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2009 Audi A3 Full Review
Date Published: 5/01/08
Also in the 2009 Audi A3 Review:
2009 Audi A3
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Audi A3 receives freshened exterior and interior styling. This 4-door hatchback is smaller and less costly than Audi's A4 compacts. Two A3 models are available. The 2.0T has a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 3.2 S line has a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is standard with the V6, and for the first time, optional on the 2.0-liter. 2.0T models come standard with front-wheel drive. The 2.0T is available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is only available on 2.0Ts that have the 6-speed automatic. Standard on the 3.2 is the 6-speed automatic. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Optional with either engine is Audi's Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension, which allows drivers to chose between "normal" and "sport" modes. Leather upholstery, sport front seats, and alloy cabin accents should be available on both models. A navigation system should be available as well. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Audi A3.
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2009 Audi A3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
| Controls/Materials (without navigation) | Navigation system controls |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Audi's 0-60 mph-claims for 2.0T--6.7 seconds with automatic, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in our tests. Turbo 4-cylinder lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2s are also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 seconds 0-60. The manual transmission is super smooth. The automatic's shifts are rewardingly smooth and prompt when used in manual mode. In some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
Audi's 0-60 mph-claims for 2.0T--6.7 seconds with automatic, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in our tests. Turbo 4-cylinder lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2s are also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 seconds 0-60. The manual transmission is super smooth. The automatic's shifts are rewardingly smooth and prompt when used in manual mode. In some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 2.0T automatic averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test automatic 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 18.6-19.4 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure fuel economy with a manual-transmission model. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for all A3s.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 2.0T automatic averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test automatic 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 18.6-19.4 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure fuel economy with a manual-transmission model. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for all A3s.
Ride Quality
2.0T models have a firm but reasonably absorbent ride with their base suspension setup. S line models are notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with their available low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s are stable at highway speeds.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.7 |
2.0T models have a firm but reasonably absorbent ride with their base suspension setup. S line models are notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with their available low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s are stable at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension 2.0Ts suffer from some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in the 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction is a boon in all conditions. Braking is strong.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.8 |
Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension 2.0Ts suffer from some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in the 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction is a boon in all conditions. Braking is strong.
Quietness
We noticed some coarse-surface tire thrum on base models, and it rises with the available 18-inch tires. Wind rush is low at highway speeds. Both engines sound classy while accelerating.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
We noticed some coarse-surface tire thrum on base models, and it rises with the available 18-inch tires. Wind rush is low at highway speeds. Both engines sound classy while accelerating.
Controls
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges and handy switchgear, though their complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. A single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions. The navigation also absorbs and complicates many audio controls.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges and handy switchgear, though their complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. A single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions. The navigation also absorbs and complicates many audio controls.
Details
Again, like its more expensive siblings, the A3's cabin is handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials. Our extended-use 2.0T held up extremely well during its 12,290-mile test.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Again, like its more expensive siblings, the A3's cabin is handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials. Our extended-use 2.0T held up extremely well during its 12,290-mile test.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Headroom and legroom are plentiful. The seats are all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. The rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to the right rear.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Headroom and legroom are plentiful. The seats are all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. The rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to the right rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom and legroom are adequate, even for six-footers, as long as the front seats are not set far back. The cushion is nicely padded but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways are not that large.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate, even for six-footers, as long as the front seats are not set far back. The cushion is nicely padded but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways are not that large.
Cargo Room
A3 has less space than a small station wagon but is far more versatile than a compact sedan. The hatch door lacks opening glass but lifts high for access to a usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend the load area but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.7 |
A3 has less space than a small station wagon but is far more versatile than a compact sedan. The hatch door lacks opening glass but lifts high for access to a usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend the load area but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
Value within Class
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers a good array of features, versatility, and driving enjoyment. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey. Our 2008 Recommended picks are the more sensibly priced 2.0T models.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7.3 |
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers a good array of features, versatility, and driving enjoyment. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey. Our 2008 Recommended picks are the more sensibly priced 2.0T models.
Total Score
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 71 | 71 | 68 | 66.7 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 61 | |
| Average Score | 66 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2009 Audi A3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/08/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Audi A3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | -- |
| Overall Length, in. | -- |
| Overall Width, in. | -- |
| Overall Height, in. | -- |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | -- |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | -- |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.2 /191 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 | 236 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 20/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 22/29 | 18/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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