Audi A3 8V vs Audi A3 8Y

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8V for the proven 1.5 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with the newer MMI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8Y for the MIB3 cockpit and the 48V 1.5 TFSI — ideally a 35 TFSI.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (1.5, 150 hp, 48V) or 35 TDI (2.0, 150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs EA211 evo 35 TFSI · Petrol

	Audi A3	Audi A3
Power	150 hp	150 hp
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	220 km/h	224 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	116,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	126 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km Winner	5,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Audi A3
Boot	380 L	380 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L Winner	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,64 m
Length	4,31 m	4,34 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	14,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Audi A3
Platform	MQB (transverse)	MQB Evo (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI 48V · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI · 40 TFSI e PHEV
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	S tronic (DSG)
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Audi A3

MIB3 infotainment: software bugs and reboots on early 8Y cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo, 48V): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
48V mild-hybrid (BSG): belt-starter-generator needs checking on early cars

Pros

Audi A3

Optional quattro drive
1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) are the proven picks
Interior materials that wear well

Audi A3

MIB3 cockpit with large touchscreen
1.5 TFSI has 48V mild-hybrid and cylinder-on-demand
MQB Evo body is stiffer and lighter than the 8V

Cons

Audi A3

S line suspension rides firmly
Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Audi A3

Touchscreen-heavy MIB3 controls take getting used to
Manual gearbox only on lower-output versions

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Audi A3

Precise, polished and genuinely premium for a compact hatch. Steering is quick and accurate, body control taut, and the A3 feels agile and planted through bends. Front-drive keeps it light and easy, while quattro adds tenacious grip and a more sure-footed feel on the faster versions. The ride is firm but composed, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for the class. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and eager, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 40 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and slick, the manual precise. Overall a refined, tech-rich compact that drives with real poise.