2009 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI quattro 3-door Review
27 Nov 2008|38,892 views
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But personal interests aside, the Audi A3 never needed much fixing. After all, Audi's news site has been harping on how they've exceeded the million-marker for sales in March after a five year run. But like we've previously said, it isn't very good to rest on one's laurels. And so, we were presented with the 2009 model-year A3.
This particular model, I'm sure, will gain a particular amount of interest amongst Volkswagen-Audi groupies. It has the 200 bhp, 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-pot - the same engine used in the Golf GTI, save for a few software updates and tweaks for efficiency. It still yields 200 bhp from 5,100 rpm to 6,000 rpm, and 280 Nm between 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm. It's also coupled to Audi's S tronic six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Audi says the quattro all-wheel drivetrain on this car has been improved mechanically for 2009. The central hydraulic multi-plate Haldex clutch has been further developed, something which Audi claims will enable the A3 to respond more rapidly to the way the driveline apportions torque to all four wheels.
Aesthetically speaking™
The first things that got our attention were the new daytime running lights that were integrated in the A3's headlamps, and the sportier bumper design that featured flared trailing edges. The side profile now has redesigned mirrors with integrated signal lamps and modified door handles. To top it all off, we found very handsome looking 18-inch wheels shod in 225/40 profile Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres.
Rounding off the back-end was a subtly reworked trunk lid that appeared to have lighter trailing lines. Dimensionally speaking, the exterior facelift hasn't bloated it up - at 4.24 metres long, only 25 millimetres in length separate old and new.
 |
We really loved the A4's cabin, and we're glad to see that the new A3 inherited a lot more fashion sense from its bigger brother. While the central, circular air vents remain, the light switch, centre console, switches and controls beneath the audio system have been redesigned with tasteful touches of chrome. The instruments display black dial faces and red pointers, and the big multi-function display is now in higher contrast black-and-white.
Audi claims a possible loading volume of 1,080 litres with the split seats folded down. The boot alone lets you load approximately 350 litres, which on paper and in the practical world isn't too bad, considering a flat and easy to access loading area.
Driving Impressions
Launch the A3 using the on-board program by turning the ESP off, shifting it to "S" and depressing both pedals at once. Release the brakes when the tachometer reads between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm, and you'll find it accelerates away very effortlessly.
 |
The S tronic isn't as frantic when swapping ratios. In the GTI, shifts are literally instantaneous, without delay. This results in minute jerks which are hardly noticeable anyway. The shift program in the A3 feels a little more relaxed. It doesn't feel like it shifts as fast as the GTI, but it's very consistent, predictable, and smooth like butter.
Needless to say, the A3 hugs the tarmac like glue. The four-wheel drivetrain allows insane entry and exit speeds, with its tyres screeching even in the wet! The omnipresent PQ35's chassis had a high amount of headroom, and like the car's acceleration, felt like it was able handle much more than what was thrown at it by both car and driver as a whole.
We were particularly impressed by the Audi's traction and stability-control. The system worked so rapidly and discreetly, it almost entirely masked the A3's susceptibility to understeer. Most of the time, our cornering speeds barely dropped when the system intervened.
 |
The brakes were really strong, with minimum fade despite repeated attempts to stop hard. However, they were a little grabby when cold.
Missing on our test car was the S$2,385 Audi Magnetic Ride option. The Delphi supplied shock absorbers fill with a rheo-magnetic fluid and are capable of eliminating body-roll. Unlike the one found in the standard Golf Mark 6, this setup is based on Audi's sport suspension, and provides even greater amounts of cornering performance.
Choices, choices™
The long equipment list will more than make you smile for sure. You'll get cruise control, hill-start assist, reversing aids, a flat bottomed multi-function steering that looks like that in the S models, an S-line package comprising door trimmings, roof spoiler, sports bumper, sports seats and badges. There's also a BOSE sound system linked to the Audi Concert radio controller with Bluetooth capabilities.
The 18-inch wheels you see in the pictures come standard on this car, and the options list isn't too bad either.
However, for those who are less inclined to the brand, is S$139,800 really worth it? Think about this - a Volkswagen Golf GTI with the same engine and a benchmark performance envelope costs S$115,300. The all-wheel driven Golf R32 also costs upwards of S$146,000, slotting this A3 in between the two Volkswagens. And that's exceptional value, considering it's an Audi that you're paying for. Furthermore, it has with loads of upmarket, luxurious goods crammed into it.
Our chief criticism is the A3's chassis and driveline - it's capable in a way that almost underwhelms its performance values. So much so, it's hard to believe that we were piloting a sub 7-second car to the century dash, not to mention the G-force inducing cornering stunts it's capable of doing.
But much of this has to do with the S$166,700 S3. Audi needs a safe performance reserve to warrant its existence. Therefore, it's only harmless to say that this mini-S3 exists as the mainstream, popular buy that enthusiasts will unquestionably welcome. Remember - not everyone needs that car with a hardcore manual transmission, 265-odd horses and the heightened level of performance that follows. And this is precisely where the Audi A3 2.0-litre TFSI Quattro will excel tremendously.
|
But personal interests aside, the Audi A3 never needed much fixing. After all, Audi's news site has been harping on how they've exceeded the million-marker for sales in March after a five year run. But like we've previously said, it isn't very good to rest on one's laurels. And so, we were presented with the 2009 model-year A3.
