Audi A3 2003–2013 car dimensions: 4203 mm long, 1765 mm wide and 1421 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,205 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
Base models come with manual air conditioning and a basic radio cassette. SE and Sport grades add electronic climate control as standard, with dual-zone available, plus cruise control. Rear acoustic parking sensors are optional across the range. Higher trims or options bring a colour display with navigation. The cabin feels solid with height-adjustable seats, split-folding rear bench and ESP as standard, making daily driving straightforward though without modern driver aids.
Boot space measures 350 litres with seats up, expanding to 1100 litres when the rear seats fold flat. The loading lip sits low for easier access, suiting shopping or weekend luggage without fuss.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1200 kg on a 12 percent gradient or 1500 kg on 8 percent, with unbraked at 640 kg. Payload sits around 560 kg based on unladen weight near 1205 kg and gross vehicle weight of 1765 kg. A towbar is available as an option for light trailer or caravan work.
The cabin uses high-quality materials with dark plastics and clear dials. Front seats are height-adjustable with easy-entry on the 3-door. Sport grades add contoured seats for better support. Optional electric lumbar and multi-way power adjustment are available. Manual air-con is standard. dual-zone climate control comes on higher trims. Heat-insulating glass is standard. An electric glass sunroof is optional on the 3-door. the Open Sky panoramic roof is for the Sportback. Heated front seats are optional or standard on some grades, with heated outer rear seats also optional.
Combined fuel consumption 40.4 mpg, CO2 168 g/km, 55-litre tank.
Long-life servicing up to 19,000 miles or 2 years via AVS indicator.
Euro NCAP 4-star adult occupant rating.
Standard ESP with ABS, EBD, ASR, EDL. dual front, side and Sideguard head airbags. active front head restraints. ISOFIX.
The 1.6 petrol returns 29.4 mpg urban, 51.4 extra-urban and 40.4 combined, with 168 g/km CO2. It runs on 95 RON unleaded. The tank holds 55 litres.
Servicing follows the Audi Variable Servicing indicator, with intervals up to 19,000 miles or two years depending on use. Vehicle warranty is three years or 60,000 miles, paint three years and rust perforation 12 years.
Euro NCAP awarded four stars for adult protection. The structure held well. Standard kit includes driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, Sideguard head airbags covering front and rear, ESP (with ABS, EBD, ASR and EDL), active front head restraints, three-point belts on all seats and ISOFIX points.
The fully galvanised body and solid build help long-term durability. Regular checks on the service indicator keep running costs predictable.
Length 4203 mm, Width 1765 mm, Height 1421 mm, Wheelbase 2578 mm (A3 2003–2013)
Sources: manufacturer data, Audi UK, Technical Data – Audi A3 1.6, UK specification, status March 2003.