2011 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Audi A3 was a quiet update. Its only broad change was subtle chrome detailing on the exterior door handles and interior trim surfaces.
About the 2011 Audi A3
8P A3 hatchback, late-cycle year after the 2009 styling update.
Audi positioned the A3 as a premium compact that mixed Audi cabin quality with the everyday usefulness of a 5-door hatchback. The big draws were its tidy size, sporty road manners, flexible cargo area, and a choice between a lively turbo gas engine or a very efficient diesel. In this class, the A3 stood out by combining wagon-like practicality with luxury-brand materials and, for gas buyers, the option of quattro all-wheel drive.
The 2011 A3 was a small, upscale five-door hatchback with three distinct versions. The 2.0 TDI focused on fuel economy with a 140-hp diesel engine and a 42-mpg highway rating, while the 2.0T models used a 200-hp turbo gas engine; the 2.0T Quattro added all-wheel drive. All three had leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a split-folding rear seat.
What changed, by category
2011 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dbl Clutch | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dbl Clutch | Auto, 6-Spd w/Dbl Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–30 mpg | 42 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 140 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 39 cu-ft | 39 cu-ft | 39 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Audi A3 compared with the 2010 model?
The main change was minor chrome detailing on the exterior door handles and interior trim surfaces. Some wheel designs also changed by trim or package, while the engines, drivetrain choices, safety hardware, and core cabin technology carried over.
Was the 2011 Audi A3 redesigned?
No, the 2011 Audi A3 was not redesigned. It remained part of the 8P generation and received only small appearance updates after the broader 2009 styling revision.
Did the 2011 Audi A3 get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2011 Audi A3 carried over its engines and drivetrain choices. The lineup retained the 140-hp turbo-diesel, the 200-hp turbo gas engine, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive on the 2.0T Quattro.
Which versions were offered for the 2011 Audi A3?
The 2011 Audi A3 lineup consisted of the front-wheel-drive 2.0 TDI diesel, the front-wheel-drive 2.0T gas model, and the all-wheel-drive 2.0T Quattro. Every version used the same practical five-door hatchback body.
Is the 2011 Audi A3 a major upgrade over the 2010 model?
No, the 2011 Audi A3 is not a major upgrade over the 2010 model. The differences are mainly small chrome and wheel-design details, so condition, mileage, and service history are more meaningful when comparing used examples.