The Best Combination: Gasoline Engine and Plug-in Electric

After the spring launch of the updated Audi A3 and S3, including the new A3 allstreet, the premium compact range now welcomes a new member: the A3 Sportback TFSIe, the plug-in hybrid version, more powerful and efficient than ever. The new turbocharged gasoline engine and a more powerful electric motor are the heart of the system. The 1.5 TFSI evo 2 replaces the previous 1.4 TFSI and features a wide range of high-tech characteristics. The electric drive is handled by a motor that now delivers 85 kW and 330 newton-meters of torque. Prices for the A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe start at 46,230 euros, while the more powerful and sporty 45 TFSIe starts at 54,430 euros.

The propulsion management is designed to offer high efficiency in the new A3 plug-in hybrids. The start is always in electric mode, as long as the outside temperature is above -28° C. The driver can prioritize electric propulsion with the EV button or by selecting the electric mode. In "Auto Hybrid" mode, which is the main operating program, the combustion engine and the electric motor intelligently share the work: purely electric driving at low speeds, with priority for the gasoline engine at higher speeds, and often both engines working together. Depending on the situation, the A3 Sportback TFSIe can coast, recover energy (both in thrust and braking), or propel the vehicle with the electric motor and the TFSI gasoline engine together. Additionally, the hybrid management system can maintain the battery charge level constant to save enough electric energy for later use, for example, in a low-emission urban area.

When the accelerator pedal is released, the A3 Sportback TFSIe coasts with the engines off or the electric motor recovers energy in coasting mode. When braking, the electric motor alone assumes deceleration, thus covering the vast majority of braking processes in daily driving. The hydraulic wheel brakes only come into action when the brake pedal is pressed harder, with an almost imperceptible transition and keeping energy recovery active. When braking, the electric motor can recover up to 43 kW of power. The steering wheel paddles are now used for the first time to control the degree of recovery when driving in EV mode.

The A3 Sportback TFSIe reveals its sporty potential in the "S" mode of the dual-clutch transmission. In the "Auto Hybrid" program, the system unleashes all available power when accelerating fully (kickdown) and activating the boost mode. In the A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe, this extra power amounts to 40 kW and is available for up to 15 seconds, or even up to 18 seconds under optimal conditions. In the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe, it reaches 70 kW for a maximum of eight seconds, as the electric motor has to supply more power to exploit the full potential of the system. The combustion engine also connects and the maximum power boost mode is activated when kickdown is performed while driving in EV mode.

For the first time, Audi offers fast charging in direct current for a plug-in hybrid model. The A3 Sportback TFSIe uses DC charging with up to 50 kW, allowing comfortable travel with electric propulsion. This means that a battery discharged to 10% can be recharged to 80% of its capacity in less than half an hour. Additionally, it is possible to charge at alternating current charging points such as a Wallbox or public charging stations with three-phase charging of up to 11 kW, in which case the recharging process lasts 2.5 hours.

For an even more agile driving experience, progressive steering is available as an option, which modifies the ratio depending on the steering wheel angle. The 40 TFSIe version comes standard from the Advanced edition with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the 45 TFSIe features 18-inch wheels with Audi Sport design and finished in black as standard. The Audi drive select dynamic driving system and stationary air conditioning are also standard equipment. Special displays provide driving information: the power meter with new graphics in the Audi virtual cockpit shows the power being requested, the driving mode, the battery charge status, and the range.

In line with its higher performance, the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe Black competition comes standard with the S line exterior, which includes a specific S radiator grille and an S spoiler on the roof edge. The black plus aesthetic package highlights the Audi Singleframe, the side window trims, and the bumpers. The exterior mirror housings also shine in black and the Audi rings are in anthracite gray. The striking exterior is completed with brake calipers finished in red and standard darkened rear windows. Inside, the sports seats with black upholstery, aluminum finish applications, and door sills with aluminum inserts reflect the sporty character of the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe.