Entry into the world of PHEV: the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e

The new A3 Sportback TFSI e continues the concept of its successful predecessor, the A3 Sportback e-tron, which was introduced on the market back in 2014 – with improved electric range and a new lithium-ion battery.

Optimized drive package

A 1.4 TFSI serves as the combustion engine. The four-cylinder gasoline engine outputs 110 kW (150 PS) and produces 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque. The electric drive is powered by a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM). It features an increased power density as compared to its predecessor but is still lighter and more compact. The electric motor produces 80 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque. In the “dynamic” drive select mode and when the S tronic is set to S gear and kickdown is engaged, the hybrid drive shows off its sporty potential. In this case, the electric motor releases the full boost torque for up to ten seconds. As soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, it switches to recuperation. While braking, the electric motor can function as an alternator and recover up to 40 kW of power.

The lithium-ion battery of the compact plug-in hybrid integrates 96 prismatic cells. They store 13.0 kWh of energy, almost 48 percent more than the predecessor model. No changes were made to the high-voltage battery in the package; the progress results from the improved cell chemistry. The A3 Sportback TFSI e charges with a maximum power of 2.9 kW. An empty battery can be fully recharged at an industrial power socket in around four-and-a-half hours.

Two output levels in the range

The A3 PHEV as a 40 TFSI e has already been introduced on the market. It offers 150 kW (204 PS) of system power and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of system torque Now the sporty 45 TFSI e with a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and a system torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) is being launched.

The added output and higher torque are generated by control software. It regulates the optimum interplay between the two drives under maximum power requirements. The electric motor complements the combustion engine in the corresponding engine speed ranges. The A3 45 TFSI e takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) on its way to a top speed of 232 km/h (144.2 mph). In the NEDC cycle, it consumes between 1.5 and 1.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (156.8–168 US mpg), which corresponds to 34 to 31 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (54.7–49.9 g/mi).

The A3 40 TFSI e accelerates to 62.1 mph in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 227 km/h (141.1 mph). In the NEDC cycle, it consumes between 1.5 and 1.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (156.8–168.0 US mpg), which corresponds to 34 to 30 grams of CO₂ per kilometer (54.7–48.3 g/mi).

With the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, the driver can cover up to 78 kilometers (48.5 mi) according to the NEDC (67 kilometers (41.6 mi) in the WLTP) under electric power alone, that is the majority of everyday journeys. This is almost 30 kilometers (18.6 mi) more in the NEDC cycle than the predecessor model. The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e provides an electric range of up to 74 kilometers (46.0 mi) in the NEDC and up to 63 kilometers (39.1 mi) in the WLTP. The top speed that both models can achieve on fully electric power is 140 km/h (87.0 mph).

Equipment and prices

The A3 Sportback TFSI e offers outstanding driving pleasure and great everyday usability, as is typical for all models of this product line. Its exterior features a sporty and expressive design. Upon request, Audi will equip the premium compact car with Matrix LED headlights. Their digital daytime running lights, a pixel array consisting of 15 LED segments, generate an E-shaped light signature as a symbol of the plug-in hybrid drive. Matt black grained attachments, including the Singleframe and the diffuser insert, add further highlights. Specific 16-inch wheels with a five‑arm aero design come as standard. The brake disks measure 312 millimeters (12.3 in) in diameter on the front axle, and 272 millimeters (10.7 in) on the rear axle. The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e rides on 17-inch wheels with larger brake disks that measure 340 millimeters (13.4 in) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.2 in) at the rear. All brake calipers are painted red. The black styling package and a specially designed radiator protective grille with high-gloss inlays underline the sporty character of the more powerful model. As compared to the variants with conventional drive systems, the body of the A3 TFSI e is ten millimeters (0.4 in) higher. This ensures that the ground clearance and therefore the damper behavior remain the same despite the cover plate for the battery.

The progressive design is continued in the interior with the new compact shifter, extravagant door handles, and the high-gloss black surface in the instrument panel. Contrasting stitching adds accents to the sustainable seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles. Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, the luggage compartment has a volume of 280 to 1,100 liters (9.9 to 38.8 cu ft). An electric tailgate that can be opened and closed with a foot motion is available upon request. With the optional trailer hitch, both TFSI e models have a towing capacity of up to 1,400 kg (3,086.5 lb) (braked, at a 12 percent incline).

In Germany, the base price for the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is EUR 37,470.92 (EUR 38,440 with 19% VAT), the 45 TFSI e is available from EUR 40,395.29 (EUR 41,440 with 19% VAT). With each model, customers are entitled to a subsidy of EUR 6,750***. In addition to the features already mentioned, the standard equipment includes headlights with LED technology, two-zone automatic air conditioning, the convenience key, as well as sport seats and tinted windows in the A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e.

***Subsidy is subject to the inclusion of the A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e in the BAFA list

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.