2009 Audi A3 Review

Audi unveiled today the new Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. Innovative technologies such as the S tronic dual-clutch transmission with seven speeds and Audi magnetic ride, the suspension control system, makes for even greater driving pleasure. Its sharper, more striking design lends even greater expression to the A3 family.


Audi is bringing the A3 and A3 Sportback onto the market with eight different engines – five gasoline and three diesel versions. Six of them are pioneering four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging.

The 1.6 unit develops 102 hp, the 1.4 TFSI 125 hp, the 1.8 TFSI 160 hp and the 2.0 TFSI 200 hp, while the 3.2 quattro with its six cylinders musters 250 hp. The 1.9 TDI delivers 105 hp and the 2.0 TDI 140 hp or 170 hp, depending on specification. Both two-liter diesel engines have been extensively reengineered – a new common rail injection system now assures ultra-refined running.

The 1.6-liter gasoline engine can also be supplied in conjunction with manual transmission for low-cost running on ethanol E 85 fuel. The diesel with an output of 105 hp is the power unit of the extremely efficient 1.9 TDI e version which, thanks to special fine-tuning measures, clocks up 100 kilometers on a mere 4.5 liters of diesel (52.27 mpg).


The dynamic range-topping member of the A3 family sports new features, too. There is now a second top model on the market, with the S3 Sportback joining the three-door Audi S3. Both versions are equipped with the same engine, the reengineered 2.0 TFSI with an output of 265 hp. With 258.15 lb-ft of torque available constantly from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, the direct-injection, two-liter turbo catapults the three-door model from 0 to 62.14 mph in 5.7 seconds (Sportback: 5.8 seconds); the top speed is limited electronically to 155.34 mph.