Audi continues its electrified offensive with the introduction of the new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e. Following in the footsteps of the old e-tron model, this plug-in hybrid hatchback is powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline engine, rated at 148 HP and 250 Nm of torque, plus a 107 HP and 330 Nm electric motor.
The combined system output of 201 HP and 350 Nm directed to the front wheels via a
six-speed S tronic transmission, enables a 0-100 km/h acceleration
of 7.6 seconds and a 227 km/h top speed. The average fuel consumption
in the old NEDC cycle is 156.8-168.0 mpg US (1.5-1.4 l/100 km), corresponding
to 34-30 g/km of CO2. In its zero-emission mode, the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e can
hit a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
Enabling a range of up to 78 km in the NEDC standard, or 67 km per WLTP (almost 20 km)
more than its predecessor), is a 13 kWh battery, positioned beneath the rear
seats. It can be charged with a maximum power of 2.9 kW, meaning that it will
have to be plugged in for over 4 hours.
The electrified A3 Sportback has a boot
volume of 280 to 1,100 liters, depending on the position of
the rear seatbacks, and features hybrid-specific functions, including two drive
modes that can be selected via the MMI operating system, named ‘Battery Hold’
and ‘Battery Charge’.
Standard gear includes 16-inch alloy
wheels, LED headlights, infotainment system with 10.1-inch screen, Android
Auto, Apple CarPlay, myAudi app that connects the car to the user’s smartphone,
two-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.
Features such as the panoramic glass sunroof, sports seats, head-up display,
Audi Virtual Cockpit and others are available as options.
The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e will launch in
Europe this fall, with prices starting at € 37,470.92 (US$ 43,655) in Germany,
excluding the € 6,750 (US$ 7,864) incentives. Audi will also launch a more powerful
version of this car that “emphasizes the sporty accents”.
