Spied: 2009 Audi A3
#1
Spied: 2009 Audi A3
We can think of few ways that Audi could improve its smart, winsome A3 hatchback (except maybe to add the Euro-market three-door and hot S3 to its U.S. lineup). But the A3 evidently has a minor face lift in the works for 2009.
Okay, maybe it’s less of a face lift than an eye- lift. Hiding behind the white tape on the headlamps are new lens contours, and we expect top-shelf models to feature a wing-shaped strip of those nifty LED accent lights that make the front views so distinct on Audi’s scrumptious A5 and S5 coupes, new 2009 A4 sedan, and R8 supercar.
The front and rear fascias are also slightly—very slightly—revised, but unless you put a current A3 beside the new one, you’ll have a hard time telling the difference. If you’re really sharp, you might even notice the new mirrors with tiny LED turn signals. Otherwise, that’s it.
The freshened A3 should launch in Europe sometime in the middle of next year. The earliest we could expect to see it in the U.S. is next fall—and Audi might even hold off until spring so as not to distract from the August launch of the new A4.
When the A3 does arrive on these shores, however, expect a healthy rise in power and fuel economy from the base engine, which is expected to remain a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Also likely within a year of the launch is a new diesel variant, but we’re not holding our breath on seeing that engine here.
Okay, maybe it’s less of a face lift than an eye- lift. Hiding behind the white tape on the headlamps are new lens contours, and we expect top-shelf models to feature a wing-shaped strip of those nifty LED accent lights that make the front views so distinct on Audi’s scrumptious A5 and S5 coupes, new 2009 A4 sedan, and R8 supercar.
The front and rear fascias are also slightly—very slightly—revised, but unless you put a current A3 beside the new one, you’ll have a hard time telling the difference. If you’re really sharp, you might even notice the new mirrors with tiny LED turn signals. Otherwise, that’s it.
The freshened A3 should launch in Europe sometime in the middle of next year. The earliest we could expect to see it in the U.S. is next fall—and Audi might even hold off until spring so as not to distract from the August launch of the new A4.
When the A3 does arrive on these shores, however, expect a healthy rise in power and fuel economy from the base engine, which is expected to remain a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Also likely within a year of the launch is a new diesel variant, but we’re not holding our breath on seeing that engine here.
#4
#5
Re: Spied: 2009 Audi A3
This is the car I've had my eye on for a while now!!!! Dilemma now, is whether I should hold off for the newly styled 2010 A3 models. Probelm is, there's no fixed info on whether the 5-door hatchback will be part of the new line-up - all the rumours seem to point towards 3-door, & cabriolet ....no 5-door. Let's hope they don't screw up a good thing!!
#9
Re: Spied: 2009 Audi A3
check out the auto123 site for several shots of the '09 A3.......I like the wheels , the redesigned hood/fenders and the chrome inserts on the grill .....all changes to give a more aggresive appearance.
gregh
gregh