2010 Audi A3

The Audi A3 offers sporty styling and dynamic performance combined with the latest luxury, entertainment and safety technology. The Sportback design adds utility and convenience that sets the A3 apart from the crowd. With a wide, low stance that embodies its performance-oriented roots and the standard S line exterior featuring the unique singleframe® grille and available LED daytime running lights, the A3 stands out from the crowd.

The A3 is a model that exhibits superb responsiveness in design and use of resources that differentiates the modern-day Audi. It is a blend of open-road vitality, long-haul openness, around-town convenience and fuel economy.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Audi A3 is a four-door hatchback/wagon offered in two basic trim levels: 2.0 T and 3.2. Features on the base 2.0 T trim include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a 10-speaker audio system with a single-CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary jack.

Choosing the optional Premium package adds a power driver seat, Bluetooth and paddle shifters on cars equipped with automatic transmissions. The S line Package includes everything in the Premium package plus uniquely styled front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and special interior trim.

The optional Convenience package adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, xenon headlights and a premium Bose audio system. Audi A3 3.2 models essentially come with all of the above equipment as standard.

Options available on all trim levels include a Sport package with 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, a sport suspension and sport seats. An enhanced Sport package offers the same seats and wheels, but adds Audi’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension. A Cold Weather package offers heated seats, heated windshield-washer nozzles and heated exterior mirrors. Other options include a sunroof and a navigation system with a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer.

Powertrains and Performance

Audi A3 2.0 T models come with either front-wheel drive or Audi’s Quattro AWD system. They’re powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to a broad power band, the Audi A3 can go from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds.

Front-wheel-drive models are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or Audi’s S tronic sequential-shift automated manual gearbox. The latter changes gears quickly and matches revs on downshifts, while offering all the convenience of a regular automatic transmission. Quattro versions of the A3 2.0 T are only available with S tronic.

Audi A3 2.0 Ts sold in California and California-emissions states meet the squeaky-clean PZEV tailpipe emission standard.  The A3 3.2 comes only with Quattro. Its 3.2-liter V6 makes 250 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired to the S tronic transmission only.

Safety

Numerous safety technologies are standard on the A3, including front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. Seat-mounted side airbags for rear passengers are optional.

Interior Design and Special Features

Like all Audis, the A3 boats a high-quality interior with good fit and finish. The layout of the buttons and controls on this Audi are easy and clear-cut.  The excellent steering wheel with its built-in S tronic shift paddles fits the driver’s hands perfectly, as does the leather-topped shift knob. There’s also a reasonable amount of cargo space, a maximum of 56 cubic feet.