Audi A3 A3 e-tron: Ranging far and wide

Imagine if, with the press of a button, you could change your car’s power source. Imagine if you could switch from a petrol-powered car to an electric one, just like that. Well, with Audi’s plug-in hybrid e models, you don’t have to imagine, because it really is that easy. The technology, which was deployed on the previous generation A3 in the form of the A3 e-tron, has gone on to feature on larger Audi models such as the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7, and is now available on the recently launched Audi A3 Sportback, in the form of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e.

The new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is fitted with an efficient 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, which is integrated into the housing of the car’s six-speed S tronic transmission. A lithium-ion battery, located below the vehicle underbody in the area of the rear seats, powers the car’s battery. When the petrol engine and electric motor combine forces, they muster 204PS and 350Nm of pulling power.

Out on the open road, that makes for powerful performance, very little of which is needed when you’re cruising around town. Once you enter an urban environment and press the EV (Electric Vehicle) button on the A3 Sportback’s dashboard, the petrol engine falls silent and the electric motor takes over the driving duties. The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e offers an electric driving range of up to 41 miles*, which is more than enough for cross-city commuting. At low speeds, it emits the statutory e-sound of what is known as the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, alerting pedestrians and other road users that the vehicle is approaching. 

While Audi’s latest e model can accelerate up to 87mph in pure electric mode, it is the car’s hybrid mode, where driving is divided intelligently between engine and electric motor, that is the perfect choice when you’re out of town.

The car’s MMI operating system offers two special driving modes. In Battery Hold mode, the available battery charge is held at the current level so it can be used at a later point in the journey, perhaps on reaching an urban area. With Battery Charge selected, the car’s energy recuperation systems focus on supplying as much electricity to the battery as possible. And, of course, when the battery is fully depleted, the A3 Sportback can still be driven for long distances, relying solely on its turbocharged petrol engine.

When it is time to fully recharge the battery, this can be done at home in a little over four hours by plugging into a domestic AC wall box using the Type 2 cable supplied. The process can be fully controlled via the myAudi app, enabling owners to take advantage of less-expensive off-peak electricity. The new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is offered in both Sport and S line specification, and is available to order now, priced from £33,060 OTR.