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2010 Audi A3 Performance Review

September 10, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a remarkably well-balanced machine
Autoblog

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

Nearly everyone agrees that the 2010 Audi A3 is a very enjoyable car to drive; whether with the turbocharged 2.0T gasoline engine or the TDI turbo-diesel, the A3 is surprisingly good on gas.

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."

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."

New this year to the A3 is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel (TDI) four-cylinder engine, producing 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine that VW already offers on the Jetta, several reviewers point out. Autoblog cites the engine’s plentiful torque and calls the TDI “more than adequate for pretty much any driving.” MotorWeek track-tests the A3 TDI and times its 0-60 mph dash at just 8.7 seconds. They report 42.7 mpg overall and add, “There is prodigious torque and the TDI feels faster then times indicate.”

The dual-clutch transmission, termed S tronic, is an editors' favorite, providing very quick shifts either in Drive or via the steering-wheel paddle-shifters. Autoblog notes that “tapping the paddles on the back of the steering wheel, meanwhile, induces quick and smooth shifts.” With either engine it’s a great choice.

Several reviewers who drive an A3 with the available magnetic suspension end up advocating the option. “We were duly impressed by the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive shock absorbers supplied by Delphi,” remarks Car and Driver, and 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.”

As TheCarConnection.com’s own editors note, the Audi A3’s steering feel is a little too light and doesn’t wind or unwind in the way that’s expected from performance-oriented cars. Cars.com agrees that the 2009 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but "steering is on the light side."

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:a remarkably well-balanced machineAutoblogAudi Magnetic Ride provides the ultimate in cornering and stiffnessCar and Drivermore than a full second slower than the sportier Mazdaspeed 3Edmundsyields good maneuverabilityCars.com Nearly everyone agrees that the 2010 Audi A3 is a very enjoyable car to drive; whether with the turbocharged 2.0T gasoline engine or the TDI turbo-diesel, the A3 is surprisingly good on gas. 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." 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." New this year to the A3 is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel (TDI) four-cylinder engine, producing 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine that VW already offers on the Jetta, several reviewers point out. Autoblog cites the engine’s plentiful torque and calls the TDI “more than adequate for pretty much any driving.” MotorWeek track-tests the A3 TDI and times its 0-60 mph dash at just 8.7 seconds. They report 42.7 mpg overall and add, “There is prodigious torque and the TDI feels faster then times indicate.” The dual-clutch transmission, termed S tronic, is an editors' favorite, providing very quick shifts either in Drive or via the steering-wheel paddle-shifters. Autoblog notes that “tapping the paddles on the back of the steering wheel, meanwhile, induces quick and smooth shifts.” With either engine it’s a great choice. Several reviewers who drive an A3 with the available magnetic suspension end up advocating the option. “We were duly impressed by the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive shock absorbers supplied by Delphi,” remarks Car and Driver, and 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.” As TheCarConnection.com’s own editors note, the Audi A3’s steering feel is a little too light and doesn’t wind or unwind in the way that’s expected from performance-oriented cars. Cars.com agrees that the 2009 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but "steering is on the light side." ConclusionWhether on a winding road or in the straightaway, the performance of the 2009 Audi A3 will keep you grinning. 2010 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" The Audi A3 got a light ...

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 2009 Audi A3. The 2010 Audi A3 doesn’t have a lot of competition in the U.S. market. The BMW 3-Series wagon—especially the fuel-efficient 335d—is one possibility, but it’s much more expensive. The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is another alternative; it’s actually roomier inside and has a better ride, though it’s not nearly as sporty as the A3. The Infiniti EX is either a crossover vehicle or tall wagon, depending on how you see it. It 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. Yet another option would be the Acura RDX, a crossover that’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The RDX has a roomier and better-appointed interior, but it doesn’t offer any fuel-efficient engine choices to rival the A3 TDI.

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See the Audi A3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Jean Opsomer #1, Posted: 10/26/2009

    I've had an Audi A3 2006 and it's been nothing but trouble, with numerous repair visits to the dealer (covered by warranty until recently). The problem areas have been the fuel injection system and various electronic components. Just in the last 6 months, I've been to the dealer 7 times. If you like to spend time in the waiting room of your dealership, this is the car for you. Otherwise, there are much better (and cheaper) choices out there.

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