Hardware
The big news for 2010 is found under the hood. Joining the 4-cylinder A3 2.0T and 6-cylinder A3 3.2 will be the A3 2.0 TDI with Audi's clean-burning diesel powerplant. Displacing 2.0 liters, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is rated at 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque (the torque figure matches that of the 3.2-liter V-6 engine). The 50-state-legal powerplant features common-rail direct injection and piezoelectric injectors for highly efficient combustion. The standard transmission will be Audi's S tronic dual clutch automatic, driving the front wheels. While official EPA fuel-economy figures have not been released, the A3 2.0 TDI is expected to earn a rating of more than 40 mpg on the highway, according to the manufacturer, making for an impressive cruising range.

The standard MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link independent rear suspension were designed for sporty and agile handling. All A3 TDI models feature electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).