One millionth 2nd generation Audi A3 built

Audi has already produced more than one million units of its current-generation Audi A3 since 2003. The anniversary car has now rolled off the production line at the factory in Ingolstadt. It is a Brilliant Red, 140 hp 2.0 TDI Audi A3 Sportback intended for a customer in Franconia, Germany. In fact, more than 1.9 million units of the world’s first premium model in the compact class have been manufactured and delivered to customers since the market launch of the Audi A3 in 1996.

“Its outstanding premium quality makes the Audi A3 a convincing competitor in its class, and it has played a key role in redefining the compact class,” notes Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production of AUDI AG. 230,849 units of the Audi A3 were produced in 2007, with the Sportback accounting for 68.9 percent of this total. With its steady production growth, the A3 continues to remain in the success lane, playing a major role in achieving Audi’s twelfth record financial results in succession.

Each day, more than 800 units of the Audi A3 roll off the production line in Ingolstadt and are sold to customers throughout the world. Production of the Audi A3 began in Ingolstadt in 1996. The second generation of this compact-class model has been in production since June 2003, with the five-door A3 Sportback being added in 2004.

Since 2007, the Audi A3 Sportback has additionally been assembled at the new Audi plant in Brussels. And now rolling to the starting line right in time for the spring is the Audi A3 Cabriolet, which is manufactured at the Audi plant in Györ, Hungary.

Five different gasoline engines ranging from 75 kW (102 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp) and three TDI diesel engines are available in the Audi A3 and S3; the A3 Cabriolet is available in two different gasoline and two different diesel versions. From the entry-level gasoline powerplant, the 75 kW (102 hp) 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, right through to the S3 2.0 T quattro, the top-of-the-line A3 engine with a power output of 195 kW (265 hp), the Audi A3 is setting the standards in the compact class. The diesel-powered A3 1.9 TDI e unites dynamics and efficiency. Yet its fuel consumption stands at an excellent 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers (52.27 mpg), with low CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometer.

ZBL1414 - 3/27/2008 8:31:27 PM

-3 Boost

except that the A3 shares a significant amount of parts with VWs and zero parts with Lambo, Bugatti, Bentley or Porsche. Besides, VWs are basically overpriced Hondas, so what we really have are one million people who paid way too much for a Honda

aarononymous - 3/27/2008 9:43:44 PM

+1 Boost

and all it took was one for you to be born

chewy - 3/27/2008 11:37:46 PM

+2 Boost

yet the German magazine thinks that the A3 convertible is better than the 1 series convertible

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vergleich-audi-a3-cabrio_bmw-1er-cabrio_609479.html

Agent63 - 3/28/2008 1:22:37 AM

+4 Boost

Only difference is VW's weren't that bad of cars. They were built from times of chaos and is one of the largest corporations in the world.

To knock this A3 by saying it's just an overpriced VW is the same as saying Lexus are overpriced Toyota's. Only difference here is that majority of the people in the world still continue to think that and will continue for a some time to come. It's not my opinion but facts. If you hate the fact that Audi has made the A3 a success then why not you hate that Lexus is #1 seller in US. Only major difference there is that Audi doesn't whore the public with marketing. Audi has built a very good name for themselves without AS MUCH promotion.

Congrats to Audi for building the 1 millionth. It shows how popular this car has been since the 2nd generation hit the showrooms.

ZBL1414 - 3/28/2008 6:35:53 AM

0 Boost

VWs are just like Hondas and Nissans... they occupy that space between total appliances (i.e. Toyotas) and actual sports sedans (i.e. BMWs, Infinitis, and (most) Audis). The only problem is that Honda and Nissan know what they are and do a great job offering products in their respective market. VW seems to think they are at BMW levels, when what they really make is a V6 Accord that says Passat on the trunk and costs $36,000.

JoeO - 3/28/2008 10:59:35 AM

+2 Boost

2007 annual sales:

BMW: 1.5 million vehicles sold
Volkswagen AG: 6.2 MILLION VEHICLES SOLD

Yea, lots of suckers out there.

JoeO - 3/28/2008 11:01:10 AM

+1 Boost

2007 annual sales:

BMW: 1.5 million vehicles sold
Volkswagen AG: 6.2 MILLION VEHICLES SOLD

Yea, lots of suckers out there <rolls eyes>

mac075 - 3/27/2008 10:17:08 PM

+2 Boost

"VWs are basically overpriced Hondas..." Please explain how that is possible! They are nothing alike. My friends have both a Jetta and a Civic, both 2008 models, and the differences are everywhere to be seen and even more so to be felt. It's like comparing apples to oranges, sure they are both small round fruit, but they are entirely different. VWs and Hondas are entirely different too!

Agent63 - 3/28/2008 1:24:34 AM

+4 Boost

Start deboosting now folks!

The Japanese supporters want to make themselves feel better by having something to compare to. In this case YES! VW is in the same category as Honda/Nissan/Toyota.

Just don't forget that Lexus still uses Toyota parts even though they claim they are an entirely separate company. FACT! not OPINION.

daytonaviolet - 3/28/2008 1:46:57 PM

+2 Boost

I'm guessing that all of these negative comments are coming from people that have never even driven an A3!
And isn't that what it's about?

It's a great car to drive. Especially the 3.2 S-line, it'll run circles around a lot of more expensive cars.

Agent63 - 3/28/2008 2:32:03 PM

+3 Boost

Many of the mark's out there never have driven most of the cars that come up on discussion. Believe me you'd be surprised. Some of the fan boys don't even know what their exactly supporting. Some I do give respect to at least they know their cars and respect other companies, not some geek that loves a brand because their father owns one.

Matthew1 - 3/30/2008 1:33:33 AM

+1 Boost

Would that be the Small Apendage Club by any chance?