Audi Audi A3 2004-2013 Body Specifications
Audi Audi A3 2004-2013

Audi Audi A3 2004-2013 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the body system of the 2004-2013 Audi A3, including structural components, exterior panels, dimensions, materials, and assembly details.

Updated

Audi A3 (2004-2013) Body Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides detailed specifications and technical information regarding the body of the 2004-2013 Audi A3. It includes dimensions, styling elements, materials, and key features. Use the search functionality to find specific details or navigate through the sections to explore different aspects of the vehicle's body.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords related to the body specification you are looking for, such as 'dimensions' or 'materials'.

Navigate through the document by clicking on the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Use the arrows or scroll to move between sections.

Key Specifications

Overall Length

4,208 mm - 4,216 mm

Wheelbase

2,578 mm

Curb Weight

1,280 kg - 1,510 kg

Cargo Capacity (Max)

1,100 liters

Fuel Tank Capacity

55 liters

Available Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

This section provides detailed measurements and specifications for the exterior of the Audi A3 (2004-2013). It includes dimensions for different body styles and configurations.

Overall Dimensions
  • Length: 4,208 mm (2004-2008), 4,216 mm (2009-2013)
  • Width: 1,765 mm (2004-2008), 1,774 mm (2009-2013)
  • Height: 1,420 mm (hatchback), 1,428 mm (convertible)
  • Wheelbase: 2,578 mm
  • Front Track: 1,518 mm
  • Rear Track: 1,514 mm
Body Styles
  • Available as 3-door hatchback and 5-door Sportback
  • Cabriolet model introduced in 2008
  • Optional S-line exterior package
  • Aluminum hood and doors for reduced weight
  • Galvanized steel body panels for corrosion resistance

Interior Space

This section details the interior dimensions and space specifications for the Audi A3 (2004-2013). It includes information on seating, cargo capacity, and interior features.

Seating and Passenger Space
  • 5-seat configuration standard
  • Optional rear bench seat with 40/60 split
  • Front headroom: 1,024 mm
  • Rear headroom: 964 mm
  • Front legroom: 1,036 mm
  • Rear legroom: 846 mm
Cargo Capacity
  • Hatchback cargo space: 350 liters (rear seats up), 1,080 liters (rear seats folded)
  • Sportback cargo space: 370 liters (rear seats up), 1,100 liters (rear seats folded)
  • Cabriolet cargo space: 260 liters
  • Optional ski hatch for additional storage
  • Tie-down points and cargo net options

Body Materials and Construction

This section provides information on the materials and construction techniques used in the Audi A3 (2004-2013) body. It includes details on weight-saving measures and structural integrity.

Materials
  • High-strength steel used for chassis and body panels
  • Aluminum used for hood, doors, and trunk lid
  • Plastic components for bumpers and trim
  • Galvanized steel for corrosion protection
  • Optional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components in performance models
Construction
  • Monocoque chassis design
  • Welded steel body shell with laser welding technology
  • Integrated side impact protection system
  • Optional quattro all-wheel drive system
  • Aerodynamic optimizations for reduced drag

Exterior Styling and Features

This section details the exterior styling elements and features of the Audi A3 (2004-2013). It includes information on design cues, lighting, and optional styling packages.

Design Elements
  • Characteristic Audi single-frame grille
  • Sharp lines and angular design
  • Chamfered edges for aerodynamic efficiency
  • Optional S-line package with sporty trim
  • Available roof spoiler for hatchback models
Lighting
  • Halogen headlights standard
  • Optional xenon headlights
  • LED daytime running lights (2009 and later)
  • Fog lights integrated into front bumper
  • Rear lights with LED technology (2009 and later)

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Compact luxury hatchback
Configuration
Front-engine, front-wheel drive / quattro all-wheel drive
Platform
Volkswagen Group A platform (A5)
Material
Steel monocoque body
Location
Manufactured in Germany and other European countries

Dimensions

Length
420 cm / 165.4 in
Width
176.5 cm / 69.5 in
Height
142.5 cm / 56.1 in
Wheelbase
257.8 cm / 101.6 in
Front Track
153 cm / 60.2 in
Rear Track
153.5 cm / 60.4 in
Curb Weight
1,280 kg / 2,822 lbs
Cargo Capacity
350 liters / 12.3 cubic feet (min), 1,080 liters / 38.1 cubic feet (max)

Materials

Body Panels
Steel
Doors
Steel with integrated side impact beams
Hood
Aluminum
Trunk Lid
Aluminum
Roof
Steel

Features

Exterior Features
  • Halogen headlights
  • Fog lights
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Alloy wheels
  • Chrome exhaust tips
interior Features
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Optional leather upholstery
  • Split-folding rear seats
  • Adjustable front seats
infotainment
  • CD player with MP3 compatibility
  • AM/FM radio
  • Optional Audi MMI infotainment system
  • Auxiliary input jack
  • 6-speaker sound system
Safety Features
  • Dual front airbags
  • Side airbags
  • Curtain airbags
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic stability program (ESP) (optional)
Convenience Features
  • Remote central locking
  • Power windows
  • Optional cruise control
  • Rear parking sensors (optional)
  • Rain-sensing wipers (optional)
Optional Packages
  • Sport package (includes sport seats, suspension, and wheels)
  • S-line package (includes aerodynamic kit and styling elements)
  • Luxury package (includes premium interior materials and features)

