Audi has unveiled a facelifted version of the Audi A3 for the 2009 model year. It receives an updated front end, with the headlamps getting the new LED running lights for the S line trim. The back end has also been updated with a new bumper and new tail lights. The tail lamps use fibre optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip for lighting.
The new more prominent front end with the large single frame grille and LED running lights make the new A3 seem even more front-heavy than before, looking like it could possibly do a stoppie during heavy beaking. These bumper modifications result in the 3-door A3 being 25mm longer than before, but keeps the same wheelbase. The 5-door A3 keeps the same length as before.
The new Audi A3 facelift will be unveiled in the UK market with 7 different engines – a 102 horsepower 1.6 litre, a 125 horsepower 1.4 TSI, a 160 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, a 200 horsepower 2.0 litre TFSI, a 105 horsepower 1.9 litre TDI, turbodiesel, and a 140 horsepower 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel. A third TDI turbodiesel variant putting out 170 horsepower from 2.0 litres of displacement will come later.
All engines are mated to a 7-speed dry clutch S-tronic DSG except for the 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI versions, which use the 6-speed wet clutch S-Tronic. The models are mainly front wheel drive, but Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive is available for the 2.0 litre TFSI and the upcoming 170 horsepower 2.0 litre TDI models.
The top of the range models are the 3-door Audi S3 and a new 5-door Audi S3 Sportback, equipped with a 265 horsepower version of the 2.0 litre TFSI engine, with 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 5,000rpm. 0 to 100km/h takes 5.7 seconds in the 3-door, with an additional 0.1 seconds for the 5-door. Shifting is via a 6-speed manual.
More photos of the facelifted A3/S3 after the jump.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
More on cosmetic changes. I like the LED and fibre optic lamp. Quite decent.
I’d rather pay more for the 5-door with nicer butt, than that fugly 3-door butt.
the 3-door looks better, the 5-door version looks like Impreza with its trademark paint, lol~
hard to chose. 3 door looks cheap. 4 door looks like a wagon. i’d save up for a a4 even if its fwd.
Aww…come on mitlanevo. Does every blue car has to be associated with the Impreza?
5-door version looks more GARANG compare to the 3-door version…just my 2 cent
the new corporate light…
LED’s on top, uglier than LED’s below.
how come the 5 door’s ass looks better than the 3 door’s ass.
IMHO, daytime running LED lights are sweet!
aksMs, actually I got “imprezaphobia” after I first saw the new hatchback Impreza not long ago….. so now whenever I see a hatch with blue paint, I will think of the Impreza….(horrible, but no offense to Impreza fans)
but truely, I prefer the 3-door A3, even though the exterior is a bit “square”…
Besides being a cosmetic feature to the new A3, the LED daytime driving light served a purpose. According to a survey carried out in EC, motorvehicles outfitted or with switched on headlamps, actually reduces the numbers of accidents, whether it is foggy or in twilight condition.
Similarly,our G adopted such good practices on our motocycle users.
Unlike some of our local car assemblers and manufacturers, some cosmetic features are just as it is named – cosmetic only. No added value. Take for example the super ugly rear spoiler of the accent, or its comrades – the sonata and elantra, with painted over red strips on their rear spoilers, or the blue backgound light of the Iswara aeroback..which have no function worthy except for cosmetic purposes..
Nvtheless, since the consumers here are so easily bought by such things, the local car boyz will continue to reap in profit from them.. Offer + Acceptance= Deal.
mitlanevo, I see your point there. Hehe.
Anyway, this 3 door facelift still looks kinda dated. Why haven’t Audi do anything to the rear? csv was right. The Sportback’s butt does looks better. I’m still a fan or the RS4 though.
a3 is one of my fav hatch..bt with the pricy price of the a3 sportsback…better buy a4…