Audi A3 2.0 TFSI quattro 2009 review

Of course, that’s part of the reason Audi has so many options available in the range – the aim is to provide something for everybody.

Drivetrains

Both engines are DOHC in line fours with gasoline direct injection, and have an exhaust turbocharger with intercooler.

The 1.4 puts out 92kW at 5000rpm and 200Nm at 1500-4000rpm, while the 2.0 gets 147kW at 5100-6000rpm and 280Nm at 1700-5000rpm. Audi’s S-tronic dual clutch system is fitted to both units but the 2.0litre is a six-speed – not a seven – and has paddle shifters.

With a top speed of 236km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds, the 2.0litre quattro is significantly quicker than the front wheel drive which tops out at 203km/h via a 9.5 second 0-100km/h.

Fuel consumption is impressive for the smaller-engined car at 5.8l/100km(combined). CO2 emissions are equally frugal at 137g/km. The 2.0litre car burns a combined 7.6l/100km and releases 180gm/km of CO2.

Exterior

The high shoulder line and striking front and distinctive rear of the five-door A3 Sportback combines the sportiness of a coupe with the practicality of a roomy hatchback.

On the outside the major differences between the 1.4litre and the 2.0litre A3’s are the inch bigger dark wheels and the sport suspension on the quattro.

Electric mirrors, remote central locking and an engine immobiliser are standard on both cars, and features like Audi’s park assist system, xenon adaptive headlights and the sunroof are available for extra dough.

Interior

On the inside, the A3 Sportback is what we have come to expect from Audi – simple, intuitive controls with comfortable attractive seats and trim - put together with quality materials and workmanship that reflects the attention to detail the German marque is famous for.

As standard for both cars you get dual climate control, a driver information system and electric windows but in the 2.0litre version you also get a multi function leather sports steering wheel, with paddle shifters, sports front seats and a six-disc symphony stereo. The rear seats are split-fold and there is plenty of handy storage space.

Safety

Along with the comprehensive airbag package, both cars have electronic stability program, ABS, hill hold assist and anti-slip regulation, as standard.

Pricing

Audi A3 1.4 TFSI starts at $39,950. Audi A3 2.0 TFSI quattro starts at $53,200.

Driving

In this day of multiple variations per model type, we are used to considerable performance difference per variation. The standard six cylinder Falcon versus the six cylinder Typhoon is a prime example. However never before have we driven two cars so similar on paper with such a vastly different driving experience. The 1.4-litre seven-speed A3 up against the 2.0-litre six-speed are chalk and cheese. Actually it is more like dross and bullion.

One Carsguide staffer gave the 1.4 the unfortunate mantle of “the worst car I have driven”. On the other hand the 2.0-litre A3 is a car we would put near the top of its sector. The cars feel like they were built by two different manufacturers, one a start-up Indian company, the other Audi.

The smaller car is borderline dangerous, with poor feel and response in both braking and acceleration. It just does not inspire any confidence to overtake.

On the other hand the bigger one feels dependable and trustworthy. Touch the accelerator and you know you will get a good response, hit the brake and you can trust it won’t grab.

One of the main faults with the 1.4-litre seems to lie with the transmission. The seven-speed auto just seems to get confused but that’s not the only issue. There seems to also be an inordinate amount of turbo-lag. You don’t find any of these issues with the 2.0-litre car.

Verdict

2.0T – buy one – 8.3/10

1.8T – don’t touch it with a barge pole – 3.3/10