Picture Gallery: 2009 Audi A3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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For those keen readers with a good memory, you will remember that I already test drove a white A3 and you would be correct. You would also be correct if you remembered it was an S-Line model, the same as the one I am testing this week. There are some minor differences though: this week’s tester is a 2.0T while my other tester was a 3.2L powered machine, and this is the 2009 model rather than the 2008.
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Audi has also changed the model designation and option packages slightly. While in 2008 the open sky system and bi-xenon headlights were separate packages, as were Bluetooth and adaptive lighting, for 2009 they are all part of the premium package for one price of $3,050.
My tester also includes the Audi DSG transmission with Shift-tronic and of course, Audi quatro all-wheel drive, which makes the A3 an excellent little hatchback for the winter months. Although pricing is high, badge cachet is high as well, as I found out quickly: people notice when you drive an Audi.
2009 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line
MSRP as tested (including destination): $43,650
For more information on Audi and the A3 visit Audi Canada
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On the outside, the most noticeable change is the LED daytime running lights that all the new Audis are sporting. This trend started in 2008 with the R8 and the feature is now being added to the entire line. Something I noticed about these lights is that they turn off when the signal light is used to allow oncoming traffic better visibility of your signal light. Chrysler does this same thing with all their vehicles.
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The interior of the A3 is comfortable for a person of my size (the 5′9″ range); taller people may find the roof a little low with the entire roof being a sunroof. The driving position, though, is dead-on, with power adjustable driver’s seat, and tilt and telescopic steering as well as a tilt-adjustable centre armrest. I have never been so comfortable in a car of this size. Usually, only larger vehicle (trucks and SUVs) offer perfect elbow cushioning on both sides.
And the audio system in the A3 is superb. It has been quite sometime since I have been in a vehicle with dynamic audio, clear crisp highs and solid lows with authority and no rattling panels — a testament to the build quality of the car as well as the stereo components.
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Typically, I enjoy Audi’s DSG transmission; mated to their 3.2L V6 engine, the DSG is a wonderful thing. But something about this transmission in the A3 2.0T is not to my liking. The 2.0T is a powerful engine, producing 200hp and a stout 207lb-ft of torque at only 1700 rpm, but the DSG seems to increase the turbo lag feel by quickly up-shifting off the line, giving the A3 a gutless feel until you really get your foot into it.
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Rear visibility is not the best either; with a small rear window and large pillars, backing out of parking spaces can be a challenge. Trunk space is great, though, and an integrated grocery bag holder on the parcel shelf in the trunk makes sure your tomatoes don’t go rolling about the trunk on your trip home.
Cornering grip is beyond what you would expect in cold weather. The A3’s weight helps keep it planted. The brakes are a little touchy — they tend to grab quickly and then can be modulated, but that first bite though gets my passengers eating the dash nearly every time. It seems as though the DSG transmission also adds to the plastic-eating phenomenon, as it down shifts on braking, causing the engine to aid in deceleration and adding a sudden surge of negative G-forces to the ride.
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The roads were fairly barren of traffic but were unplowed — the perfect chance to do stability control testing. In an abandoned snowy location with an icy base, the fun began. The Audi A3 is controllable as it drifts sideways; throttle-steer and power slides are an absolute blast — a little fun for the dismal winter months.
With the traction control and stability control re-engaged, the A3 proves that German engineering is capable of saving even the most unskilled drivers. A slight curve ahead, unexpected snow drift and the car begins to slide –then, like the hand of god the A3’s computers brake the proper wheels individually and forcefully, to straighten out the car.
All this fun perhaps wasn’t the most fuel efficient kind I could have had, as I averaged about 10L/100km this week with some spirited driving. With a careful foot on the accelerator, I suspect I could have averaged 9L/100km without much effort.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2009 Audi A3 2.0T | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line
MSRP as tested (including destination): $43,650
For more information on Audi and the A3 visit Audi Canada
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December 05, 2008, 11:03:42 am
SO they screwed up, the fused did what it was designed to do and they blamed the car
No joke.
I liked how the GTI never left them stranded, and they stated that nowadays flawless reliability is expected. The 330i did strand them, and they declared it "simply the best daily driver on the market." Inconsistent standards much?
December 05, 2008, 11:19:07 am
SO they screwed up, the fused did what it was designed to do and they blamed the car
No joke.
I liked how the GTI never left them stranded, and they stated that nowadays flawless reliability is expected. The 330i did strand them, and they declared it "simply the best daily driver on the market." Inconsistent standards much?
Yeah, but what do you want from "Car and Driver"? They're just half a notch above Motor Trend (IMHO)
I would like to add a comment about Audi reliability though, the odometer on my 1990 90q20v just stopped working, and at only 367k
December 05, 2008, 11:21:12 am
SO they screwed up, the fused did what it was designed to do and they blamed the car
No joke.
