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2009 Audi A3 Review

July 20, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights
Edmunds

the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white
Car and Driver

less space than a small station wagon
ConsumerGuide

a sporty, small wagon that doesn't sacrifice luxury or performance
ForbesAutos

For 2009 Audi restyles both the exterior and interior of the A3. Inside, designers give the A3 a sportier atmosphere with air vents that have an aluminum look and audio controls that also receive a modern makeover. It's one of the best interiors Audi currently makes: ergonomically flawless and exquisitely crafted.

Edmunds says “the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights with Audi's signature LED daytime running lights.” MyRide.com notes its “well-balanced, pleasing dimensions.” Cars.com likes the "coupelike silhouette" created by the 2009 Audi A3. Kelley Blue Book agrees, asserting that the A3 "has a purposeful, sporty look, emphasized by wheels and tires that fill the wheelwells."

From the back, the "sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space," comments Kelley Blue Book. Face to face, the familiar "single-frame tapered grille" is apparent on the A3 Audi and "dominates the front end," says Cars.com.

Car and Driver says the most noticeable interior change “is that the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white.” They add, “There are further minor trim and décor changes, and the buttons in the center console get a more rounded-off look.” Edmunds feels that “few luxury touches are evident in the down-to-business interior,” but admits separately that the A3 Audi’s interior “styling is classically German, with straightforward buttons and controls.” Cars.com comments that “the A3’s interior, especially with the aluminum trim, still looks cheap.”

Conclusion

The A3 Audi is a practical hatchback all around, yet it's sleek and sporty on the outside.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlightsEdmundsthe instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic whiteCar and Driverless space than a small station wagonConsumerGuidea sporty, small wagon that doesn't sacrifice luxury or performanceForbesAutos For 2009 Audi restyles both the exterior and interior of the A3. Inside, designers give the A3 a sportier atmosphere with air vents that have an aluminum look and audio controls that also receive a modern makeover. It's one of the best interiors Audi currently makes: ergonomically flawless and exquisitely crafted. Edmunds says “the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights with Audi's signature LED daytime running lights.” MyRide.com notes its “well-balanced, pleasing dimensions.” Cars.com likes the "coupelike silhouette" created by the 2009 Audi A3. Kelley Blue Book agrees, asserting that the A3 "has a purposeful, sporty look, emphasized by wheels and tires that fill the wheelwells." From the back, the "sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space," comments Kelley Blue Book. Face to face, the familiar "single-frame tapered grille" is apparent on the A3 Audi and "dominates the front end," says Cars.com. Car and Driver says the most noticeable interior change “is that the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white.” They add, “There are further minor trim and décor changes, and the buttons in the center console get a more rounded-off look.” Edmunds feels that “few luxury touches are evident in the down-to-business interior,” but admits separately that the A3 Audi’s interior “styling is classically German, with straightforward buttons and controls.” Cars.com comments that “the A3’s interior, especially with the aluminum trim, still looks cheap.” ConclusionThe A3 Audi is a practical hatchback all around, yet it's sleek and sporty on the outside. 2009 AUDI A3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights" Car and Driver: "the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white" ConsumerGuide: "less space than a ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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. A traditional wagon such as the BMW 3-Series or the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen might not include 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. 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 2009 Audi A3.

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See the Audi A3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Tom Audi A3 fan #2, Posted: 8/17/2009

    Yeah, it's really balanced car, hope to test it soon. But it's too expensive here in our dealers

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