Audi A3 8V — Wheel Fitment & Specs
Overview
The first generation Audi A3 ('Typ' 8L) was a small family car manufactured by Audi AG from September 1996 to 2003. It marked Audi's return to the small car segment after a long absence, following the discontinuation of the Audi 50 in 1978. The A3 was based on the Volkswagen Group A platform and closely resembled the Volkswagen Golf Mk4. Initially available only as a three-door hatchback, it later expanded its range with a five-door variant and introduced turbocharged petrol engines alongside diesel options. It featured Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system in some variants.
Wheel fitment
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x112 |
| Centre bore | 57.1 mm |
| Bolt / thread | M14x1.5 (bolts) |
| Wheel-bolt torque | 120 Nm |
| Seat type | radius |
| Factory setup | square |
| TPMS | indirect |
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
| Position | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 6J–8.5J | ET12–ET45 |
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
UK popularity & demand
Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 449,880 Audi A3 on UK roads, placing it in the top 1% of car models by volume across our fitment database. That makes its wheel fitment a high-demand size to keep in stock — one reason we track its exact spec here.
Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.
Engines & drivetrain
| Variant | Engine | Fuel | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 1781 cc I4 turbo | petrol | 210 hp | Quattro |
| 1.8 20vT | 1781 cc I4 turbo | petrol | 150 hp | Quattro |
| 1.8 20v | 1781 cc I4 | petrol | 125 hp | FWD |
| 1.6 8v | 1595 cc I4 | petrol | 101 hp | FWD |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 1896 cc I4 turbo | diesel | 90 hp | FWD |
Performance
| Variant | Power | 0–62 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 8v | 101 hp | 7.3 s | 117 mph |
| 1.8 20v | 125 hp | 6 s | 126 mph |
| 1.8 20vT | 150 hp | 5.1 s | 135 mph |
| 1.8 20vT (S3) | 210 hp | 4.2 s | 145 mph |
| 1.9 8v TDI | 90 hp | 7.5 s | 113 mph |
Dimensions
| Length | 4152 mm |
| Width | 1735 mm |
| Height | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2513 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1150 kg |
Body styles & production
| Body styles | Hatchback |
| Produced | 1996–present |
Trim levels
History & notable variants
The first generation of the Audi A3 was launched in September 1996 for the European market. In late 2000, it received an update with new headlights and taillights, improved interior design, and a six-speed manual gearbox option. The S3 variant, introduced in 1999, featured a turbocharged engine and Haldex Traction-based quattro system. Despite being replaced by the second generation A3 in Europe in 2003, production continued until 2006 in Brazil.
Reliability & owner notes
- Pros: Close resemblance to the Volkswagen Golf Mk4; introduction of quattro all-wheel drive system in some variants
- Cons: Limited availability of body styles initially; production ceased earlier than subsequent generations
- Common issues: None specified