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Audi A3 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Audi A3 ranks 2 out of 7 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 88 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The A3 has sports car-like performance in the body of a sleek hatchback, but it's expensive compared to other entry-level luxury cars.

The 2009 Audi A3 has a winning combination of performance, luxury and safety. It has consistently been one of our top-ranked upscale small cars and hatchbacks for offering quality and sportiness that small-car shoppers can rarely find elsewhere. Plus, it receives good gas mileage for its class.

But as in previous years, reviewers spot shortcomings. According to our analysis, the A3's hatchback profile doesn't translate into abundant hatchback utility. Those searching for more cargo flexibility should consider the Honda Fit. The Fit doesn't have the A3's luxury, but its second-row "magic seat" offers four accomodating seating or cargo modes.

Reviewers also don't like the hefty price associated with the A3's luxurious look and feel. Audi offers a base trim with a four-cylinder engine or a Quattro all-wheel drive model with a 3.2-liter V6, but either model is expensive. Another upscale hatchback, the Volvo C30, is a safe and sporty alternative to the A3 that's available for less money.

This summer, the 2010 Audi A3 will hit showrooms. Although most trims will look and feel similar to the current model, a new TDI clean diesel trim is expected to debut as well.

• "In a country where bigger is better, the A3 dares to offer high-end amenities and German cachet in a package that is fuel-efficient, space-efficient, and family friendly." -- About.com
• "The 2009 A3 brings an unsurpassed degree of glam and performance to the once dreadful thought of driving a hatchback -- luxury, or not. It's compact, yet sleeker than any other car in its class. Go Audi!" -- Atlanta Examiner
• "The Audi A3 is a high-quality car that offers premium handling and safety, roominess and practicality, yet is still easy to park and, with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, is easy on fuel." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Hungering for a European sports sedan like an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but can't quite justify the expense? If so, the 2009 Audi A3's taut handling, sophisticated design and hatchback versatility, at a price lower than those worthy machines, could make this car a keeper." -- Kelley Blue Book
• In contrast, the Washington Post writes, "The Audi A3 3.2 Quattro wagon costs too much. It runs the risk of crashing into common sense and injuring the one major thing it has going for it -- cache. It validates reverse snobbery." -- Washington Post
• "Audi claims the car's main competitors are the Mini Cooper S, the Volvo C30 and S40, and the BMW 1-series. We think the company is deluded about the C30 and Mini, which undercut the Audi's $31,325 sticker by many thousands of dollars. You'd probably have to dip a Mini Cooper hatchback in gold to get it to the $41,700 of our A3 tester." -- Car and Driver
• "Audi has some fine cabin tech waiting in the wings, but it's not available on the 2009 Audi A3. Still, the car offers an excellent driving experience and the practical configuration of a small wagon." -- CNET

A3 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

The Audi A3's quick acceleration and taut handling made test drives enjoyable for reviewers. According to Car and Driver, the A3 "evinces Audi qualities we admire -- light steering, a vault-like platform, a fine ride-and-handling trade-off, a Lexus-smooth idle ... heel-and-toe-able pedals, and a willing shifter. Overall, the A3 is one of those special terrier-like cars that are always eager to go." Read More

A3 Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

According to the Washington Post, the A3's head-turning quotient is "Chic, expensive and priced to stay that way." Car and Driver notes the tweaks to the A3's design include new daytime running lights "executed with incredibly cool LED strips as part of the bixenon package," in addition to a prominent front grille and new bumper. Read More

A3 Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The 2009 A3's has one of the best cabins in its class when it comes to materials, fit and finish. Automobile Magazine notes that the "cabin boasts typically fine quality, peerless ergonomics, and an excellent mix of A6, TT, and A4 design elements." But the A3's cargo space doesn't jibe with its hatchback label. Read More

A3 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Audi A3 has not been crash tested by the insurance industry, nor has the current generation ever been tested by the federal government. But reviewers still regard the upscale hatchback as a secure ride, thanks to a number of standard features and Audi's reputation for safety. In addition, the A3 was selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a "Top Safety Pick" for good performance in front, side and rear tests. Read More

A3 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Audi A3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Read More