Audi A3


2009 Audi A3
2009 Audi A3

Sporty, refined, and remarkably practical, the A3 does many things well. While the base 2.0T is excellent in its own right, if I were to get an A3 tomorrow, I would opt for the ultra-smooth all-wheel drive 3.2 quattro S line. Scratch the summer performance tires (bad idea for snowy weather) and overly complex navigation system, and this premium-compact hatchback can be had for well under $40,000.

If you can wait a little while, Audi has confirmed that a diesel A3 will come to the U.S. for model-year 2010. It will use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The only significant drawback is that it will be front-wheel drive only. No AWD quattro version is in the works, at least for now.