The first model, the A3 8L Hatchback, was unveiled by Audi in 1996. Three years later, a five-door version hit the market, and sales of the “charged” variation of the S3 started around the same time. Troika survived a minor modification in 2000. After that, hatchback manufacturing continued until 2003 in Ingolstadt and until 2006 in Brazil. The Germans made this machine available to the public in 880 thousand units.
An overview of A3 8L:
A3 8L was manufactured from September 2000 to June 2003. The first-generation A3 Hatchback was available with a broad selection of engines. The 1.6-liter, 101-horsepower engine is the most inexpensive. An even more potent 1.8-liter engine has five valves per cylinder and generates 125 horsepower at atmospheric pressure or 150 or 180 horsepower with a turbocharger. The “Troika” motor line used 1.9-liter turbo-diesels delivering 90 to 130 horsepower. It is possible to have either a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 4- or 5-speed “automatic.”
Although all-wheel drive variants were available, the thrust was delivered mostly to the front wheels. First-generation Audi A3 front suspension has an independent MacPherson rack system and a multi-dimensional design for the rear. As are braking system discs, front-end ventilation is mounted on all four wheels.
Features of the first generation Hatchback:
An appealing (so far) design, superb handling, cost-effective engines (the most powerful alternatives give outstanding dynamics), a quality-performed interior, acceptable equipment, comfortable suspension, and high-level ergonomics are all features of the first generation hatchback.
In the absence of defects, it would not have cost a dime; nonetheless, there is only moderate clearance, inadequate room for passengers in the second row, and a tiny baggage compartment. Headlights with a 20-25 percent increase in light output are distinguishable by the 8L A3’s new transparent glass ellipsoidal headlights. Other changes include a new grille and taillights, alloy wheel styles, and altered door mirrors. A grain/texture pattern on the instrument panel and a grain/texture pattern on the interior trim were among the new features.
The Audi 8L A3 1.6i came standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, a four-speaker stereo system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, a 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seat, central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows, and an immobilizer. Optional features for the Audi 8L A3 1.6i included a sunroof.
The price range of Audi A3 8L:
The price of this Audi is a little high, at roughly $1630. According to customer evaluations, a typical Audi A3 repair costs $75 per year. The annual cost of ownership for this generation of Audi A3 8L was $2,500, with a per-kilometer cost of $0.19. The fuel cost was calculated at 57% of the total, while the repair and maintenance cost was assessed at 25%. Use our car-cost calculator to determine the Audi A3’s total cost of ownership for your circumstances and driving patterns!
Safety features of A3 8L:
The Audi 8L A3 was equipped with twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners as standard safety features; the Audi 1.8T added electronic brake force distribution to the list of standard safety features. Additionally, front-side airbags were standard on all A3 models beginning in January 1999.
After being subjected to crash testing by Euro NCAP, an Audi A3 1.6 from 1998 that was outfitted with front side airbags was given a rating of four stars for the adult occupant protection it provided and got a total of 25 points.
Audi A3 L8 Mods:
Modifying your A3 has never been easier with these eight fantastic add-ons. The fast and furious Audi A3 8L mods provide substantial power. Forced induction is the most dramatic means of increasing air supply, guaranteeing that you can consume more fuel and generate more power. This update is often the most complex to do but gives the greatest value in the long run.
The A3’s handling is much improved with a suspension upgrade. Coilovers and Bushings are the most common modifications on the market. Modifying the brakes on your Audi A3 should be at the top of your list of priorities. Camshafts need expert installation and are not usually readily available, but you may be able to find a local company that can regrind a factory camshaft.
Porting and flowing the head removes flow constraints and turbulence while allowing air to flow into the engine. However, these modifications alone will not increase power, but they may assist other modifications by eliminating a constraint.
Audi A3 remapping is best for the best value, although other options include replacing ECUs and piggybacking ECUs. To increase the engine’s capacity to rev, Audi A3 lighter flywheels must be used. However, not all A3 engines are suited to all of these engines.
