How Much an Audi A3 Weighs in 2024

An Audi A3 typically weighs between about 3,040 and 3,600 pounds (around 1,380–1,630 kg) in its most recent generations, depending on model year, engine, drivetrain, and equipment. Understanding the weight range matters because it influences fuel economy, performance, handling, and ownership costs.

Why Vehicle Weight Matters for the Audi A3

The Audi A3 sits at the compact premium end of the market, where brands constantly balance performance, efficiency, and comfort. Curb weight — the mass of the car with standard equipment, operating fluids, and a full fuel tank, but without passengers or cargo — is a key figure that shapes how the A3 drives and how much fuel it uses. Buyers comparing trims, engines, or even generations of the A3 often look at weight to understand real‑world behavior beyond brochure horsepower numbers.

Current Audi A3 (2024 Model Year) — Typical Weights

Audi’s latest-generation A3, built on the MQB Evo platform, is sold globally in several versions. In markets like Europe, it’s available as a hatchback (Sportback) and a sedan; in the U.S., the lineup is sedan-only. The numbers below summarize curb weights for the 2024 lineup from recent manufacturer data and market guides.

2024 Audi A3 (Sedan) – Main Variants

The following list outlines approximate curb weights for common 2024 Audi A3 and related variants, highlighting how powertrain and performance upgrades add mass to the base car.

• 2024 Audi A3 35 TFSI / 40 TFSI (front‑wheel drive, global markets): typically around 1,300–1,400 kg (approx. 2,870–3,085 lb), depending on engine output and equipment.
• 2024 Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro (all‑wheel drive, where offered): usually in the 1,430–1,500 kg range (about 3,150–3,310 lb).
• 2024 Audi S3 sedan (performance variant): roughly 1,575–1,625 kg (around 3,470–3,580 lb), due to a more powerful engine, standard quattro all‑wheel drive, and additional performance hardware.
• 2024 Audi RS 3 sedan (high-performance variant): commonly reported in the 1,600–1,650 kg bracket (about 3,525–3,640 lb), reflecting the 2.5‑liter five‑cylinder engine, larger brakes, and chassis reinforcements.

Taken together, these figures show that the “regular” A3 models cluster around the low‑to‑mid‑3,000‑pound range, while the S3 and RS 3 push closer to 3,600 pounds as power and hardware increase.

U.S.-Spec 2024 Audi A3 and S3

In the United States, the lineup is more tightly defined, which makes quoted weights easier to compare across trims.

The list below summarizes typical curb weights for the 2024 U.S.-spec A3 and S3 based on current manufacturer data and market reporting.

• 2024 Audi A3 40 TFSI (FWD, 2.0‑liter mild hybrid): approximately 3,040–3,150 lb (about 1,380–1,430 kg), varying slightly by trim and options.
• 2024 Audi A3 quattro (where equipped in prior model years; some markets only): tends toward the 3,250 lb mark (about 1,475 kg).
• 2024 Audi S3 (quattro, 2.0‑liter turbo, performance brakes and suspension): typically around 3,450–3,500 lb (about 1,565–1,590 kg), again with small variations by options such as adaptive dampers or larger wheels.

These weights illustrate how front‑wheel drive A3 sedans remain relatively light for a premium compact, while the performance‑focused S3 adds roughly 300–400 pounds of hardware and reinforcement.

How Weight Varies Across Generations

The Audi A3 has evolved from a small premium hatchback in the late 1990s into a globally sold compact with more safety tech and luxury equipment. Each new generation saw changes to the weight profile, even as the underlying MQB platform worked to keep mass under control.

First and Second Generations

Early A3 models were notably lighter than current versions, reflecting fewer safety systems and more compact dimensions.

The list below summarizes typical ranges for earlier generations of the A3.

• First generation (Typ 8L, 1996–2003): roughly 1,150–1,300 kg (about 2,535–2,865 lb), depending on engine (small petrol vs. TDI) and three‑door vs. five‑door configuration.
• Second generation (Typ 8P, 2003–2012): generally around 1,250–1,450 kg (approx. 2,755–3,195 lb) across hatchback, cabriolet, and early S3 models.

