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!

More than an old car #196: Audi TT

Through my time in spotting old cars, I have noted that Audis tend not to be that popular among classic car enthusiasts. I am not privy to the opinions of why this is so, and thus being able to see this 2000 Audi TT Roadster (8N) was a really nice treat!

Development of the TT began back in 1994 at the VW Group Design Centre in California, helmed by Peter Schreyer. Inspired by the Bauhaus design philosophy of 'form follows function', it featured simple geometric shapes without elaborate decorations and a minimalist interior. The overall product was something simple yet pleasing to the eye, and it was even recognised as one of the most influential automotive designs in recent times. 

A prototype coupe was exhibited at the International Motor Show at Frankurt in 1995, followed by a roadster variant. The positive reception from the public led Audi to develop the prototype with only minor changes. It used the VW Golf Mark IV platform as a cost-saving measure and was officially launched in 1998, with the roadster appearing a year later. Its name is taken from the successful motor racing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race: NSU was merged into the company known as Audi today. Another interpretation of TT was proposed to stand for 'Technology and Tradition'.

Despite the relatively small size of the car, the cockpit was comfortable enough for the front passengers. All the TTs were made in the Gyor plant in Hungary: its chassis number begins with T instead of W (for Germany). Early TT models received much press coverage following a series of high-speed accidents during abrupt lane changes or sharp turns. Furthermore, there was a tendency for the rear wishbones to break and this led Audi to recall all units in 1999. They were subsequently fitted with a rear spoiler, electronic stability program and a better suspension system which was made standard for future units. 

The TT was facelifted in 2000 with changes such as a different bumper. A larger 3.2 litre engine was also available in 2003 and power outputs were also increased for the existing ones. Initially available only in manual transmission, an automatic version was made available in 2003. In 2005, a limited-edition model known as the TT quattro Sport with a two-tone colour scheme and weight-saving measures was also released.

The TT Roadster was powered by a 1781 cc 20-valve turbocharged i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 214 km/h with an acceleration of 8.9 seconds [0-100 km/h]. With dimensions of 4041 x 1764 x 1349 mm and weighing in at 1335 kg, it could still pack a punch despite being on the heavier side. Its fuel consumption of 8.2 litres / 100 km was a respectable figure among its competitors.

Production of the first-generation TT ended in 2006 where it was replaced by the 8J generation. TTs were first sold here by Premium Automobiles in 2000, retailing at a rather steep S$200,000 with COE included. About 5 units still remain on the road and this roadster is believed to be the only one left. Despite its age, it retains a modern look with its curves. While it may not be easy to identify it as a classic car, there is something about its design that establishes its age. 

As of the time of writing, this car is currently for sale at S$83,000 with about 8 years left to its current lifespan. This would be an interesting choice to stand out from the usual classics on the road, and perhaps you may be the lucky owner to preserve a piece of our automotive heritage for others!

More than an old car #67: Audi quattro

Many of you would be familiar with Audi and you would associate these drivers with rich people. Others may think of the sporty TT or even the R8, which is also surprisingly uncommon. If you are lucky, you may get a Grab/Uber in an Audi as well, although it would be the smaller A3 sedan. I am inclined to believe that car enthusiasts would recognise this particular Audi immediately, but for the benefit of those who aren't into cars, let me present to you this legendary 1985 Audi quattro.

It all began with August Horch, who established the company A. Horch and Cie in 1899. Due to disagreements, he then founded another company called August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH in 1909. However, he could not use the "Horch" name as his former partners had claimed it as their trademark. While discussing with his friend about the name, the friend's son suggested calling it "audi" instead of "horch". "Horch" means "to hear" in German, which is "Audi" in the singular imperative form of "audiere" in Latin. With that settled, the Audi Automobilwerke GmbH Zwickau was officially formed on 1910.

The 4 rings on its logo is a homage to the 4 constituent brands: Audi, Horch, DKW and Wanderer, and together they were called Auto Union from 1932. In 1969, it merged with NSU (of motorcycle fame) and became the Audi that we know of today. Currently, it is a member of the VW Group.

The ur-quattro [its actual name: "original quattro"] was first proposed by Audi's chassis engineer, Jörg Bensinger in 1977. Previously, Audi was going through a slump as its cars were often associated with old men. In need for a fresh breath of air, work was done to develop the Audi 80 into an all-wheel drive system, in order to meet the rigors of off- road rallying. 

It was unveiled to the public in 1980. Initially, it seemed counter-intuitive as the car became heavier and more complex to fix. However, successes in the rallying world caught everyone's attention--Audi had planned to make only 400 but due to strong public demand, it increased the production capacity. 
It was powered by a 2144cc i5 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 222 km/h with an acceleration of 7.1 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4404 mm long and weighed 1300 kg. A further check on the car's chassis number revealed that it was built in December 1984.

Production ended in 1990 with 11,452 made in different variants. This is currently the only registered quattro in Singapore: I am aware of another unit that was imported from the UK but never registered for road use. The number plate indicates that it was originally registered here back in the 80s. I had been always hoping to catch a glimpse of it up close, and seeing it really took my breath away. Its red coat of paint fits it perfectly, similar to how we always associate Ferraris with the colour red. 

The legacy of the quattro system lives on in practically every Audi car on the road today. What made this vehicle attain such status was partly due to people's love for rally races, and how Audi was able to wield the novel all-wheel drive feature into a force to be reckoned with. I don't know whether you will be lucky enough to see it for yourself too, but hopefully you will be as equally awestruck at how it still survives here for so long!