Audi A3: Two decades of success

Twenty years ago at the Paris Motor Show, the dynamic Audi A3 was premiered for the first time. Today, the model has been honed over three generations and boasts a choice of four body styles, four drive systems and three trim lines. That’s a legacy to live up to.

Presented in Paris in 1996, the Audi A3 was developed from the Golf IV platform, offering a whole host of innovations and quality features, which successfully kick-started the premium compact class with the A3 at the top.

Initially available with four different petrol and diesel engine options, two years after its release saw Audi add quattro permanent all-wheel drive to one of their compact cars for the first time. Just a year later, the brand reached another milestone with the introduction of the super sporty S3, boasting a 1.8-litre engine capable of a hair-raising 210hp.

Now in the third generation, the A3 comes packed with all of the latest technology and innovation, such as the future-facing Audi Virtual Cockpit. The entire A3 range is available to explore here at Jardine Motors Audi, including the sporty spearhead, the Audi RS 3.

This year’s Paris Motor Show once again saw the unveiling of an exciting member of the A3 range: The Audi RS 3 Sedan. This is the first compact notchback Audi to attain an RS badge, marking the model as an icon for progress once again. Boasting a 2.5-litre TFSI engine with a 400hp output, the RS 3 Sedan will be the most powerful five-cylinder on the market, ensuring Audi’s continuing reign as automotive leaders.