These earlier cars were lighter but lacked the structural reinforcements, larger infotainment systems, driver‑assist suites, and complex emissions hardware found in the modern lineup.

Third and Fourth Generations

With the move to Volkswagen Group’s MQB and later MQB Evo platforms, Audi sought to offset the mass of new technology through smarter architecture and materials.

The next list highlights how curb weight shifted into today’s range.

• Third generation (Typ 8V, 2012–2020): typically 1,250–1,475 kg (about 2,755–3,250 lb) for mainstream A3 hatchback and sedan models; S3 and RS 3 variants ran heavier, in the 1,475–1,600 kg band (around 3,250–3,530 lb).
• Fourth generation (Typ 8Y, 2020–present): about 1,300–1,500 kg (2,870–3,310 lb) for standard A3 models, with S3 and RS 3 up around or beyond 1,575 kg (3,470 lb), depending on market and equipment.

Overall, curb weights have risen compared with the earliest A3s, but less dramatically than might be expected given the substantial increases in safety, connectivity, and performance.

Factors That Change the Weight of an Audi A3

Two Audi A3s with the same badge can still differ noticeably in curb weight. Several technical and configuration choices explain those differences.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Engines, transmissions, and driven axles have some of the largest effects on how much an A3 weighs.

The following list details the primary technical factors related to the powertrain that influence A3 curb weight.

• Engine size and configuration: More powerful engines — such as the 2.0‑liter turbo in the S3 or 2.5‑liter five‑cylinder in the RS 3 — are heavier than the smaller 1.5‑liter or 2.0‑liter mild‑hybrid units in standard A3s.
• All‑wheel drive vs. front‑wheel drive: Audi’s quattro all‑wheel drive requires additional hardware: a center coupling, rear differential, and extra driveshafts, which typically add 100–200 lb (45–90 kg) over front‑wheel‑drive versions.
• Transmission type: Most modern A3s use dual‑clutch (S tronic) gearboxes, which are heavier than a simple manual transmission. Where manuals are still offered in some markets, those versions can be slightly lighter.

These variations mean that an A3 with the same body style can sit at the lighter end of the spectrum with a modest engine and FWD, or at the heavier end with a high‑output engine and quattro.

Body Style and Equipment

Beyond the powertrain, body design and options also shape the final curb weight figure.

The list below explains how configuration choices alter an A3’s mass.

• Body style (Sportback, sedan, cabriolet): Hatchbacks and sedans are fairly close in mass, but past A3 cabriolets have been significantly heavier because of chassis bracing and roof mechanisms.
• Larger wheels and brakes: Performance packages with larger alloy wheels and upgraded brakes add unsprung mass at each corner.
• Interior and tech options: Panoramic sunroofs, premium audio systems, electric and heated seats, and additional sound insulation can add tens of kilograms overall.
• Safety and driver‑assist systems: Additional radar units, camera systems, and structural crash reinforcements also contribute to incremental weight increases.

When combined, these choices can push a well‑equipped A3 or S3 hundreds of pounds higher than a base model built with smaller wheels and fewer luxury options.

How A3 Weight Affects Performance and Ownership

The weight of an Audi A3 isn’t just a spec‑sheet number: it directly affects the driving experience, operating costs, and even tire and brake wear over time.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

Heavier cars typically consume more fuel, particularly in stop‑and‑go city driving, where inertia is most noticeable. This is one reason Audi has introduced mild‑hybrid systems and optimized aerodynamics: to counteract some of the fuel‑use penalty that can come with a heavier, more fully featured car. An A3 at the lighter end of its range will generally deliver slightly better real‑world consumption than a heavily optioned, all‑wheel‑drive variant with wider tires.

Handling, Ride Quality, and Braking

Extra mass affects how quickly an A3 can change direction and how it feels through corners. Lighter models typically feel more agile and responsive, while heavier versions can feel more planted and stable at highway speeds but may lean more in tight bends. The S3 and RS 3 counteract their higher weight with stiffer suspensions, adaptive dampers, and stronger brakes, maintaining high performance at the cost of a firmer ride and higher running costs for tires and brake components.

