i have here an in airbox k&n filter so no nead to remove the airbox as direct replacement for standard filter, its only 6 months old when removed from a 56 plate a3 2.0 tdi but will fit most later models but not sure about the old model a3, it was only removed to return car to standard for trading in,
if interested then feel free to come try it for fitment as it only takes e few mins to fit, the price is 20 not a penny less