The Volkswagen GroupA platform is an automobile platform shared among compact and mid-size cars of the Volkswagen Group. It debuted in 1974 and was originally based on the engineering concept of the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, and is applicable to either front- or four-wheel drivevehicles, using only front-mounted transverse engines. Volkswagens based on this platform have been referred to by generation number, i.e. the first Golf version would be referred to as an "A1 Golf". Often "" is substituted for "A*", but this can be For example, the Sciroccos are both based on the A1 platform. Under Volkswagen's revised platform naming system, the "A4" platform is now known as the PQ34 platform, and what would have been called the A5 platform is officially the PQ35 platform. The new nomenclature is derived as follows:
The A platform has been replaced by the MQB platform for new models.
A1
The A1 platform debuted on the MK1 Golf on its launch in 1974, and continued into the early 1990s, when the last remaining models using the platform - the Scirocco and Caddy - were axed. A1 platform cars :
The A2 platform debuted in 1983 on the MK2 Golf, and lasted until 1998, when the original SEAT Toledo was replaced. The Volkswagen Passat B3 was based on a stretched A2 platform. The Volkswagen Corrado VR6, while being an A2 platform car, uses some components from the A3 platform, notably the rear suspension assembly and some front suspension parts. A2 platform cars :
The A3 platform was only used for two models - the MK3 Golf, launched in 1991, and its saloon equivalent, the Vento, launched in early 1992. A3 platform cars :
Volkswagen Golf Mk3
Volkswagen Vento/Jetta III
The smaller A03 platform, used in the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza is based on the A3 platform as well, and shares many components.
PQ34 (A4)
The A4 platform debuted on the Audi A3 in 1996 and went on to be used in a total of ten different cars over the next two decades. PQ34 platform cars :
The PQ35 platform is designed to be more modular and flexible than previous A platforms. For the first time, a fully independent suspension front and rear will be present in all A platform vehicles. There is also a derivative version of this platform for 'B'-class cars called PQ46. PQ35 is intended for compact-size vehicles, and PQ46 is an enlarged version for mid-size vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Passat. A common misconception is that the PQ46 generation of the Passat is based on the "B6" platform. However, this transverse engined Passat has little in common with the longitudinal engined "B6" Audi A4. PQ35 platform cars :