This particular model, I'm sure, will gain a particular amount of interest amongst Volkswagen-Audi groupies. It has the 200 bhp, 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-pot - the same engine used in the Golf GTI, save for a few software updates and tweaks for efficiency. It still yields 200 bhp from 5,100 rpm to 6,000 rpm, and 280 Nm between 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm. It's also coupled to Audi's S tronic six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Audi says the quattro all-wheel drivetrain on this car has been improved mechanically for 2009. The central hydraulic multi-plate Haldex clutch has been further developed, something which Audi claims will enable the A3 to respond more rapidly to the way the driveline apportions torque to all four wheels.
Aesthetically speaking™
The first things that got our attention were the new daytime running lights that were integrated in the A3's headlamps, and the sportier bumper design that featured flared trailing edges. The side profile now has redesigned mirrors with integrated signal lamps and modified door handles. To top it all off, we found very handsome looking 18-inch wheels shod in 225/40 profile Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres.
Rounding off the back-end was a subtly reworked trunk lid that appeared to have lighter trailing lines. Dimensionally speaking, the exterior facelift hasn't bloated it up - at 4.24 metres long, only 25 millimetres in length separate old and new.
|
We really loved the A4's cabin, and we're glad to see that the new A3 inherited a lot more fashion sense from its bigger brother. While the central, circular air vents remain, the light switch, centre console, switches and controls beneath the audio system have been redesigned with tasteful touches of chrome. The instruments display black dial faces and red pointers, and the big multi-function display is now in higher contrast black-and-white.
Audi claims a possible loading volume of 1,080 litres with the split seats folded down. The boot alone lets you load approximately 350 litres, which on paper and in the practical world isn't too bad, considering a flat and easy to access loading area.
Driving Impressions
Launch the A3 using the on-board program by turning the ESP off, shifting it to "S" and depressing both pedals at once. Release the brakes when the tachometer reads between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm, and you'll find it accelerates away very effortlessly.
|
The S tronic isn't as frantic when swapping ratios. In the GTI, shifts are literally instantaneous, without delay. This results in minute jerks which are hardly noticeable anyway. The shift program in the A3 feels a little more relaxed. It doesn't feel like it shifts as fast as the GTI, but it's very consistent, predictable, and smooth like butter.
Needless to say, the A3 hugs the tarmac like glue. The four-wheel drivetrain allows insane entry and exit speeds, with its tyres screeching even in the wet! The omnipresent PQ35's chassis had a high amount of headroom, and like the car's acceleration, felt like it was able handle much more than what was thrown at it by both car and driver as a whole.
We were particularly impressed by the Audi's traction and stability-control. The system worked so rapidly and discreetly, it almost entirely masked the A3's susceptibility to understeer. Most of the time, our cornering speeds barely dropped when the system intervened.
|
The brakes were really strong, with minimum fade despite repeated attempts to stop hard. However, they were a little grabby when cold.
Missing on our test car was the S$2,385 Audi Magnetic Ride option. The Delphi supplied shock absorbers fill with a rheo-magnetic fluid and are capable of eliminating body-roll. Unlike the one found in the standard Golf Mark 6, this setup is based on Audi's sport suspension, and provides even greater amounts of cornering performance.
Choices, choices™
The long equipment list will more than make you smile for sure. You'll get cruise control, hill-start assist, reversing aids, a flat bottomed multi-function steering that looks like that in the S models, an S-line package comprising door trimmings, roof spoiler, sports bumper, sports seats and badges. There's also a BOSE sound system linked to the Audi Concert radio controller with Bluetooth capabilities.
The 18-inch wheels you see in the pictures come standard on this car, and the options list isn't too bad either.
However, for those who are less inclined to the brand, is S$139,800 really worth it? Think about this - a Volkswagen Golf GTI with the same engine and a benchmark performance envelope costs S$115,300. The all-wheel driven Golf R32 also costs upwards of S$146,000, slotting this A3 in between the two Volkswagens. And that's exceptional value, considering it's an Audi that you're paying for. Furthermore, it has with loads of upmarket, luxurious goods crammed into it.
Our chief criticism is the A3's chassis and driveline - it's capable in a way that almost underwhelms its performance values. So much so, it's hard to believe that we were piloting a sub 7-second car to the century dash, not to mention the G-force inducing cornering stunts it's capable of doing.
But much of this has to do with the S$166,700 S3. Audi needs a safe performance reserve to warrant its existence. Therefore, it's only harmless to say that this mini-S3 exists as the mainstream, popular buy that enthusiasts will unquestionably welcome. Remember - not everyone needs that car with a hardcore manual transmission, 265-odd horses and the heightened level of performance that follows. And this is precisely where the Audi A3 2.0-litre TFSI Quattro will excel tremendously.
Car Information
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.8km/L
Horsepower
149kW (200 bhp)
Torque
280 Nm
Acceleration
6.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A3 Sportback
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