Where to Find the Exact Weight of a Specific A3

Because published figures are typically given as ranges or by engine code, the most accurate number for any individual car comes from its documentation and labels.

The list below describes practical ways an owner or shopper can confirm the weight of a specific Audi A3.

• Owner’s manual and spec sheet: The manual usually lists curb weight, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and permitted payload for that exact model year and engine.
• Door jamb or B‑pillar label: Many markets require a sticker that lists GVWR and axle weight ratings; while this is not curb weight, it gives an upper boundary for total loaded mass.
• Manufacturer’s website or brochure: Digital brochures and technical data sheets for your market (U.S., EU, UK, etc.) list curb weights by engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
• Independent weighing: Placing the car on a certified scale, with a full tank and no occupants, provides the most precise real‑world curb weight for that particular vehicle.

Using these sources ensures you have the correct figure for your exact A3, which may differ slightly from quoted catalog numbers due to options or model‑year changes.

Summary

Across its modern generations, the Audi A3 typically weighs between about 3,040 and 3,600 pounds (roughly 1,380–1,630 kg), with standard front‑wheel‑drive sedans at the lighter end and performance‑oriented S3 and RS 3 variants at the heavier end. Differences in engine size, all‑wheel drive hardware, body style, and options account for much of this spread. For anyone choosing between trims or comparing generations, understanding curb weight helps predict fuel economy, performance, and running costs. To know the precise weight of a specific car, the owner’s manual, official technical sheets, and — if needed — a trip to a certified scale remain the most reliable sources.

How much does a 2010 Audi A3 weigh?

1.8 TFSI Ambition, 1.8L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 6 SPEED DIRECT SHIFT

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Audi A3 Wheelbase	2578 mm	8 ft 5 in
Audi A3 Weight	1425 kg	3142 lbs
Audi A3 Turning circle	10.70 m	35 ft 1 in
Audi A3 Tyre size	205/55 R16	205/55 R16

How much does a 2015 Audi A3 weigh?

The 2015 Audi A3’s weight varies by trim and drivetrain, with curb weights ranging from approximately 3,175 to 3,583 pounds. For example, the 1.8T front-wheel drive models are lighter (around 3,175 to 3,241 pounds), while the 2.0T all-wheel drive quattro models are heavier (around 3,373 to 3,583 pounds).
 

• 1.8T models: Around 3,175–3,241 lbs
• 2.0T quattro models: Around 3,373–3,583 lbs
• 2.0 TDI models: Around 3,241 lbs
• S3 model: Approximately 3,450 lbs

How much does a 2018 Audi A3 weigh?

The 2018 Audi A3’s weight varies by trim and drivetrain, with the front-wheel drive model weighing around 3,197 lbs and the all-wheel drive quattro model starting at approximately 3,362 lbs. The plug-in hybrid Sportback e-tron version is heavier, at around 3,616 lbs.
 
Curb weight by model

• Front-wheel drive: Approximately 3,197 lbs
• All-wheel drive (quattro):
  • Premium Plus: 3,362 lbs
  • Premium: 3,439 lbs
  • Prestige: 3,627 lbs
• Sportback e-tron (plug-in hybrid): Approximately 3,616 lbs 

Is the Audi A3 a fast car?

Yes, the Audi A3 can be fast, especially in its sportier S3 and RS 3 trims, but even the base model is quick for a compact car. The 201-horsepower base model can achieve 0-60 mph in about 6.3 seconds, which is quick for daily driving, and it feels perky and eager thanks to its turbocharged engine and nimble handling.
 
This video shows the acceleration of a tuned Audi A3: 1mNewEnglandPeteYouTube · May 4, 2021
Base models

• 0-60 mph: Around 6.3 seconds for the 201-horsepower model. 
• Performance: Feels quick for everyday use, with a punchy turbocharged engine and responsive handling. 

Performance trims

• S3: Has a more powerful 306-horsepower engine.
• RS 3: Features a 401-horsepower, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. 

How it compares

• The base model is quick enough for most drivers, with a solid performance that competes with other luxury compacts. 
• The S3 and RS 3 models are significantly faster and are designed for performance enthusiasts.