Audi A3 2.0 TDI : 2010

The Audi A3 created the entirely new market segment of the premium compact car when the first-generation model made its debut in 1996 worldwide and 2005 in the USA.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI.

Key Summary Points.
� The freshened Audi A3 launched in September 2008 (2009 MY).
� The 2009 model year freshening expanded the A3 lineup with quattro all-wheel drive on the efficient 2.0 TFSI engine (200 hp / 207 lb-ft torque).
� Audi A3 moves into a market space presently unoccupied in the luxury segment, that of a highly efficient diesel small luxury car.
� Audi�s TDI clean diesel technology expands the A3 lineup in the direction of efficiency, providing over 40 mpg highway.
� A3 holds a unique position in the Audi family, targeting buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness.
� A3 2.0 TDI is Audi�s second U.S. TDI clean diesel announcement. Audi Q7 TDI is expected to be on sale at U.S. dealers around April 2009.
� A3 is already rated a �Top Safety Pick� by the IIHS for top frontal/side/rear crashes (source iihs.org).

Market.
� Key competitors are BMW 1-series, Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, and now Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

Design.
� Audi signature LED daytime running lights with optional xenon lights.
� Unique tail lights with LED light guides
� Enhanced exterior and interior design, new wheel program.
� Versatile interior design, providing unmatched utility for urban environments.

Dynamics.
� Sporty McPherson front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension for high lateral rigidity.
� Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering
� High rigidity due to the use of tailored blanks for adapting steel grade and thickness to the material stresses.

Powertrain.
� 2.0 TDI clean diesel engine with S tronic (dual clutch) and front-wheel drive
- Specifications: 140 hp, 236 lb-ft torque, in-line 4 cylinder turbocharged clean diesel with common rail direct injection and piezoelectric injectors
- 50-state legal, with no after-treatment system required
- Exclusively with S tronic (dual clutch) transmission with front-wheel drive

Standard Equipment Features.
� Hill-hold assist (already standard on S tronic models)
� Sirius satellite radio - standard on all
� Leather seating surfaces - standard on all
� Leather steering wheel - standard
� Aux audio input � standard
� Dual-zone climate control
� 17� alloy wheels

Launch Timing and Pricing.
� USA Audi A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel goes on sale by the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing is expected to be released close to the time of the U.S. launch.

(source: Audi)

Audi A3 2.0 TDI.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI 2.0 liter engine.

New 2009 Audi logo.

Carlos's comments

This car has been one of my favorites since it was introduced in the US in 2005. It's the perfect size, has a great stance on the road and is a very well organized and tidy package. It's difficult to identify a specific attribute that makes this car special because it is just a simply great machine, but some say less is more and it fits this car perfectly. Not "less" lacking, but more knowing when to stop. This is a very "mature" and classic wagon, but with a slight twist that creates it's own footprint. While the A3 has a three-door version in Europe that I prefer, this is as good as it gets in the USA.