Audi A3 2010 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon produced by the German automaker Audi since 1996, available in 6 variants, namely 2.0T Manual, 2.0T PZEV Manual, 2.0T with S tronic PZEV, 2.0T with S tronic, 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel with S tronic, 2.0T quattro with S tronic.
Audi A3 Awards and accolades
- (2009) Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year for 2010 (TDI Model)
- (2009) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in midsize cars for 2010 model year
- (2008) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in midsize cars
- (2007) Audi 2.0T FSI named International Engine of the Year (1.8L - 2.0L category)
- (2006) International Car of the Year Entry-Level Car of the Year � �Most Spirited�
- (2006) Auto Interior of the Year in popular-priced category
- (2006) Named overall best New England Winter Vehicle by the New England Motor Press Association
- (2006) Best Luxury Small Car Pick by BusinessWeek Magazine
- (2006) South African Car of the Year
- (2005) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Double Best Pick for frontal-offset and side-impact tests
- (2000) Brazilian Car of the Year
- (1998) Federal German Prize for Product Design
- (1997, 1999, 2000) Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll Best Car award
- (1997) Autozeitung "Auto Trophy" award
- (1996) Bild am Sonntag "Golden Steering Wheel" award
Audi A3 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 4 Door WagonComplete specifications: Specifications of Audi A3 2010
Colors: Aruba Blue Pearl Effect($),Brilliant Black,Brilliant Red,Ibis White,
Ice Silver Metallic($),Lava Gray Pearl Effect($),Meteor Gray Pearl Effect($),Monza Silver Metallic
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 15.9
Mileage(est)(city/highway): 21 / 30
Price Onwards: $27,270
Website: Audi A3 2010 US
Audi A3 reviewed by edmunds.com
In crowded European cities, small, space-efficient vehicles are very popular because of their versatility, fuel-efficiency and nimble nature. These vehicles exist in America as well, but they are not typically offered by luxury automakers, as it's assumed that Americans associate compact vehicles with cheapness. One vehicle meant to break that tradition is the Audi A3.
Introduced a decade ago in Europe and brought to the United States in 2006, the A3 is Audi's entry-level model for the North American market. Smaller and lighter than an A4 2.0T Avant Quattro, the front-drive Audi A3 presents a strong argument for buying a bargain sport wagon, provided one goes easy on the options. And just because this is Audi's entry-level car doesn't mean the company cuts corners on quality. The cabin's design and materials are up to the lofty standards Audi has set for the industry, meaning everything fits tightly, moves with precision and looks and feels top-shelf.
The A3 remains an alternative choice -- no other luxury automaker makes a directly competing small hatchback. It's an upscale alternative to more mainstream hatchbacks, a cheaper alternative to a regular luxury wagon, and with the clean-burning diesel engine, an extremely-fuel efficient alternative to hybrids. No matter how you look at it, though, the A3 offers the distinct German flavor of Audi, meaning one of engineering excellence combined with an upscale cabin.
Current Audi A3
The Audi A3 is available in Premium and Premium Plus trim levels. Slip inside and it's readily apparent that the A3 continues Audi's tradition of utilizing first-class materials throughout the cabin. Real metal rings around the dash vents and audio controls are accented by the solid action of the gear selector and climate-control dials. Standard features on the Premium include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating and a 10-speaker sound system. Step up to the Premium Plus and the list grows to include amenities like xenon headlights, Bluetooth and a power driver seat. Major options include a navigation system, heated seats, a sunroof and adaptive suspension dampers. But go crazy on the options and the A3's sticker will rapidly approach uncomfortable levels.
The A3 is offered with two appealing but very different engines. The first, more traditional choice is the gasoline-fueled turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The other is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder (dubbed TDI) that produces 140 hp and a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque. More impressively, it returns 34 mpg combined.
Gasoline-powered A3 models are offered with either front-wheel drive or Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The TDI is only offered with front-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive gasoline models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual transmission or Audi's quick-shifting S tronic automated dual-clutch six-speed manual transmission. AWD models and the TDI are limited to the S tronic transmission.
As with the rest of the Audi family, the A3's chassis strikes an agreeable balance between athletic handling and a comfy ride. Its steering does a superb job of dampening out unwanted road vibrations and kickback without marring the sublime feedback enthusiast drivers crave. At the same time, the suspension keeps the Audi A3 buttoned down without transmitting harsh road impacts to the cabin. The most significant drawback to the A3 is its small backseat -- the lack of legroom makes it a tight fit for adults.
Used Audi A3 Models
The Audi A3 was introduced as a 2006 model in the United States. From 2006-'09 a 3.2-liter V6 engine was available that produced 250 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It was outfitted with Quattro and the S tronic transmission standard. Trim levels also corresponded with engine choice (2.0T and 3.2 Quattro).
There were other significant changes made for '09. The exterior and interior were refreshed, most notably with Audi's signature larger grille and LED running lights. Leather upholstery, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack became standard equipment, while the 2.0T could now be equipped with Quattro. Hill-hold assist was added to manual-transmission-equipped cars.