Safety Features

Airbags
  • Driver and front passenger airbags
  • Side airbags (thorax and pelvis)
  • Curtain airbags (front and rear)
Braking System
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
  • Brake assist
Structural integrity
  • Crumple zones (front and rear)
  • Rigid body shell with high-strength steel
  • Side impact protection beams
Active Safety
  • Electronic stability program (ESP)
  • Traction control
  • Anti-slip regulation (ASR)

Comfort Features

Seating
  • Manual adjustable front seats
  • Optional heated seats
  • Optional lumbar adjustment
  • Split-folding rear seats
Climate Control
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Rear air vents
  • Pollent filter
infotainment And Connectivity
  • Optional Audi MMI infotainment system
  • Bluetooth connectivity (later models)
  • Auxiliary input and USB ports
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • Optional Bose premium sound system
Storage And Convenience
  • Door pockets with bottle holders
  • Center console storage
  • Glovebox
  • Cargo area tie-downs
  • Optional cargo net
Optional Luxury Features
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Heated windshield
  • Auto-dimming mirrors
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Park assist system

Accessories

Exterior Accessories
  • Roof rack
  • Bike rack
  • Tow hitch
  • Body styling kits
  • Spoiler
interior Accessories
  • Floor mats
  • Cargo liner
  • Trunk organizer
  • Sun shades
  • Optional wood or aluminum trim
Wheel And Tire Accessories
  • Alloy wheels (multiple designs)
  • Winter tires
  • Wheel locks
  • Spare wheel
  • Tire pressure monitoring system

Maintenance

Service interval
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months
Service Items
  • Oil change
  • Filter replacement (air, fuel, pollen)
  • Tire rotation
  • Brake inspection
  • Suspension and steering inspection
Maintenance Notes
Recommended to use synthetic oil. Check brake pads and rotors at every service interval.

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Duration: 4 years
Miles: 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty
Coverage: Powertrain components
Duration: 5 years
Miles: 60,000 miles
Rust Perforation Warranty
Coverage: Body panels against rust perforation
Duration: 12 years
Miles: Unlimited
Maintenance Warranty
Coverage: Scheduled maintenance
Duration: 3 years
Miles: 36,000 miles

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG
Manufacturing Process
  • Robotic welding
  • Laser cutting
  • CATIA design
  • Automated paint application
  • Final assembly line
Quality Control
inspection: Full vehicle inspection before delivery
Testing: Road testing, Dynamic testing, Water leak testing, Noise and vibration testing
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of production materials
  • Use of lightweight materials
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
  • Reduction of CO2 emissions in production
Production Metrics
Units Produced: Over 1.5 million units
Production Years: 2004-2013
Assembly Locations: Ingolstadt, Germany, Brussels, Belgium, Aurangabad, India (CKD)

Service Information for body Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Oil change
  • Air filter replacement
  • Tire rotation
  • Brake inspection
  • Suspension inspection

Check for any body panel damage or rust spots.

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Fuel filter replacement
  • Pollent filter replacement
  • Wheel bearing inspection
  • Door hinge lubrication
  • Weatherstripping inspection

Inspect and replace windshield wipers if necessary.

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Drive belt inspection
  • Coolant replacement
  • Battery test
  • Chassis inspection

Major service interval. Check all body electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 2004-2013 Audi A3?

The 2004-2013 Audi A3 has an overall length of 4292 mm, a width of 1765 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1423 mm. The wheelbase measures 2578 mm, and the track width is 1528 mm at the front and 1506 mm at the rear.

Q2

What materials are used in the construction of the Audi A3 body?

The Audi A3 body is constructed using a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum, and composite materials. The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum to reduce weight, while the rest of the body structure uses advanced high-strength steel for improved rigidity and crash safety.

Q3

What is the drag coefficient of the Audi A3?

The drag coefficient (Cd) of the 2004-2013 Audi A3 ranges between 0.31 and 0.33, depending on the model and trim. This aerodynamic design contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

Q4

What is the curb weight of the Audi A3?

The curb weight of the 2004-2013 Audi A3 varies by model and configuration. For example, the base model weighs approximately 1325 kg, while the S3 variant weighs around 1450 kg due to additional performance components.

Q5

Does the Audi A3 feature any corrosion protection?

Yes, the Audi A3 body features a multi-layer corrosion protection system, including galvanized steel panels, cathodic dip coating, and a durable underbody sealant. This ensures long-term resistance to rust and environmental damage.

Q6

What is the ground clearance of the Audi A3?

The ground clearance of the 2004-2013 Audi A3 is approximately 140 mm, which is typical for a compact luxury vehicle. This provides a balance between sporty handling and everyday usability.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Audi A3 Body Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official repair manual for the Audi A3 body, including detailed procedures for panel replacement, corrosion repair, and structural alignment.

Audi A3 Paint Code Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide to Audi A3 paint codes, including color names, codes, and application instructions for touch-ups and full repaints.

Audi A3 Body Dimensions and Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed technical document outlining the exterior dimensions, weight distribution, and structural specifications of the Audi A3.

Audi A3 Corrosion Protection Guide

Coming Soon

Guide to maintaining and repairing the corrosion protection system on the Audi A3, including recommended products and procedures.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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