Audi Turns 100: The A3 Isn’t the Only Thing That Has Been Refined In a Century

2009 Audi A3

July 16^th, 2009 marks Audi’s centennial anniversary in the automotive industry. The Auto Union company was founded by August Horch on July 16, 1909. To celebrate this milestone, the company threw a celebration in Ingolstadt, Germany, that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, racing legends Jacky Ickx and Walter Röhrl, eight-time Le Mans champion Tom Kristensen and basketball star Dirk Nowitzki.

Audi is known around the world from its Auto Union Type D racer to the new R8 supercar to the compact 2009 Audi A3. With a rich racing heritage and now an unmistakable reputation for performance and luxury, Audi has certainly made the most of the last century. What better time than during the 100-year anniversary to review all the technology and refinement that is packed into the A3.

2009 Audi A3

The 2009 Audi A3 will set you back between $26,920 and $36,975, which is right in line with the Volvo C30 and Mazda Speed3. The A3 has been praised by reviewers for its host of standard safety features, versatile engine options and head turning European styling. Audi has also created a unique experience for the consumer in this price range by allowing them to customize the cars with a variety of optional packages.

The customization strategy seems to have made an impact with Edmunds and Consumer Guides, who both mention them in their reviews. Some of the more popular packages are the S-line and Premium packages. The S-line comes equipped with a sports-tuned suspension, special front and rear fascias, fog lamps and more. Whereas, the Premium package comes equipped with more luxury items like power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, steering wheel shift paddles (automatic) and aluminum exterior trim to name some.

TheCarConnection.com rates the Audi A3 as a 8.4 out of 10 in their overall review, so check out the full review and see what the last 100 years has done for this compact competitor.

Also, be sure to check out the rest of the current blogs and reviews here at AllSmallCars.com.

[Source: Autoweek]