I liked how the GTI never left them stranded, and they stated that nowadays flawless reliability is expected. The 330i did strand them, and they declared it "simply the best daily driver on the market." Inconsistent standards much?
...or to look at it another way, the enjoyment generated in driving the BMW is greater than that of the GTI. This greater level of driver exhilaration allows a greater level of forgiveness against some defects / ailments too.
I can tell you that despite a few electrical gremlins with my BMW, I'd be willing to forego perfect reliability (such as I've experienced with my MX5) to enjoy the BMW driving experience again in my next car. Even though I believe a new GTI or Audi would be equally as reliable (or unreliable) as a new BMW, my expected long-term enjoyment of the BMW would be greater than the VW/Audi, thus making it a better contender for "best daily driver on the market" to me.
There does come a breaking point however and in Car and Driver's case, you'd think that being left stranded would diminish the driving enjoyment enough that it would sully the whole ownership experience (it would for me).
December 05, 2008, 11:36:05 am
But BOTH reviews were glowing about the car's dynamics and driving experience. It's not like they loved the 3-Series and thought that the GTI was merely pretty good.
Exactly. When a burned-out tail bulb is unforgivable but being stranded is forgivable, you have to start questioning the reviewer's biases and objectivity.
December 05, 2008, 11:52:09 am
I own two Audi's, an '86 and a '90. I have never had ANY major issues with either one (knocks wood) other than routine maintenance. I may be an anomaly where I do my own maintenance and I fix things before they become major problems. Cars are machines, they wear and things break. Some people forget that.
Really? You've heard endless tales of crappy reliability about Lexus? There may be realtively comparable relaibility among German brands, but that is likely of relevance only to those who exclusively consider German auotomobiles.
I looked at that thread about the Audi in moan and whine. The thing that stuck out most was not the $6k repair tab, but the 25 days in service at the dealership for repairs. In all my past Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, over the years, the total number of times any of those cars had to spend the night at the dealership for maintainace or repair = 0.
That's that kind of anectodal disconnect that makes me approach German brands as a lease-for-warranty-term-only proposition.
Jaeger
December 05, 2008, 12:05:36 pm My mother-in-law's Lexus RX350 needed its entire tranmission replaced after only 30000KM and change.....It also has had a series of electrical issues in the dash.
Believe it or not, all cars and manufacturers are subject to malfunctions. I think we tend to focus and scrutinize certain brands/manufacturers over others. I even caught myself saying to her "gee, these things never happen to Toyotas..." If it had been my Cobalt I'm sure I would have had an opinion along the lines of "well, that was expected, crappy American quality"...
Anyway, slightly off topic but relevant to our opionions of Audi/VW reliability
December 05, 2008, 12:06:50 pm
I looked at that thread about the Audi in moan and whine. The thing that stuck out most was not the $6k repair tab, but the 25 days in service at the dealership for repairs. In all my past Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, over the years, the total number of times any of those cars had to spend the night at the dealership for maintainace or repair = 0.
That's that kind of anectodal disconnect that makes me approach German brands as a lease-for-warranty-term-only proposition.
Jaeger
What point are you driving for in this thread, Jaeger? That all test-drive reviews of German cars should end with the caveat "never mind our first-hand impressions, you should never buy a German car because anecdotal reports about German cars in general suggest they might explode"? What are you trying to accomplish in this thread?
December 05, 2008, 01:30:26 pm
They liked both cars, but they didn't call both cars "simply the best daily driver on the market." It would seem to me that the car they did affix that title to would be the one that gave them considerably more driving enjoyment, thereby making the reliability woes more forgivable.
***
Vman, regarding that Lexus RX... damned domestically-built crap, eh?
December 05, 2008, 01:37:40 pm We get a good kick out of it because Kristin's Mom's brother (her Uncle) is a team leader at the plant....I give him a good ribbing everytime I see him (but not too much in case I want that killer family deal on a Toyota).
December 05, 2008, 01:47:56 pm
What is the "killer" family deal?
December 05, 2008, 02:02:49 pm You buy a Toyota and it kills all your driving enjoyment?
December 05, 2008, 02:52:48 pm Jaeger, nope not endless tales about Lexus but a few...no more (or less) than any others. The only "endless tales" date back to Ladas, Skodas, Yugos, early Hyundai's, most things North American before the early '90's and Chrysler minivan transmissions form a couple years back (off the top of my head)
I bet I could find endless tales about Lexus if I looked for them or had a pre-conceived notion that they are junk. I won't and I don't...I TRY to be as objective as I can
December 05, 2008, 02:55:11 pm
SO they screwed up, the fused did what it was designed to do and they blamed the car
No joke.
I liked how the GTI never left them stranded, and they stated that nowadays flawless reliability is expected. The 330i did strand them, and they declared it "simply the best daily driver on the market." Inconsistent standards much?
