AUDI A3 Sedan Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

When Audi introduced the first generation of the A3, it offered it as a three-door-only affair, while a sedan was not even considered, although that version came alive along with the third generation of this moniker in 2013.

In 2020, Audi’s plans to reveal the fourth generation of the A3 at the Geneva Motor Show were turned upside down due to the pandemic. With the show canceled, its only option remained to release the new model online. However, the German automaker was able to properly launch the facelift for the A3’s fourth generation in 2024, and along with that, it also refreshed the sedan version. The new version came with essential exterior and interior updates but with just two engine options, at least at the model’s introduction.

The front side of the vehicle had standard LED headlights. In addition, Audi offered the car two other choices, including a Matrix-LED one, which was the most expensive one. Between them, the automaker placed the revised singleframe grille that sported a honeycomb pattern. The automaker redesigned it with a flatter and wider stance. At the same time, it eliminated the chromed trim around it. Underneath it, Audi placed a lip spoiler. The automaker also introduced active flaps that opened or closed depending on the engine’s needs for cooling. In addition, the car manufacturer installed air ducts that led from the center grille to the front brakes to cool the discs. The side scoops were just for decoration, being blocked by black panels.

From its profile, the 2024 A3 Sedan boasted light alloy wheels fitted as standard across the range. They ranged between 16 and 19 inches in diameter, depending on the options. The automaker offered the A3 Sedan with black B—and C-posts, while the chromed surround for the window line was deleted. Out back, the automaker installed new taillights that featured arrow-like outward-pointing LEDs, while the dynamic turn signals created the illusion of a wider vehicle. Audi also offered the A3 Sedan with black front and rear badges.

Inside, the dashboard was adorned by new fabric materials on its lower side, while the upper area was available with man-made leather and contrast stitching. Fronting the driver was the instrument panel’s display, also known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit. In addition, the German automaker installed a 10.1-inch touchscreen atop the center stack that controlled the MMI (Man-Machine-Interface). Along with the facelifted model, the automaker also offered customers the possibility to install third-party apps on the infotainment system. Lower, on the center console, the 2024 A3 Sedan sported new satin-finished metallic trims that mimicked those from the door panels. The selector for the automatic transmission looked like a slider that could be balanced back and forth to select drive modes. Out back, the bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers. However, legroom was nothing to write home about, especially for the middle-seated occupant.

At the sales start, the 2024 A3 Sedan was available with a choice of two engines: a 35 TSI and a 35 TDI. The former featured a 1.5-liter gasoline engine turbocharged and fed by a direct fuel injection, while the latter was a turbodiesel. Both were paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox, or a six-speed manual.

The Audi’s 4-door smallest car released by 2020 was the Audi A3.

The dimensions of the A3 were changed for more sportiness and space and it was longer than the hatchback version with 15cm.

The seats inside the A3 were positioned lower to offer more headroom and side room.

The trunk of the A3 had a decent capacity of 425 liters.

Talking about the design, the 2020 A3 look elegant and aggressive at the same time.

The front was equipped with a large single frame open honeycomb grille in gloss black finish that was not only for design purposes but was also functional with flaps that went on and off.

The headlights of the 2020 A3 were full LED and had digital daytime running lights, an innovation for Audi.

Looking to the side of the car, starting with the central pillar, the roofline was lowered towards the back, a design that made the A3 look more like a 4-door coupe.

In the back, a dissimulated aileron was integrated into the trunk lid. The taillights had vertical and horizontal stripes, strategically placed to emphasise the width of the car.

Inside the cabin of the A3 we found a digital instrument cluster as standard, and users could additionally opt for the Audi Virtual Cockpit that brought a bigger 12.3-inch display.

Audi started to focus more on the driver and designed the central display differently for the A3, as it was inclined to the driver.

Audi introduced the third generation of the A3 in 2013. After three years, the German carmaker showed the facelifted version for the entire range, including the sedan version.

In 1996, Audi introduced the first generation of its hatchback A3 based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf. While in the beginning, it was considered just a more expensive VW, later on, the two models started to go in separate ways, and the Audi showed its premium potential. Moreover, in 2013, the four-rings brand introduced the sedan version, a significant competitor in the compact sedan premium segment. The facelifted version brought new elements to make the car looks more appealing to its customers.

There were just a few details on the car's exterior that made it look different compared to the non-facelifted version, such as the new headlights. The German carmaker offered the Matrix-LED lamps for the first time on the Audi A3 range, while the Bi-Xenon was standard fit. An intermediate level, with LED lighting, was offered as well. The carmaker offered the Audi Cockpit display on a 12.3" TFT instead of the regular, analog dials for the instrument panel. The infotainment system allowed an Internet connection via an on-board SIM-card, or via a smartphone.

Audi installed only Euro-6 compliant engines under the hood, starting with a 3-cylinder, 1-liter turbocharged unit. Apart from the S-model, the German carmaker offered a choice of five engines, diesel or gasoline, with front- or all-wheel-drive systems. A sport package that lowered the ground clearance by 25 mm (1 inch) was on the options list.

Audi introduced the third generation of the A3 in 2012, and in the following year, it surprised its customers with a sedan and a convertible version of this upscale compact segment.

The German automaker built the entire A3 lineup on the same MQB platform used by most brands of the Volkswagen group. As a result, the development and manufacturing costs were low, but since the Audi was a premium brand, it could put a higher price tag on its vehicles, increasing its profit. At the same time, its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, tried to catch up and offered the 1 Series and the A-Class, respectively, but those were available only as hatchbacks. So, the four-ring brand was gaining again thanks to the sedan version.

Audi pushed up the styling department to improve the car’s premium aspect, which it did. As a result, the A3 Sedan featured a pair of headlights adorned by LED daytime running lights inside them, similar to those installed on the A4. Between them, the broad single-frame grille imagined by the manufacturer was a signature design element for the entire brand. Depending on the version, the lower side of the bumper was fitted with side scoops and a lower lip spoiler placed underneath the bumper. From its profile, the car was similar to the A3 Sportback (the five-door version) and featured sculptured doors and an ascending beltline that continued behind the rear doors, towards the taillights. The greenhouse featured a third pair of windows between the C-pillars and the D-pillars, creating an upscale, limo-inspired look for the vehicle. Finally, at the back, the short deck was slightly sloped down and adorned by a tiny spoiler.

The cabin looked premium with its rich equipment available, especially thanks to the pop-up screen for the infotainment system that raised from the dashboard atop the center stack. In front of the driver, Audi installed a compact instrument cluster filled with two large dials for the tachometer and speedometer, and above them were the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. Furthermore, a TFT display that took center stage on the panel showed information from the onboard computer. The front seats were different depending on the grade and engine version and featured mild or high-bolstered areas. In the back, there was hardly enough room for three passengers, although those were fine for three kids. The split-folding 60/40 could expand the trunk space, which, otherwise, was not significantly large.

Under the hood, Audi installed a wide choice of diesel and gasoline paired with either six-speed manuals and six or seven-speed automatics. Like most other Audi in the family, the A3 Sedan was available either as a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive vehicle.