Audi's entry-level offering for the U.S., the A3 five-door, will be undergoing some revisions for the 2009 model year, both on the surface and underneath. Sold stateside since 2005, the A3 has provided a sporty, upscale, yet practical vehicle to the U.S. lineup. Audi does not currently have photos available of the U.S. version of the five-door, but the European-spec A3 three-door features many of the same styling changes found in the five-door car.
The immediately apparent changes are found on the outside of the 2009 Audi A3. Dimensions are virtually identical to the outgoing model at a total length of 168.9 inches, but visually the car has been stretched, giving a more outwardly sporty appearance. Few body panels remain unchanged, with modifications being made to the front fenders, bumper, engine hood, and radiator grille. While the 2009 A3 is not dramatically different from the 2008 model year, the changes are noticeable nevertheless. A "wing" has been added to each headlight - a subtle, yet eye-catching element.
At the rear of the 2009 A3, the bumper is also new, as are fiber optic rods installed in the taillights. Arranged in a flat, continual strip, the rods create a distinctly techie look when viewed at night. New door handles, integrated turn signals in the sideview mirrors, and restyled wheels round out the A3's new look.
You'll have to have a look inside the 2009 Audi A3 to view the rest of the cosmetic changes. Though Audi's interiors have long been known for their combination of sport and elegance, the German automaker has made a few tweaks to the new A3 in the name of added refinement. Aluminum accents are now found on the air vents, light switches, and center console, while the control switches beneath the audio system have been reworked for a more modern feel. Black dial gauges with red needles drive home Audi's message that precision is one of the A3's strong points.
But enough about style, what has changed mechanically? Not the engines - those are a carryover from 2008, but then again that's not a bad thing. The base engine is Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder boasting 200 horsepower, while those looking for more oomph can opt for the larger, 250 horsepower 3.2-liter V-6. The important change is found mounted to these engines - the S tronic dual-clutch transmission is now available optionally on the 2.0-liter motor and exclusively on the 3.2-liter. With dry-running clutches and the option of shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles or with the selector lever, the six-speed S tronic offers superior performance to Audi's standard six-speed manual 'box - though acceleration times have not yet been given, we've found S tronic times are historically better, if only marginally. Unfortunately, Audi's seven-speed S tronic will be available exclusively in Europe for the time being, on three lower-displacement European TFSI engine options.
Also new for 2009 is the option of Audi's Quattro drivetrain on the 2.0-liter, S tronic equipped A3. Previously available only with the 3.2-liter engine, this new package allows owners of the base motor to gain the advantages of all-wheel-drive.
Audi has also seen fit to offer its magnetic ride suspension on both versions of the 2009 A3 for the U.S. market. The advanced suspension package allows the A3's ride quality to be switched between "Normal" and "Sport", the latter offering stiffer damping rates for increased performance. Audi says switching between the two modes takes just milliseconds, giving the driver the option of either setup to suit current driving conditions.
The 2009 Audi A3 is not a comprehensively reformed vehicle, but rather a conglomeration of small, yet worthwhile, changes that conspire to keep the entry-level model at the top of its game until the next major overhaul. Pricing and equipment will be announced when the 2009 A3 hits showrooms this fall.