Yeah, but what do you want from "Car and Driver"? They're just half a notch above Motor Trend (IMHO)
I would like to add a comment about Audi reliability though, the odometer on my 1990 90q20v just stopped working, and at only 367k
I have a '90 90q20v as well...wouldn't think of selling it to buy a kidney, if I needed one.
December 05, 2008, 03:04:51 pm If you're family with anyone who works for the Toyota factory you can buy a Toyota at a heavily discounted price.
December 05, 2008, 08:15:31 pm
December 05, 2008, 09:09:00 pm
I looked at that thread about the Audi in moan and whine. The thing that stuck out most was not the $6k repair tab, but the 25 days in service at the dealership for repairs. In all my past Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, over the years, the total number of times any of those cars had to spend the night at the dealership for maintainace or repair = 0.
That's that kind of anectodal disconnect that makes me approach German brands as a lease-for-warranty-term-only proposition.
Jaeger
What point are you driving for in this thread, Jaeger? That all test-drive reviews of German cars should end with the caveat "never mind our first-hand impressions, you should never buy a German car because anecdotal reports about German cars in general suggest they might explode"? What are you trying to accomplish in this thread?
What point are you driving for in this thread Mitlov? That no-one should comment on the iffy reliablity of Audis, VWs or German cars in general? That no-one should pay any heed to he negative experiences of others with vehicles of a given brand? Should we all just ignore the man behind the curtain because you say so? Seems to me that I am not the only one talking about reliability of these vehicles - both perceived and experienced - yet for some reason you keep wanting to jump right the hell in my face. Why is that? What are you trying to accomplish in this thread?
Jaeger
December 05, 2008, 11:21:46 pm
Jaeger
My point is this. Whenever a CD reviewer posts a review of a specific car that happens to be made by an American car company, a chunk of people don't talk about the car itself. They talk about the monolithic "American car" (specifically, they say it's Same conversation again and again and again and again and again, and the thread gets derailed into the same debates we've heard over and over and over and over and over. It's mind-numbing, and it's gotten to the point that I rarely read the threads which are supposed to be about CD's reviews.
And the same thing happens with German cars. It doesn't matter whether Wing reviews a Tuareg, A3, Rabbit, 335i, CLK, or 911, the conversation (thanks to a few posters) ends up being exactly the same. "I won't by German cars because my uncle owned a German car that's mechanically unrelated to the one CD tested, and it was a total reliability nightmare." Hell, you yourself started out this thread about the 2009 A3 2.0T with a rant about a Passat your dad's friend owned. A few posts later, you reach your conclusion:
I'm sick of having this same discussion every single time a CD reviewer test-drives a German car, regardless of what it is or what he says about it. That's my point. What am I driving for? A discussion about the Audi A3 2.0T, not the entire history of German automobiles.
The only time a thread about a review stays on topic about that particular car is when the car is Japanese. I'd like that to change.
December 06, 2008, 06:47:30 am Well Mitlov, I appreicate your candor. And while I can appreciate that consistently hearing about the poor relaibailty of German cars may not be to your liking, I can think of a more meaningful solution to the problem than simply demanding that people not discuss it. Like, maybe encouraging the manufacturers to apply that superior German engineering to the end of providing consumers with at least Korean levels of reliability. Seems to me that if consumers and automotive scribes alike don't make their concerns known - and simply rhapsodize about a brand's vurtues while ignoring it's vices - there is less likelihood of improvement. So yes - I would LOVE to be in a position to comment on future VW / Audi products and applaud their design, driving dynamics AND their build quality and reliability.
And as I said, I find it curious that you have consistently jumped on my posts in this thread. Obviously others are not sick of discussing the subject, yet you have consistently adopted a confrontational approach in response to my posts in an attempt to paint me as some sort of anti-German (cars) agenda-driven agitator. I'm not whining about it - you are more than free to do as you please - I just find it quite odd.
Jaeger
December 06, 2008, 01:06:24 pm
Do I understand you correctly that, until you feel that BMW/Merc/Audi/VW/Porsche have reached Hyundai levels of reliability, you're going to post the same rant about German cars in general in every CD discussion of a German car, regardless of what it is and what CD says about it?
I don't care if you're right or not about "German cars." Doesn't that seem like it's going to get more than a little repetitive and tiresome? I mean, why should Wing even post reviews if that's where the discussion is going to end up each time? Maybe they should just have one thread "thoughts about American cars," one thread "thoughts about German cars," and then only review Japanese cars? Because nowadays, it seems that reviews of Japanese cars are the only ones where the threads don't get derailed by rants about the entire country.
Your rant may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, but you're right, there are multiple people here who are utterly ignoring the test-drive itself and just venting about German cars as a whole. I find all of their posts equally tiresome.
