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2009 Audi A3 Performance Review

July 20, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Audi Magnetic Ride provides the ultimate in cornering and stiffness
Car and Driver

more than a full second slower than the sportier Mazdaspeed 3
Edmunds

yields good maneuverability
Cars.com

willing to play and satisfy in any trim
Car and Driver

The 2009 Audi A3 is a joy to drive, plain and simple, and according to reviewers, the new magnetic suspension system is well worth getting.

“We were duly impressed by the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive shock absorbers supplied by Delphi,” remarks Car and Driver. The “Audi Magnetic Ride provides the ultimate in cornering and stiffness—which posed a problem when trying to produce a noticeable amount of body roll at the behest of our photographer.”

About the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Edmunds says, “our test car reached 60 mph from a standstill in only 7.2 seconds—which is about average for most competing cars, but more than a full second slower than the sportier Mazdaspeed 3.” Cars.com informs drivers that this speedy engine delivers "5,100 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm."

ForbesAutos recommends upgrading to the 3.2-liter V-6 because it is "smoother" and "generates 250 horsepower." Kelley Blue Book says the V-6 "delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission."

"Whether you choose the 2.0T or 3.2 Quattro, brisk performance is at hand for passing and merging maneuvers,” says Edmunds. Cars.com agrees that the 2009 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but "steering is on the light side."

Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com applaud the A3's acceleration and braking prowess. ConsumerGuide is thrilled that "rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer" and says "braking is strong." Kelley Blue Book finds that "the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes."

ForbesAutos 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."

The dual-clutch transmission is an editors' favorite. And though the 2009 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

Whether on a winding road or in the straightaway, the performance of the 2009 Audi A3 will keep you grinning.

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Audi Magnetic Ride provides the ultimate in cornering and stiffnessCar and Drivermore than a full second slower than the sportier Mazdaspeed 3Edmundsyields good maneuverabilityCars.comwilling to play and satisfy in any trimCar and Driver The 2009 Audi A3 is a joy to drive, plain and simple, and according to reviewers, the new magnetic suspension system is well worth getting. “We were duly impressed by the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive shock absorbers supplied by Delphi,” remarks Car and Driver. The “Audi Magnetic Ride provides the ultimate in cornering and stiffness—which posed a problem when trying to produce a noticeable amount of body roll at the behest of our photographer.” About the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Edmunds says, “our test car reached 60 mph from a standstill in only 7.2 seconds—which is about average for most competing cars, but more than a full second slower than the sportier Mazdaspeed 3.” Cars.com informs drivers that this speedy engine delivers "5,100 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm." ForbesAutos recommends upgrading to the 3.2-liter V-6 because it is "smoother" and "generates 250 horsepower." Kelley Blue Book says the V-6 "delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission." "Whether you choose the 2.0T or 3.2 Quattro, brisk performance is at hand for passing and merging maneuvers,” says Edmunds. Cars.com agrees that the 2009 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but "steering is on the light side." Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com applaud the A3's acceleration and braking prowess. ConsumerGuide is thrilled that "rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer" and says "braking is strong." Kelley Blue Book finds that "the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes." ForbesAutos 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." The dual-clutch transmission is an editors' favorite. And though the 2009 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. ConclusionWhether on a winding road or in the straightaway, the performance of the 2009 Audi A3 will keep you grinning. 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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