Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI quattro, 211 hp, $42,700
BMW 328i xDrive Touring, 230 hp, $44,100
Mazdaspeed3, 263 hp, $29,360
Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo, 193 hp, $34,400
Mini Cooper Clubman S, 172 hp, $31,500
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart, 237 hp, $33,498
Saab 9-3 SportCombi, 210 hp, $37,855
Subaru Impreza WRX265 5-door, 265 hp, $34,895
Volkswagen GTI 5-door, 200 hp, $28,975
Volvo V50 T5 AWD, 227 hp, $41,695
Conclusion
The Audi A3 is a great-looking, sporty and practical little car that rewards its owner with solid fit and finish and an attractive cabin. It isn't as speedy as some of its competition, including the Sportback Ralliart and WRX265, but it consumes much less fuel.
If we were choosing, though, we'd skip features such as a power driver's seat and xenon headlights and go for a 2.0 TFSI quattro with S tronic that costs $36,900. We'd benefit from almost all the A3's virtues without having to break our piggy bank.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
BMW 328i xDrive Touring, 230 hp, $44,100
Mazdaspeed3, 263 hp, $29,360
Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo, 193 hp, $34,400
Mini Cooper Clubman S, 172 hp, $31,500
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart, 237 hp, $33,498
Saab 9-3 SportCombi, 210 hp, $37,855
Subaru Impreza WRX265 5-door, 265 hp, $34,895
Volkswagen GTI 5-door, 200 hp, $28,975
Volvo V50 T5 AWD, 227 hp, $41,695
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| Right now, there very few direct competitors to the Audi A3 in North America. |
Conclusion
The Audi A3 is a great-looking, sporty and practical little car that rewards its owner with solid fit and finish and an attractive cabin. It isn't as speedy as some of its competition, including the Sportback Ralliart and WRX265, but it consumes much less fuel.
If we were choosing, though, we'd skip features such as a power driver's seat and xenon headlights and go for a 2.0 TFSI quattro with S tronic that costs $36,900. We'd benefit from almost all the A3's virtues without having to break our piggy bank.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2009 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro
2009 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro
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