2009 Audi A3 Consumer Reviews

Great car, poor execution of technology

Written by: TimmyB on 12/01/2008

Vehicle

2009 Audi A3 2.0T quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I just picked up my car last week. Having driven VW for over 15 years in the 80's and 90's, I knew exactly what to expect. The engine is amazing, the S-tronic (DSG) transmission is fabulous, mileage has been great right out of the box. I am left scratching my head trying to figure out how a $34K car can be missing so many things that were on my $23 Kia three years ago! Auto headlamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, integrated garage door opener, remote starting available (it's not!). Also, no memory positions for seats & mirrors. These are items that you shouldn't even have to talk about in 2009! A great car; highly recommended IF you can deal with these oversights from Audi.

Favorite Features

The engine and tranny are beyond belief. When you want economy, the dsg runs from gear 1 to gear 6 in about 15 seconds. When you want all of the power, you jump on it and it is there. The quattro system in the A3 only turns on when needed, so you aren't sacrificing fuel economy. Nice stereo.

Suggested Improvements

The aforementioned technology omissions. This car would be just about perfect for me, if those were fixed. Also, the cargo area is a tad tighter than I hoped for. If that is a big concern for you, make sure you check it out beforehand. You may want to also consider the Jetta Sportwagen.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Dream Drivetrain Finally Available

Written by: red bartlett on 11/21/2008

Vehicle

2009 Audi A3 2.0T quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I've had my eyes on this car since it first made it to the US for the 2006 model year, but was always frustrated by the lack of availability of the 2.0T with quattro. I was looking for a great car to downsize and go more fuel-efficient without having to sacrifice. When I found out that the 2.0T was going to be available with quattro for 2009, I placed an order in June and have had my car for 2 months now. Couldn't love it more. It is a blast to drive and makes you want to drive more. The engine is peppy and very refined for a 4-cylinder turbo. The handling is firm and sporty. The ride is remarkably composed for a small car and firmly planted. Oh, and it looks great inside and out.

Favorite Features

There is so much to love with this car. I chose the open-sky system, cold weather package, premium package with Bluetooth and S-Tronic dual-shift gearbox. Love 'em all. But I have to admit, I really love the incredibly cool signature Audi LED lights. Nothing else on the road looks anything like it.

Suggested Improvements

The car is pricey, but absolutely worth it. Choose your options wisely and you can get a variety of configurations at different price points. Mileage a little disappointing so far (low 20's), but probably a function of my predominantly local driving - I have been able to hit 30 mpg on the highway.

14 out 14 people found this review helpful

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Great Improvements Made for 2009

Written by: JPDX on 10/15/2008

Vehicle

2009 Audi A3 2.0T PZEV 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

We've had our A3 for about 3 weeks and love it. We custom ordered it in June. The car is similar to previous 2008 models except almost all the suggestions from previous years have been implemented. It now has modern interior materials/buttons, sporty front end like the A4. Mirror turn signals, and AUX input for the iPod, nicer computer in dash etc. The stereo also plays MP3 discs. Ours has bluetooth as well which is now part of the S-line pkg. For those thinking of getting a GTI, please drive the A3 too. It is not that much more money but is a much better car. There are also a couple of new colors which some people might prefer.

Favorite Features

Performance, the engine and transmission is great. It is faster than any V6 I've driven and can probably outrun almost any car like it while getting better gas mileage. Quality of features overall is great. I like how they offer the 2.0T in Quattro now too. Get the open-sky; it's worth it.

Suggested Improvements

Make sure to read the packages carefully. They changed the S-line to not really be the sport model anymore. Now you need to buy the sport pkg as well which is another 1500 or so to get the sport seats and suspension. That's on top of the 2000 S-line pkg. I don't think it's worth it though.

45 out 47 people found this review helpful

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