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The 2011 Audi A3 has a lot to offer: a TDI trim with impressive fuel economy, fun driving dynamics and a well-crafted interior. It has a winning combination of quality, sportiness and attractive styling that is a rarity for small car shoppers. In addition to top safety ratings, sporty performance and high quality, Audi offers an optional TDI diesel engine to the mix. Those looking for a car with German roots and available diesel power should check out the Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta also has a TDI option that’s cheaper than the base A3. Pricing for the 2011 Jetta TDI isn’t available yet, but the 2010 TDI was $22,830. Check our Audi listings to see the average price paid in your area.

Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is available for gasoline models only. The 2011 Audi is a 2010 carryover.

Miles per gallon: The Audi A3 2.0T Premium front-wheel and all-wheel drive models offer 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the 2.0 TDI Premium front-wheel drive diesel model boasts 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, making it the standout choice for consumers in the market for outstanding fuel economy.

Wheelbase: All models feature a 101.5-inch wheelbase.
The 2011 Audi A3 is available in three trim levels, with varying engine specifications for each; the Audi 2.0T Quattro is the only model available in all-wheel drive.

The Audi A3 2.0T Premium Front-Wheel Drive trim level features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque.

The "Audi A3" 2.0 TDI Premium Front-Wheel Drive turbodiesel model also includes a 2.0-liter I-4 engine producing 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2011 Audi A3 offers exceptional fuel economy, especially in the Audi A3 TDI model.

Luxury-branded hatchbacks -- they're the next big thing, trust us. Of course, diesel engines are about as popular with Americans as hatchbacks are. The 2011 Audi A3 is a four-door hatchback offered in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus. The Premium Plus comes standard with the Bluetooth Value package and adds different wheels, xenon headlights, LED running lights, steering wheel shift paddles (with automatic transmission) and aluminum interior trim. The Audi Navigation System Plus package adds a navigation system, a dash-mounted Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) and the choice of either a six-CD changer or an iPod interface. Optional on both cars is the Cold Weather package, which adds heated front seats, heated mirrors and heated windshield washer nozzles. Also available are a panoramic sunroof, rear side airbags and a Sport package that includes 18-inch wheels, summer tires, sport-tuned suspension and sport seats. The Titanium Sport package available on the Premium Plus adds special exterior and interior trim to the Sport package.

With Quattro all-wheel drive, S tronic is standard. In performance testing, an A3 2.0T with the six-speed manual went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds -- about average among similarly powered entry-level luxury cars. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the manual, and 21/28/24 with S tronic regardless of front- or all-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive and S tronic are standard. Audi estimates a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds.

The 2011 Audi A3 comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, whiplash-reducing front headrests, antilock brakes and stability control. Seat-mounted side airbags for rear passengers are optional.

The 2011 Audi A3's 2.0-liter gasoline engine provides ample power and is well-matched to either transmission choice