Should you pay more for a hybrid Audi A3?

Yes, and we explain why. With more powerful batteries and fast charging, the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivers an almost perfect performance.

When Audi decides to make a technological upgrade to its star compact, it doesn’t do it halfway! With more than double the battery capacity and fast charging capability, the model sets new standards with an all-electric range of up to 143 kilometers. For this, the gross capacity of the high-voltage battery is raised to 25.7 kWh, nearly doubling while maintaining dimensions nearly identical to those of the previous model. To give you a good reference, it’s almost the capacity of the Dacia Spring 100% electric! For the first time, Audi offers fast charging in direct current at charging stations up to 50 kW in a plug-in hybrid, enabling true 100% electric use every day.

Besides this new electric equipment, the biggest evolution is the replacement of the 1.4L TFSI internal combustion engine with the new 1.5L TFSI evo2 engine. With optimized cooling, a higher compression ratio, and an injection pressure of 350 bars compared to 200 for its predecessor, it is a small marvel of compact thermal technology. Electric propulsion is ensured by a synchronous permanent magnet motor, which now delivers 85 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e is offered in two performance levels: 40 TFSI e with 150 kW (204 hp) and 45 TFSI e with 200 kW (272 hp). The electric base is the same; only the efficiency of the thermal engine changes.

Regeneration and boost, just like in F1!

During braking phases, the electric motor alone handles deceleration up to about 0.3 G. This is sufficient for most everyday situations. The electric motor can thus recover up to 43 kW of power, and the “classic” hydraulic brakes only activate when necessary. If you find this system isn’t comfortable enough, Audi has thought of you by adding paddles behind the steering wheel to control the level of energy recovery and therefore the strength of electric braking at any time. And if you’re feeling sporty, in “S” driving mode, the motor unleashes the boost power and combines it with the total electric power during acceleration phases, especially during kickdown. On the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, this amount rises to 40 kW and is available for 15 seconds, while on the 45 TFSI e, you have 70 kW available for eight seconds.

The pricing for the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e starts at 47,900 euros in Design trim, while the more powerful and sportier Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is available from 55,900 euros. No unpleasant surprises with a complete absence of tax penalties for both models. Long live electrification! Orders for both models are open, and the Audi A3 allstreet is expected to join its more urban counterparts this winter.

READ ALSO: Audi bends the game: A3 Sportback hybrid at €390/month without down payment