The Audi A3 has been produced by German automaker Audi since 1996. Since initial manufacture the Audi A3 has undergone two significant changes to its body shape and chassis the first generation was manufactured from 1996 – 2003, the second generation 2003 to present date of writing. Both generations are based on the Volkswagen Group A platform which they share with several other models such as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Caddy, Volkswagen Touran and in addition the Seat Len, Seat Toledo and koda Octavia
First generation Audi A3 (Typ 8L, 1996-2003)
The First generation Audi A3 was initially brought into Europe in 1996 and marked Audi’s return to the lower market segment since the demise of the Audi 50. The Audi A3 was the first Volkswagen Group Model to use the ‘A4’ Platform, keeping a natural resemblance to the Golf Mk4. Originally only available in a three-door Hatchback body, The Audi A3 aimed for a sportier image than the Golf. The Audi A3 (8L) engine is an inline four-cylinder config. and is transversely mounted. The Audi A3 is the second model in the Audi line-up to use five valves per cylinder.
Second generation Audi A3 (Typ 8P/8PA, 2003-present)
Audi Launched the second generation Audi A3 (8P) at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. Designed by Walter de’Silva, The Audi A3 was initially launched as a three door hatchback just like the original with a four-cylinder engine. It features a redesigned and more spacious interior, a new chassis (PQ35 platform) and new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) along with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Public Reception
When launched in 2003 the Audi A3 was the subject of much critical acclaim, the improvements on the previous generation of the Audi A3 injected new life into the A3 range. In 2005 Audi’s marketing team created an alternate reality game to advertise the Audi A3. The game was known as “The Art of the Heist”.
The Art of the Heist involved three layers of interaction, character development, file and password cracking, and live events. The game succeeded in raising awareness to the second generation Audi A3 adding an extra level of hype surrounding the vehicle.
About the Author
Duncan Beech
