Vehicle: 2009 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro Sportback S-Tronic with S-Line and Titanium Pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$46400

Performance: The sole powertrains that motivate the A3 are the same lovely 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, or the more powerful 3.2 liter V6 with the same host of advacements. Consider the 2.0T already got 200 horses on tap, power has never been an issue with the A3. With 207 lb/ft of torque at only 1800rpm, this little 4 banger performs like a V6 with the fuel economy of a 4 cylinder simply because to the turbocharger and direct injection technology. Its not only silky smooth, its also willing to rev and lack of any turbo lag once associates with turbo engines. Given the price premium you have to pay for the 3.2 liter V6 with only 50hp advantage, 2.0T is a definite buy in the A3 except you really love V6 refinement and smoothness. Matched with this engine is the world’s best dual-clutch gearbox, which Audi calls it S-Tronic. Its not only it shifts quicker than any manual gearbox, its also very fuel efficient. With the nifty paddle shifters on the steering wheel, you can basically override the “D” and “S” anytime whenever your need desires.

Handling: The biggest highlight for 2009 A3 is the available of Haldex Quattro on the 2.0T. Instead of forcing customers into V6 before having the benefit of Quattro all-wheel-drive, Audi has made a smart move of offering such a good system on their entry-level engine. In the past, if you want a 4-cylinder
Audi with Quattro, you have to go with the A4.

Along with the confidence-inspiring Quattro system, there is one option you have to opt for if one loves to have the most hot hatch fun with the A3. The $3700 S-Line consists of stiffer suspension and springs, sharper steering, sports seats and steering wheel worth every dough. While the suspension is firmer than the A3 with Premium package, it doesn’t sacifice anything with its supreme ride quality. It rides as good as A3′s standard suspension. Also this year is the standard magentic ride suspension on all A3 Quattro, regardless of engine choices. Without the magentic ride suspension, the A3 handles really well. With the magetic ride, it simply handles great.

As usual, the A3′s electric power steering provides excellent driver feedback and communication. Although Audi still haven’t fixed the sole complaint we have with its low-speed weight. That set, it remains precise and far from twitches when pushed. ESP remains an uninstrusive type which doesn’t step in unnecessarily. Both body rolls and understeer have been very well tempted. For a hot hatch, it just can’t get anything better than this.

Brakes: The A3 is standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS. While the ABS only steps in at the right time at the right place, its brake pedal feel and modulation have got what it takes to match the rest of the exceptional package.

Interior: As you would expect from an Audi, everything are loaded to the ninth in this A3. The interior materials are simply unbeatable. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic materials on the dashboard and door panels. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The leather sports seats come with S-Line package are simply superb. If you opt for the Titanium package, the interior is decorated with the tasteful Piano wood which is a break from the norm.

Conclusion: So, here begs the question. Why would anyone buy an A3 for the same dollars given the A4 has a more superior, proactive Torsen Quattro system? While the A4 has the true sports sedan and wagon feel to it, A3 is the definite choice as a premium hot hatch. A3 also has a more compact size to A4. In short, the A3 remains the benchmark when it comes to premium hot hatch segment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Audi A3 Sportback
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5