The Audi A3 created the entirely new market segment of the premium compact car when the first-generation model made its debut in 1996. Audi has been notably successful in that market segment and has since built 1.9 million units of the Audi A3. After four successive record-breaking years, the one millionth example of the second-generation A3 – which went into production in 2003 – left the assembly line this month. Audi is now solidifying its lead.New details on the 3-door Audi A3 and A3 Sportback emphasise its modern profile. The bonnet and front wings are more sculpted, and the bumper and single-frame radiator grille have been updated to enhance road presence. New headlamps incorporate a curved trim element and on the S line version, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights provide a distinctive optional feature. New exterior mirrors with built-in indicators, new door handles and a stylish alloy wheel range add to car’s side profile. The Audi A3 is Audi's compact hatchback that was a new addition to the Audi lineup for 2006. Audi describes the A3 as the first four-door car with the sportiness of the TT Coupe. Delivering sporty driving dynamics in a premium compact package, the Audi A3 is designed to accommodate an active lifestyle while delivering the quality of a luxury sedan. Audi emphasizes that the A3 is not a wagon, but is designed more like a coupe that sits low to the road with a gentle sloping roofline and a short rear overhang. The Audi A3 incorporates the now trademark Audi single frame grille. 
The rear features a modified bumper and new tail lights; the Audi A3 Sportback now has innovative fibre optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip that creates a striking visual effect in the dark. In addition, the 3-door Audi A3 has a modified tailgate with a new light edge.
As a result of the design modifications, the length of the Audi A3 has increased by 2.5 centimetres to 4.24 metres, while the sporty proportions of the Sportback remain virtually unchanged at 4.29 metres in length.
Interior eleganceThe premium feel of the car has been fine-tuned inside too. Aluminum design elements on the air vents, light switches and center console accentuate the prestige character of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. Other features to have been given a new, modern look include the switches and controls beneath the audio system, the instrument cluster with black dials and red needles, and the shift indicator which displays the recommended gear in the driver information system. Fitted as standard to the SE, Sport and S line, the driver information system displays the time, date and distance in a clear, high-resolution white font. The 3-spoke leather steering wheel on the Sport and S line has new aluminum trim,
with a flat-bottomed design available as an option on S line
2009 Audi A3 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- Turbo compressor
- 1,984 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 82.5 mm bore, 92.8 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 95
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1
- Power: 149 kW , 200 HP SAE @ 5,100 rpm; 207 ft lb , 281 Nm @ 1,800 rpm
The rear features a modified bumper and new tail lights; the Audi A3 Sportback now has innovative fibre optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip that creates a striking visual effect in the dark. In addition, the 3-door Audi A3 has a modified tailgate with a new light edge.
As a result of the design modifications, the length of the Audi A3 has increased by 2.5 centimetres to 4.24 metres, while the sporty proportions of the Sportback remain virtually unchanged at 4.29 metres in length.
Interior eleganceThe premium feel of the car has been fine-tuned inside too. Aluminum design elements on the air vents, light switches and center console accentuate the prestige character of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. Other features to have been given a new, modern look include the switches and controls beneath the audio system, the instrument cluster with black dials and red needles, and the shift indicator which displays the recommended gear in the driver information system. Fitted as standard to the SE, Sport and S line, the driver information system displays the time, date and distance in a clear, high-resolution white font. The 3-spoke leather steering wheel on the Sport and S line has new aluminum trim,
with a flat-bottomed design available as an option on S line2009 Audi A3 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- Turbo compressor
- 1,984 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 82.5 mm bore, 92.8 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 95
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1
- Power: 149 kW , 200 HP SAE @ 5,100 rpm; 207 ft lb , 281 Nm @ 1,800 rpm
