2009 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Audi A3 gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by updated exterior styling and a more upscale cabin. The other major addition is the 2.0T Quattro, which pairs the turbo four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive.
About the 2009 Audi A3
2nd-generation Audi A3 / 8P for the U.S. market, mid-cycle refresh year.
Audi positions the A3 as a compact premium hatchback with a stronger driving focus than a typical small wagon. The OEM emphasis is on sporty handling, upscale cabin materials, and the usefulness of a five-door body in a smaller footprint than a traditional luxury sedan. In this era, the A3 stands out by mixing hatchback cargo flexibility with Audi-brand polish, plus a choice between efficient turbo power and a stronger V6/quattro setup at the top of the range.
The 2009 A3 is a compact five-door premium hatchback with three distinct personalities. The front-wheel-drive 2.0T emphasizes agility, the 2.0T Quattro adds all-weather traction, and the 250-hp 3.2 Quattro tops the range with a V6, bi-xenon headlights, Bluetooth, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
What changed, by category
2009 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0L | V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–30 mpg | 25 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 250 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 19.5 cu-ft | 19.5 cu-ft | 19.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Audi A3 a full redesign?
No. The 2009 Audi A3 is a mid-cycle update of the existing second-generation model, with revised styling and cabin details but the same basic five-door body, chassis, and two gasoline engines.
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Audi A3?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh that updates the front and rear styling and improves the cabin. Audi also adds the 2.0T Quattro, bringing all-wheel drive to the turbo four-cylinder A3.
Does the 2009 Audi A3 pair the turbo four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2009 2.0T Quattro combines a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
What interior features became standard on the 2009 Audi A3?
Leather seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel became standard across the 2009 A3 lineup. Audi also revised the controls, gauge graphics, and driver information display.
Which 2009 Audi A3 trim has the V6?
The 2009 A3 3.2 Quattro has the 250-hp 3.2-liter V6. It also comes with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic, bi-xenon headlights, Bluetooth, and a panoramic glass sunroof.