The Audi lineup has many changes for 2009, particularly in its luxury cars. The A3, however, is Audi's entry level offering reviewed with a starting price of about $30,000 — approximately the average price of a new car in the United States.

Like other Audi models in 2009, the A3 gets a good interior and exterior makeover — new hood, new front and rear fenders as well as standard leather upholstery and satellite audio. And while the higher-end Audis are certainly keen, it's smaller, more efficient cars consumers seemed focused on. And that's where the Audi 3 may find itself getting more respect than its more costly siblings.

The Weekly Driver’s Ratings
(Rating low to high, 1 to 10 points)

Acceleration (7)
Manufacturer claims 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Perhaps it's because of the sum of its compact body, efficient style and smooth gear transitions, but the S-tronic Quattro edition seems quicker.

Braking/Handling/Steering (7)
Audi counts on its cars' driving characteristics and the A3 follows suit. It maneuvers with authority, brakes strong and steady and is like an agile running back. It can plow ahead without hesitation on the open road, but does equally well in tight quarters.

Cargo Room (7)
It's easy to forget the A3 is classified as a hatchback wagon. It masquerades as a sports car or small sedan. But space is good for the class, with easy-to-maneuver back seats, easy access back cargo bin and plenty of small, spacious storage areas.

Controls (6)
Audi could have done better. The navigation system isn't intuitive and dual climate controls require a learning curve. Simple and efficient cruise control dials.

Details (7)
Entry level? Least expensive? Odd terms with the high-quality materials and handsome A3 design.

Front Seat (7)
The A3 is the third-shortest car in premium compact glass and the second smallest amount of front set leg room. But if I hadn't look at the consumer books, I wouldn't have known. The A3 space seemed just fine.

Fuel Economy (6)
Premium fuel recommended and, of course, that's not the best scenario. But 21 mpg (city) and 28 mpg (hwy) are good for the class. If Audi could get the hwy average to 30 mpg, the A3 would be a better seller.

Quietness (7)
It's not a luxury sedan with a steady purr, but the A3 is far from loud. Wind
rush is low and the engine accelerates with a steady hum.

Rear Seat (5)
Good entry access and comfortable seats, but as a hatchback with a large rear cargo area, space somewhere has to go, right? Overall space is tight and would could prove uncomfortable on long journeys.

Ride Quality (7)
Fun drive, smooth automatic shifting, comfortable, contoured driver's seat and good overall vision. What's not to like?

Total (66 out of 100)

Class — Premium compact.

Primary competition — Saab 9-3, Volvo V50, Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru WRX.

Standard equipment/option packages features — 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a 10-speaker audio system with a single-CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary jack.

Sport Package ($2,550) — Magnetic ride sports seats and sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels.

S line package ($2,000) — Power driver seat, Bluetooth and paddle shifters  uniquely styled front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and special interior trim.

Convenience package ($1,800) — Auto-dimming rearview mirror, xenon headlights and a premium Bose audio system.

For more features, visit: www.audiusa.com.

Manufacturer's suggested retail price —  $30,500.00

Price as driven — $41,700.00.

Mileage estimates — 21 mpg (city), 28 mpg (hwy).

Warranty — Bumper to Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion 12 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance 4 years/50,000 miles.

The Weekly Driver’s final words — With various packages and fees include, the test driven vehicle's price surpassed $41,000. That's a hefty chunk for an entry level car. Then again, the A3 is a lot of car for its entry level designation. It's still a hatchback, but it's versatile, it offers the signature Quattro (all-wheel-drive) system and it's built with handsome, well-constructed material. How close can an entry level car also be considered a luxury automobile? The new A3 gets close.

References/additional experts reviews — autos.aol.com, cardanddriver.com, consumerguide.com, consumerreports.org, edmunds.com, nytimes.com.