Audi A3 Model Years and History

The Audi A3, S3 and RS 3 carry over with minimal changes for 2026.

The Audi A3, S3 and RS 3 carry over with minimal changes for 2025.

The Audi A3, S3 and RS 3 carry over with minimal changes for 2024.

The Audi A3, S3 and RS 3 carry over with minimal changes for 2023.

After a brief hiatus in 2021 the Audi A3 and the sportier S3 both get a redesign for 2022 with upgrades to the engine, the interior, and the infotainment system.

The Audi A3 continues into 2020 largely unchanged. Unfortunately, the convertible model has been dropped for this year, but Audi have also introduced a Final Edition option package. It features goodies such as red leather seating surfaces and LED lights that project the Audi logo on to the ground when the front doors are opened.

After several new changes last year, the Audi A3 and S3 enter 2019 with few changes to the lineup in anticipation of a rumored 2020 facelift.

After several new changes last year, the Audi A3 and S3 enter 2019 with few changes to the lineup in anticipation of a rumored 2020 facelift.

The Audi A3 returns for 2018 with few changes. Heated front seats are standard, as are dual USB ports for data and charging. The A3 Premium Plus trim now features standard Audi side assist, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system is available. The S3 now includes an optional S sport package, with red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride. An even higher-performing RS3 sedan becomes available this year.

The Audi A3 returns for 2018 with few changes. Heated front seats are standard, as are dual USB ports for data and charging. The A3 Premium Plus trim now features standard Audi side assist, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system is available. The S3 now includes an optional S sport package, with red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride. An even higher-performing RS3 sedan becomes available this year.

The Audi A3 returns for 2017 minus its two less powerful engine options. For 2017, the only remaining option on the A3 is the powerful and efficient 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

The Audi A3 returns for 2017 minus its two less powerful engine options. For 2017, the only remaining option on the A3 is the powerful and efficient 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

For 2016, Audi has expanded the A3's standard feature list, which now includes a rearview camera and parking sensors, "Alu-optic" interior trim, and heated mirrors and washer nozzles. Additionally, Active Lane Assist, Audi Pre-Sense automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control are all optional on the A3 Prestige trim. 4G LTE data connectivity, S-line styling, and a Bang & Olufsen audio are now available on all A3 trim levels. Later in the model year, the 5-door Sportback "e-tron" will debut. This A3 hybrid is capable of running on pure electric power, gasoline power, or a combination of the two.

The Audi A3 is completely redesigned for 2015. Unlike previous model years, with the A3 positioned as a 4-door hatchback, the new A3 is instead a small sedan. The premium sedan is offered in three different trims, with either turbocharged 1.8L or 2.0L power mated to a 6-speed Audi S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Audi's excellent quattro all-wheel drive available, and Audi claims the 2.0 is capable of 0-60 mph is 5.8 seconds. Arriving later in 2014 will be an A3 cabriolet, an A3 TDI clean diesel, and a potent S3, with a gasoline-electric hybrid A3 e-tron coming in 2015. Pricing for the new A3 sedan starts at $29,900.

The Audi A3 is unchanged entering the 2013 model year, though a full redesign is expected soon.

Following a minor interior and exterior facelift last year, the Audi A3 carries over relatively unchanged for 2012.

The biggest news for this year's A3 is a minor interior and exterior facelift, with a new single-frame grille element, high-gloss black B-columns, chrome trim on lower air inlets, chrome strips in door handles, new rear diffuser insert, and updated alloy wheel designs. Four new paint choices have also been added: Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue. The interior now sees a new gray instrument background, a revised flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new gear shift lever for the S tronic transmission.

The biggest news for this year's A3 is the fact that the 3.2-liter V6 was dropped from the lineup and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel engine was added. This reflects the shifting needs of American consumers from powerful engines to fuel economy and cleaner emissions. Trim levels have been simplified to Premium and Premium Plus.

Audi's 2009 A3 hatchback receives its first styling update. Though the car's overall shape and proportions are the same, changes are evident in the entire front end, including the hood, headlights, fenders, bumper and grille. Out back is a new rear bumper and new taillights. New door handles, mirror-incorporated turn signals and new wheels complete the exterior freshening. Inside, aluminum accents the air vents, light switches, and center console, while the control switches beneath the stereo have been updated. The instruments feature black dial gauges with red needles. Audi's 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission is now optional on 2.0L A3s, and the company's quattro all-wheel-drive system, standard on the 3.2L V6-powered A3, is now available on 2.0L A3s with S-tronic. Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension is now optional. It allows the driver to select between "Normal" and "Sport" modes depending upon the driving scenario.

Audi's 2008 A3 hatchback enters its third model year looking much like it did upon its debut. A tire pressure monitor is part of the standard equipment list for 2008, as are daytime running lights. The S-Line quattro model receives an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The S-Line and Premium Packages include different wheels from 2007, and xenon lights no longer require a package to be ordered. The Titanium Package is new for 2008, and it includes black exterior trim, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and performance tires. A Convenience Package, which includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rain/light sensor, replaces last year's Technology Package. Also, rear sunshades, walnut wood trim, and an iPod glovebox interface are available. A new partial zero-emissions version of the 2.0L engine is available in "clean car" states.

Audi's A3 hatchback was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model, and is mostly unchanged for 2007. The 2.0L's Sport Package has been renamed the S-Line Package. Navigation, upgraded audio, and a Cold Weather Package with heated seats, mirrors, and windshield washer nozzles are now available on the entry level models. All models can be ordered with a Technology Package that adds light and rain sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and Bluetooth for $1,250.