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2009 Audi A3

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Overview

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2009 Audi A3 Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The 2009 Audi A3 has succeeded where others before it have failed. Conventional wisdom says Americans don't purchase small premium-luxury hatchbacks, and the lackluster sales of the BMW 318ti and Mercedes-Benz C230 coupe seem to lend credence to the theory. Yet, despite all odds, Audi's A3 has caught on, offering four-door versatility wrapped in a sleek package that forgoes a trunk in favor of a rear hatchback. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the A3 is priced well below $30,000, offers two great engine choices and is fitted with many of Audi's trademark features, such as quattro all-wheel drive and the revolutionary Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

You'll Like This Car If...

Hungering for a European sports sedan like an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but can't quite justify the expense? If so, the 2009 Audi A3's taut handling, sophisticated design and hatchback versatility, at a price lower than those worthy machines, could make this car a keeper.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For some reason, American buyers have not traditionally warmed to vehicles with a utilitarian four-door hatchback configuration. And if you are the type who buys vehicles for sheer size and interior room, other models will better satisfy you for the price.

What's New for 2009

New for 2009, the four-cylinder 2.0T model can now be ordered with quattro all-wheel drive. New standard features include leather seating, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio input jack. New standard features on the 3.2 include Bluetooth, bi-xenon headlamps and the Open Sky sunroof. New options for the 3.2 include Audi Magnetic Ride and a new Sport package.

Driving the A3

Driving Impressions Audi engineers have certainly achieved their design objective of creating a hatchback with the feel of a sports car, and while it might seem odd to the uninitiated, the Direct...

Shift Gearbox-equipped version is actually sportier than the manual shift model, because the shifts arrive with racing-inspired quickness. The A3's small size, taut suspension and willing FSI engine also make it a blast to drive through curvy stretches, but at the same time, its highway ride quality won't make you regret you didn't opt for a more sedate sedan. The seats offer good support, and the rear-seat area is surprisingly spacious, but some folks might be disappointed by the size of the rear cargo area. The dash is one of the most clear to understand we've ever encountered and the switches and controls are intuitive.

Favorite Features

Direct Shift Gearbox
Inspired by auto racing technology, the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes thanks to its electro-hydraulically controlled twin-clutch design. Automatic shifts through the six gears are so quick and well-timed that even the most skilled driver might wonder why she or he should shift manually. The DSG is so efficient that it delivers better EPA fuel economy numbers than does the manual gearbox.

Magnetic Ride Suspension
An optional Magnetic Ride Suspension allows for an extra three inches of ground clearance, while an active damping system lets you choose between Auto, Comfort and Sport settings, in accordance to the road ahead.

2009 Audi A3 Details

Interior

When it comes to the interior treatment, the 2009 Audi A3 demonstrates it truly is a "premium" compact. The overall design is decidedly upscale, and the aluminum-surrounded round front air vents are among several touches that echo the stylish Audi TT. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a satisfying heft, while the gauges housed in a simple binnacle are easy to scan. Aluminum rotary knobs on the automatic climate control system and several other aluminum pieces give the interior an aeronautical feel. Rear-seat passengers are treated to better accommodations than one might expect in a compact car, and the folding rear seatback features a pass-through for carrying longer items. Wheelwells intrude a bit into the rear cargo area, but it is exceptionally well-finished, with a cargo net to secure loose items.

Exterior

The 2009 Audi A3's droop-nose grille treatment gives it a strong family resemblance to its larger Audi brethren, the A8, A6 and A4. With wheels thrust out to the corners and a tapered tail, the A3 has a purposeful, sporty look, emphasized by wheels and tires that fill the wheelwells. The sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space. The rear hatch opens easily but seems relatively narrow, and justifiably so, since this is, after all, a small car. Clear-glass headlamp covers and available xenon headlamps give the A3 an exclusive demeanor.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The declared objective of the A3 was to offer the same high levels of standard equipment found in larger premium automobiles, so this vehicle doesn't skimp. Standard items include dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter and sun sensor, leather seating, 140-watt stereo with 10 speakers and SIRIUS Satellite Radio 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Hill hold assist, power windows and central locking with remote. Safety features such as the electronic stability program (ESP), front seats with active head restraints, remote keyless locking, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the Sideguard airbag system are all standard on the A3.

Optional Equipment

The A3 option list includes a 3.2-liter V6 model outfitted with quattro all-wheel drive; a Cold Weather Package featuring heated seats, mirrors and windshield washer nozzles; the S line Package touting sport suspension, aluminum trim, fog lights, sport seats, rear spoiler and ten-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels; and a Sport Package adds Magnetic Ride Suspension and 18-inch wheels. Stand-alone options include rear side-impact airbags, DVD navigation and the Open Sky power moonroof (2.0T).

Under the Hood

Audi's FSI direct-injection gasoline engine with turbocharger powers the A3 2.0T. It can be fitted with a conventional six-speed manual transmission or the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and with front or quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is remarkably tractable, with nearly none of the turbo lag that afflicts some other turbocharged engines. The 3.2-liter V6 delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission.

2.0-liter in-line 4
200 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (manual), 22/28 (automatic), 21/28 (quattro)

3.2-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25

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2009 Audi A3 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 111 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 Audi A3 models.

Review this car

Value

4.3/5

Quality

4.6/5
Reliability

4.6/5

Performance

4.8/5
Comfort

4.4/5

Styling

4.8/5

Best car i have ever owned.

By koenig on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "reliable, safe, does 135 mph, fast acceleration"

Cons: "they dont sell the rs3 version in the usa"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the most reliable and fun car i have ever owned. It is the perfect size to have tremendous amounts of fun while being extremely safe. I was in a complete stopped and was rammed by a fully steel 1984 dodge ram truck doing about 45 50 miles an hour. I had a fully loaded car, with two dogs in teh trunk area. Nothing happened ot any of us, except for a soar neck from the impact. The car didnt even have any structural or mechanical damage. The simply replaced my trunk and the surrounding cosmetics. Still drives like its brand new. Love this car!! can only advise others to invest!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love this car.

By Bob (VA) on Sunday, January 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 3/5
Reliability: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Very spirited driving car, and classy styling."

Cons: "Center armrest, premium gas only."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Had this car since brand new, sometimes I make excuses to drive it. My favorite thing about this car is the interior/exterior styling, very classy. My least favorite thing is center armrest, it is kind of flimsy and squeaky. Only problem I've had so far is the rear windshield washer motor stopped working and was replaced under warrantee."

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