Audi A3 1.9 Tdi (Diesel)
The Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury car / small family car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1996. Two generations of A3 exist, both based on the Volkswagen A platform, which they share with several other models such as the Audi TT, Volkswagen Golf, Caddy and Touran as well as Škoda Octavia and SEAT León.
The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the lower market segments since the demise of the Audi 50. This was the first VAG model to use the PQ34 or "A4" platform, bearing a natural close resemblance to its contemporary, the Golf Mk. IV. The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, in order to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front- and four-wheel drive. All engines had a four-cylinder configuration and were transversally mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 was the second model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder.
In 1999, Audi expanded the range with the introduction of more powerful versions; a 1.8 Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW)) and a 1.9 TDI Diesel with pumpe-düse technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T Quattro used either the 150 hp (110 kW) and 180 PS (132 kW) and the same Haldex-based all-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the original Audi TT. 1999 was also the year Audi was forced to bow to market demands and introduced a hastily conceived five-door body, that the company had never intended to produce.
In late 2000, the A3 range was revised with new light clusters, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox, on the 180 PS 1.8 Turbo and the brand new 130 PS (96 kW) 1.9 TDI. Audi's ESP (Electronic Stability Program) traction-control and brakeforce distribution computer became standard equipment.
Key Features of the Audi A3 1.9 Tdi
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 138/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.4s / Max Speed 117mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 40.9 (extra urban) 64.2 (combined) 53.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, BAS