A new Audi A3 is about to go on sale and it should have an assured future, if only because of the success of the outgoing model. Audi hit the jackpot with that car which was launched in 1996, writes Andrew Hamilton.
The company expected sales of around 100,000 a year but in less than seven years, customer numbers swelled to nearly 900,000.
In 1996, the A3 was a newcomer to the Audi range, not replacing anything and there were doubters who claimed it wouldn't find appeal. Too close to the Volkswagen Golf and really just a Golf in more expensive Audi garb, they countered.
The new A3, making its Irish debut in mid-June seems set, then, to crown the unexpected growth that the old car engendered. It's no surprise to find that the designers and engineers haven't strayed too far from the original formula, a smallish front-wheel-drive hatchback with chunky and broad shoulders, impeccable interior quality and of course, sporting pretensions.
The new A3 still pays styling homage to the original, but features like a more tapered nose and stretched headlights emphasise the aggressive and sporting character. The overall profile is still conservative, albeit in a smart sort of way.
At the international press launch, we learned that Walter de Silva had a "small" influence in the make-up.
He's the stylist who crafted the Alfa 156 and now he's styling boss for a clutch of marques within the VW family, including Seat and Audi. He's now working on the 2010 A3.
As for the 2003 A3, its enhanced on-the-road appeal comes down to a sportier personality and a broader range of more powerful (and mostly more economical) engines.
The A3 in 1996 was an affordable first step into the world of prestige model ownership and now more choice should ensure that existing A3 owners stay loyal, as well as attracting more conquest business.
Let's look at just what the second generation entails. The three-door body has a longer wheelbase, greater width and it sits lower and, according to Audi, that's all the better for making it reminiscent in proportions to a classic coupé.
This impression is further accentuated by short overhangs, the much lower rake of the C pillar and lower window surrounds. More interior space and comfort are the practical benefits for driver and passengers. In the back, there's 29 mm of extra knee room while shoulder space is up 30 mm.
The A3's engine family extends from a 102 bhp 1.6-litre to a mighty 3.2-litre V6 with 241 bhp, both petrol. In between there are two turbocharged diesels of 1.9 and 2.0 litres with 105 and 140 bhp respectively, and a 2.0-litre direct injection petrol FSI unit that is already doing active service in the A4 saloon.
This FSI engine is claimed by Audi to be clean and frugal: it boasts no less than three catalytic converters for efficient exhaust emissions and promises over 40 mpg in average driving. Mr McCreevy recently punished it with a higher VRT rate.