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2008 Audi A3 Performance Review

November 5, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

fun to drive
Car and Driver

a quick and nimble hatchback
ForbesAuto

the ride is comfortably firm
Edmunds

willing to play and satisfy in any trim
Car and Driver

Whether on a winding road or in the straightaway, the performance of the 2008 Audi A3 had reviewers grinning from ear to ear.

According to ForbesAuto, the source of all these smiles is the Audi A3 2008's "200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine." Cars.com informs drivers that this speedy engine delivers "5,100 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm."

A 3.2-liter V-6 engine upgrade is also available, which Kelley Blue Book feels "delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission." ForbesAuto also recommends the upgrade, stating the 3.2-liter engine is "smoother" and "generates 250 horsepower."

Both A3 Audi engines provide adequate performance for Edmunds, who enthusiastically explains, "whether you choose the 2.0T or 3.2 Quattro, brisk performance is at hand for passing and merging maneuvers." Cars.com agrees that the 2008 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but feels "steering is on the light side."

Acceleration and braking also received high marks in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book found that "the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes." ConsumerGuide is thrilled that "rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer" and says, "braking is strong."

Forbes Auto mentions that Audi A3's gas mileage is "lower than most small cars muster," but concedes that "what the car lacks in overall fuel economy it makes up for in speed."

TheCarConnection.com adds that Audi credits the optional V-6’s 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds with its speedy feel. The dual-clutch transmission is an editors' favorite. And though the 2008 Audi A3’s ride can be somewhat stiff, and the electric power steering doesn't wind into a corner like a traditional hydraulic power steering system would, the A3 feels like a true Audi in most every sense: light, direct, and refined.

Conclusion

The 2008 Audi A3 is a joy to drive, plain and simple.

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:fun to driveCar and Drivera quick and nimble hatchbackForbesAutothe ride is comfortably firmEdmundswilling to play and satisfy in any trimCar and Driver Whether on a winding road or in the straightaway, the performance of the 2008 Audi A3 had reviewers grinning from ear to ear. According to ForbesAuto, the source of all these smiles is the Audi A3 2008's "200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine." Cars.com informs drivers that this speedy engine delivers "5,100 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm." A 3.2-liter V-6 engine upgrade is also available, which Kelley Blue Book feels "delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission." ForbesAuto also recommends the upgrade, stating the 3.2-liter engine is "smoother" and "generates 250 horsepower." Both A3 Audi engines provide adequate performance for Edmunds, who enthusiastically explains, "whether you choose the 2.0T or 3.2 Quattro, brisk performance is at hand for passing and merging maneuvers." Cars.com agrees that the 2008 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but feels "steering is on the light side." Acceleration and braking also received high marks in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book found that "the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes." ConsumerGuide is thrilled that "rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer" and says, "braking is strong." Forbes Auto mentions that Audi A3's gas mileage is "lower than most small cars muster," but concedes that "what the car lacks in overall fuel economy it makes up for in speed." TheCarConnection.com adds that Audi credits the optional V-6’s 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds with its speedy feel. The dual-clutch transmission is an editors' favorite. And though the 2008 Audi A3’s ride can be somewhat stiff, and the electric power steering doesn't wind into a corner like a traditional hydraulic power steering system would, the A3 feels like a true Audi in most every sense: light, direct, and refined. ConclusionThe 2008 Audi A3 is a joy to drive, plain and simple. 2008 AUDI A3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "four-door versatility wrapped in a sleek package." Car and Driver: "Seductively styled inside and out" ForbesAuto: "a sporty, small wagon that doesn't sacrifice luxury or performance" ConsumerGuide: "less space than a small ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're in the market for a wagonlike vehicle with sporting pretensions and can spend $30,000, there are some interesting choices outside of the 2008 Audi A3. A traditional wagon such as the BMW 3-Series or the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen might not have all-wheel drive, but each has more cargo room than the more compact Audi A3--and in the Jetta's case, a coming diesel option. Look to Japan and the Infiniti EX has all-wheel drive as an option, but the base car is a rear-driver spun from the hot-handling G35 sedan, one of our favorite luxury sport sedans.

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See the Audi A3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  Truck trader #1, Posted: 2/12/2009

    Audi 2009

    A friend of mine bought a new A3 in early 2008, and had serious engine problems with it. After asking around he heard many similar stories about the A3, which I found both unusual and quite disturbing! - Anyone else heard of problems? Is this 2009 model any different?

  2. By N Vespertino #2, Posted: 7/25/2009

    I bought a new 2008 a3 (2.0 T S-tronic)in December 2007. It now has over 28,000 miles. Absolutely no engine problems.

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