.
In terms of the running gear, it’s all regular stuff that
poses few problems and the front-wheel-drive versions are the most reliable. The
5-speed gearbox has the differential where the crown wheel is secured to the
diff cage by fat steel rivets. Most are fine, but they can shear off and cause
havoc – a large clunk and oil coming from a hole in the gearbox casing is a
sign that this has happened. A good used gearbox is, however, very cheap to
buy. Rust was never a problem; the only recurring rust area is along the roof
where the black strips for the roof rack clip in.
Today, the
original A3 is still a sought-after used car, even at the banger end of the
market where early examples can be found for well under $1,678.2
Early 1996 and 1997 cars can be found in decent order for
around $1,178.1 and that rises to $5,049 for 2002 models, but there are plenty
of good 2003/2003 examples for less than $3,366, so be picky. Diesels make
more, of course, as do the s3s – these are worth up to $8,415 for an immaculate
late example, with $5,890.5 - 6,732 being the norm for good examples that
haven’t been spoilt by modifications.
