Last update 27 May’09- Review @ newcartestdrive

The Audi A3 is a premium car with excellent driving dynamics from superbly engineered powertrain, suspension and braking systems. Yet it’s fuel-efficient, with an EPA-rated 30 mpg Highway.

Introduction of Audi A3:
As MSRP from $26,920 to $36,975,the 2009 A3 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 2.0 T to the 3.2 quattro with S tronic.

Upon introduction, the 2.0 T is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 3.2 quattro with S tronic is equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, V6, 250-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 A3 is freshened for 2009.

Review Index – (updated 09 May’09)

• Auto123—The Audi A3 is a great-looking, sporty and practical little car that rewards its owner with solid fit and finish and an attractive cabin. It isn’t as speedy as some of its competition, including the Sportback Ralliart and WRX265, but it consumes much less fuel.If we were choosing, though, we’d skip features such as a power driver’s seat and xenon headlights and go for a 2.0 TFSI quattro with S tronic that costs $36,900. We’d benefit from almost all the A3’s virtues without having to break our piggy bank.

• New Car Test Drive—The Audi A3 is a high-quality car that offers premium handling and safety, roominess and practicality, yet is still easy to park and, with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, is easy on fuel. Five-door hatchbacks are very popular in Europe, but much less so in America. Those who are comfortable with its styling should find happiness in the Audi A3 Sportback.

• TheCarConnection—STYLING:The 2008 Audi A3 will turn heads from the street, but its interior is a little stark; PERFORMANCE:The 2008 Audi A3 is a joy to drive, plain and simple;COMFORT AND QUALITY:The Audi reputation is represented well here, with the 2008 Audi A3 offering plenty of refinement;SAFETY:The 2008 Audi A3 nudges out the competition thanks to a host of standard safety features; FEATURES:Audi rolls out the red carpet for customization with a variety of standard and optional packages available on the 2008 Audi A3.

Buying Tips
The Audi A3 hasn’t been a raging success, so there are attractive lease deals out there, particularly on the front-drive, four-cylinder models. An optional S-line package adds bigger wheels and more sporting trim. We like Audi’s iPod integration systems, but our recent experience shows it’s not up to speed with the iPhone generation just yet.
About Audi
Founded in 1909, Audi became Auto Union in 1932 before enjoying a rebirth in 1969. Audi Canada (1971) has 37 dealerships spread across the country. Acclaimed the world over for its quattro AWD system, Audi offers sedans, cabriolets and wagons (A3, A4, A6, A8) as well as a coupe, the A5. Then there’s the Q7 SUV, and two dedicated sports cars: the TT and the new R8 flagship.