Although we've seen photos of the European-spec 2009 Audi A3 (pictured), we hadn't heard the skinny on what we could expect in the U.S. That's changed, as Audi's just released information on the refreshed North American model.
At first glance, little's changed. A closer look reveals small design tweaks, including a front fascia similar to the 2009 A4, new wheel designs, and Audi's trademark LED daytime running lamps.
Likewise, the model mixture - all five-door hatchbacks in either 2.0T or 3.2 form - seems familiar, but Audi made a few small changes. In order to position the A3 as a budget-luxury competitor to the Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper, Audi's adding features to base models previously found only on higher trims. Case in point? It's now possible to equip a four-cylinder 2.0T model with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, a feature previously restricted to the 3.2 V-6 car.
In the same vain, Audi has made Sirius satellite radio, leather seats, and auxiliary audio inputs standard equipment on all trims. Hill-hold assist, previously found only on cars equipped with the S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, is now standard on the base 2.0T with the six-speed manual transmission. One new option is Audi Magnetic Ride, the magnetically-variable suspension also found on the Audi TT.
Audi has priced the base 2.0T, equipped with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, at $26,920; a top-end 3.2 Quattro model starts at $36,975. Look for the 2009 A3 to arrive at dealers this fall.