2009 Audi A3 - Styling Review

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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.”