In which year did the Audi A3 first go on sale?

The Audi A3 first went on sale in 1996.

Audi announced the first-generation A3, known internally as the Typ 8L, in June 1995 and launched it for the European market in September 1996. It marked Audi’s return to the small-car segment after the Audi 50 disappeared in 1978.

The original A3 was initially offered only as a three-door hatchback. Its compact dimensions and sportier presentation distinguished it from the Volkswagen Golf, although both belonged to the same Volkswagen Group family. The A3 was also the first Volkswagen Group model to use the PQ34 platform, later shared by cars including the fourth-generation Golf.

A five-door Sportback body style did not arrive until 1999, alongside additional engines. The first generation continued in some markets after its European replacement appeared in 2003, with Brazilian production lasting until 2006. Thus, 1995 refers to the announcement, while 1996 is the sales-launch year asked for here.