Audi A3 2000–2003 car dimensions: 4152 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1427 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,090 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
Standard models come with a basic radio cassette player, electric front windows, height-adjustable seats and dust/pollen filter. SE and Sport grades add electronic climate control with separate driver and passenger temperature settings plus cruise control. Rear acoustic parking sensors are optional across the range. No touchscreen, smartphone integration or advanced driver aids such as emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep or reversing camera appear in the published equipment.
Boot space measures 350 litres with the rear seats in place and expands to 1100 litres when the split-folding rear seats are lowered. A removable luggage cover is standard.
Braked towing capacity is 1200 kg on a 12 percent gradient and 1400 kg on an 8 percent gradient. Unbraked towing capacity is 580 kg. Payload is approximately 560 kg based on the unladen weight of 1090 kg and gross vehicle weight of 1650 kg. Roof load limit is 75 kg with a nose weight of 75 kg. No heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension is listed.
The cabin offers height-adjustable front seats with easy-entry on 3-door models, electric front windows, heat-insulating tinted glass and a dust/pollen filter as standard. Optional electronic climate control and heated front seats improve comfort on higher grades. Seats feel supportive with available lumbar adjustment on Sport models. The interior uses quality cloth or optional Alcantara/leather with a practical layout and split-folding rear seats.
Combined fuel consumption 40.4 mpg
Long-life service up to 19,000 miles or 2 years
Euro NCAP adult occupant 4 stars
Standard ABS, EBD, ESP, front and side airbags, side impact protection
The 1.6 petrol runs on unleaded 95 RON fuel. Official figures show urban 29.4 mpg, extra-urban 51.4 mpg and combined 40.4 mpg with CO2 at 168 g/km.
Servicing follows Audi Variable Servicing. The interval is determined by the onboard indicator up to a maximum of 19,000 miles or two years, depending on driving style and conditions. Warranty covers the vehicle for 3 years or 60,000 miles, paint for 3 years and rust penetration for 12 years.
Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic differential lock, ESP and side impact protection bars. The fully galvanised body has front and rear crumple zones. Euro NCAP rated adult occupant protection at four stars.
The car is straightforward to keep with its galvanised body and long warranties. Regular checks of the service indicator keep maintenance simple and predictable.
Length 4152 mm, Width 1735 mm, Height 1427 mm, Wheelbase 2513 mm (A3 2000–2003)
Sources: manufacturer data, Audi UK, Technical data Audi A3 1.6, UK specification, status June 2001, Audi UK, A3 and S3 quattro price list, Edition 2, February 2003: standard driver and front passenger airbags and front side airbags.