December 06, 2008, 03:09:14 pm
Do I understand you correctly that, until you feel that BMW/Merc/Audi/VW/Porsche have reached Hyundai levels of reliability, you're going to post the same rant about German cars in general in every CD discussion of a German car, regardless of what it is and what CD says about it?
I don't care if you're right or not about "German cars." Doesn't that seem like it's going to get more than a little repetitive and tiresome? I mean, why should Wing even post reviews if that's where the discussion is going to end up each time? Maybe they should just have one thread "thoughts about American cars," one thread "thoughts about German cars," and then only review Japanese cars? Because nowadays, it seems that reviews of Japanese cars are the only ones where the threads don't get derailed by rants about the entire country.
Your rant may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, but you're right, there are multiple people here who are utterly ignoring the test-drive itself and just venting about German cars as a whole. I find all of their posts equally tiresome.
A few points in response:
1) For someone who professes not to care, you certainly aren't displaying a commensurate level of indifference.
2) Do you not find it odd that when someone makes a negative comment about a particular brand, he or she can almost always expect to be described as "ranting" about or "bashing" that brand by the more vocal fanboys of that brand? Actually, come to think of it, it's not that odd. Just transparently predictable.
3) You know what I do when I find a thread tiresome? I move on to something I find worthwhile. Past experience suggests that stamping my feet, shaking my curls and acting like a putulant thread nanny accomplishes little. Food for thought.
4) Some A3 content just for you: it looks good inside and out, drives great. If I were to get one, I'd lease it for the warranty term and not a minute longer.
Ifwhen something went wrong, I would hope it wouldn't take them 25 days to fix it.Jaeger
December 06, 2008, 05:05:18 pm
I'd be happy to post my experiences with Japanese cars of less than good quality. However I'm sure the usual trollish posters on here who sing the praises of such vehicles in 3-part harmony would gang up on me. Regardless, I do agree that the constant refrain that Toyondas run forever with no problems while German and American cars barely make it out of the showroom before being reduced to inoperable hulks of smoking junk on the side of the road is more than a bit tiresome.
December 06, 2008, 05:39:26 pm
I'd be happy to post my experiences with Japanese cars of less than good quality. However I'm sure the usual trollish posters on here who sing the praises of such vehicles in 3-part harmony would gang up on me. Regardless, I do agree that the constant refrain that Toyondas run forever with no problems while German and American cars barely make it out of the showroom before being reduced to inoperable hulks of smoking junk on the side of the road is more than a bit tiresome.
Thank you.
I could tell the story about how my wife's old Nissan pickup had broken down in the middle of the Golden Gate bridge at 2 am (true story), and tell it in every single thread about a Nissan, and just tell people who didn't want to hear it anymore to ignore my post and everyone responding to it. But I wouldn't do that. You know why? Because I feel it's not constructive, and it's disruptive to the very purpose of having discussion threads about test-drives.
It could be worst , could have been at 4pm
December 06, 2008, 08:24:23 pm
Do I understand you correctly that, until you feel that BMW/Merc/Audi/VW/Porsche have reached Hyundai levels of reliability, you're going to post the same rant about German cars in general in every CD discussion of a German car, regardless of what it is and what CD says about it?
I don't care if you're right or not about "German cars." Doesn't that seem like it's going to get more than a little repetitive and tiresome? I mean, why should Wing even post reviews if that's where the discussion is going to end up each time? Maybe they should just have one thread "thoughts about American cars," one thread "thoughts about German cars," and then only review Japanese cars? Because nowadays, it seems that reviews of Japanese cars are the only ones where the threads don't get derailed by rants about the entire country.
Your rant may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, but you're right, there are multiple people here who are utterly ignoring the test-drive itself and just venting about German cars as a whole. I find all of their posts equally tiresome.
A few points in response:
1) For someone who professes not to care, you certainly aren't displaying a commensurate level of indifference.
2) Do you not find it odd that when someone makes a negative comment about a particular brand, he or she can almost always expect to be described as "ranting" about or "bashing" that brand by the more vocal fanboys of that brand? Actually, come to think of it, it's not that odd. Just transparently predictable.
3) You know what I do when I find a thread tiresome? I move on to something I find worthwhile. Past experience suggests that stamping my feet, shaking my curls and acting like a putulant thread nanny accomplishes little. Food for thought.
4) Some A3 content just for you: it looks good inside and out, drives great. If I were to get one, I'd lease it for the warranty term and not a minute longer.
Ifwhen something went wrong, I would hope it wouldn't take them 25 days to fix it.Jaeger
December 13, 2008, 06:12:59 pm i love the A3. it's a perfect city car. my friend owns one and it's as big as my a4 inside the passenger area. it seems they only reduced the cargo area and kept the passenger area leg room etc the same. now they only have to bring a diesel version!!
December 29, 2008, 08:29:19 pm Which car did you enjoy more? The 3.2 v6 or the 2.0T