The compact three-door Audi A3 presented in the fall of 1996 was based on the platform of the VW Golf IV, which came onto the market a year later. At market launch, there were three gasoline engines with outputs between 74 kW/101 hp and 110 kW/150 hp, as well as the 66 kW/90 hp TDI.
At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, Audi presented the S3 with a 154 kW/210 hp five-valve turbo engine and permanent all-wheel drive. 17'' Avus rims, sports suspension, sports exhaust system, roof edge spoiler and a six-speed gearbox were among the sporty attributes alongside various visual changes and Recaro sports seats as standard.
Fastest compact sports car
With a top speed of just under 240 km/h, the S3 was one of the fastest compact sports cars, yet offered enough space for four passengers and not-so-small luggage.
In contrast to the purely mechanically controlled quattro drive concept in the B, C and D segments, the S3 with its transverse engine platform used the hydraulically controlled Haldex system, which was later also used in Volkswagen models. This principle only transfers power to the axle with the better traction when there is sufficient slip; normally, only one axle is driven.