More than an old car #231: Audi A3 8L

 

Given the ever-growing number of old cars in Singapore, there are bound to be some that I have no idea of its existence, and one cannot help but marvel at these 2 surprisingly preserved 1998/2000 Audi A3 8L!

First introduced in 1996 at the Paris Motor Show, the A3 Typ 8L marked Audi's return to small cars after 19 years. As part of the Volkswagen Group, the A3 shared a platform and closely resembled the VW Golf Mk4. Initially, the A3 was only available as a 3-door hatchback: this was done to give the model a sportier image and differentiate it from the Golf. 4 different grades were offered with a few engine selections: the Attraction was the base model with 4-spoke steering wheel and aluminum wheels in a 10-hole design while the S-Line was top of the line with a 3-spoke leather steering wheel, lowered height and 9-spoke wheels.

A 5-door hatchback appeared in 1999 and the sportier S3 also made its debut, which was powered by a turbocharged engine. There was a facelift done in 2000, with changes to the headlights, taillights and addition of a head airbag system among other things.

These 2 units were powered by a 1595 cc EA827 series i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 183 km/h with an 0 to 100 km/h timing of 12.8 seconds. With dimensions of 4152 x 1735 x 1427 mm, weighing in at 1090 kg (for 3-door) and 1135 kg (for 5-door), and fuel consumption of 8.6 litres / 100 km, it had decent economical performance which would have been a good fit for a prospective owner looking for a premium compact hatchback. 

Production of the A3 8L ended in 2003 with about 913,000 sold, though it continued to be made in Brazil until 2006. The A3 8L was first sold in Singapore in 1997, where it retailed at S$123,000 by Motor Ultima, the former Audi dealer; the 5-door hatchback was sold later in 2000 by Premium Automobiles. It is believed that these 2 units are the last ones here: I have not come across pictures of other units on the road and none were also sold on online marketplaces. Amazingly both are still registered as of writing, though I cannot tell if they are on a 5 year or 10 year COE cycle. 

While Audi A3 may not have the cult following of a hot hatch icon or the visual drama of a sports car, it proved that luxury could be compact and performance could be practical. It paved the way through unchartered territory for numerous compact cars such as the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series. I hope you will have a chance to see these 2 humble icons some day!