The plug-in hybrid variant of the standard Audi A3 is known as the A3 Sportback e-tron. So, rather than only having a standard gasoline or diesel engine, this also includes an electric motor and a sizable battery. That means it can travel over 30 miles on electric power alone before switching to the petrol engine, which can then be used to either drive or recharge the battery, giving the vehicle a healthy overall range.
It serves as a substitute for other plug-in vehicles such the Kia Niro, Toyota Prius plug-in, and Volkswagen Golf GTE. Like them, it also makes no effort to differentiate itself from the more traditional models in its lineup. On the other hand, it takes a lot of effort to distinguish an e-tron from a 1.4 TSI.
The e-pricing tron’s is the primary distinction between it and the other A3s, other than the engines. Although the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is one of the priciest models in the lineup, it does come with a ton of features, like a seven-inch infotainment screen, automatic lighting and wipers, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors, which might result in very low operating expenses.
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron can achieve more than 150 mpg and emits less than 50 g/km of CO2, according to official statistics. However, how you drive it will determine how near you can go to that. You may regularly achieve over 100 mpg if you take plenty of short journeys when you’ll be utilizing electricity nearly solely and keep the batteries charged.
Using a regular plug outlet, a full charge from the flat takes just under four hours. However, that charge period will be reduced to just two and a half hours if you can use a wallbox or a public Type 2 charger.
However, if you drive a lot of miles, especially on long highway journeys, an Audi A3 diesel would be a better option.
The A3 e-tron appears to offer both high economy and potent performance, but you should carefully consider your options to ensure that it is the appropriate vehicle for you.
The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is remarkably similar to that of the standard A3. Because it is one of the most costly versions in the lineup, it boasts some of the nicest materials inside and the same superb build quality.
Additionally, it signifies that the amount of passenger room is equivalent to that of a standard A3. Since the vehicle has five doors and a hatchback configuration, four adults may fit inside in great comfort.
Practically speaking, e-tron owners simply have to give up the boot compared to those who own other A3s. That’s because the hybrid system’s batteries, which must go somewhere, are located beneath the boot floor. As a result, the boot capacity is about 100 liters less than it is in other Sportbacks. Of course, this is made much worse by the necessity of storing the charging wire in the boot.
In reality, those extra parts increase the weight of the automobile by 400 kg, which is the same as packing an extra five adults inside. Performance-wise, you won’t really notice this; on the contrary, the car seems fairly speedy thanks to the electric motors’ immediate response.
The e-tron feels less crisp through curves than a regular A3 Sportback, therefore the handling is what suffers. The e-tron, on the other hand, has softer suspension settings than the sportier basic car, so you experience fewer bumps as a result of the greater weight.
The Audi A3 e-tron won’t be for everyone, but it may easily pay for itself for someone who lives in a city with a short commute and convenient access to charging stations.
In This Article...
The workings of the Audi A3 e-tron.
An all-electric version of the Audi A3 is known as the Audi A3 e-tron. The front wheels of the A3 e-tron receive power from the rear and middle battery packs through an electric motor located under the hood. The 92 mi (148 km) maximum range offered by the 26.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is actually between 70 and 75 mi (113 to 121 km) in actual driving circumstances. The maximum speed is 89 mph (143 km/h). [40]
By the middle of 2012, Audi had put a fleet of 17 A3s, all-electric, into service in the United States for testing. Audi engineers and staff members test the automobiles, and the business has no plans to test the vehicles with actual customers. [40][41]
The meaning of Audi e-tron
Thanks to the electric propulsion, the e-tron promises fun to drive and endless appropriateness for everyday use. This includes all-electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and the new Audi e-tron, the automaker’s first all-electric production model. Technology takes on the role of product series and model classification with the Audi e-tron.
e-tron in everyday life.
Astonishing acceleration the virtually silent driving the wonderful sensation of local CO2-free driving. You already know how intriguing electric mobility is if you’ve ever driven an electric car or a plug-in hybrid. However, the electric propulsion of the e-tron offers more than just enjoyable driving; it also means unrestricted appropriateness for daily use. Because a trouble-free daily life with an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid requires first and foremost a trouble-free charging process.
Is the Audi A3 e-tron a good investment?
Although the base 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium is a well-equipped luxury compact, many desirable technology options are not available. Only the top-of-the-line Prestige includes all the technology and active safety features that many premium purchasers want, while the Premium Plus provides more alternatives.
Is the A3 e-tron an electric vehicle?
Audi is making serious efforts to use plug-in hybrid technology to electrify the drivetrain. The Audi A3 e-tron is on display at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show from the company with the four rings. Sporty performance is ensured thanks to the system’s 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque and 150 kW (204 hp) of system power.
True to the brand, the Audi A3 e-tron. It has a sprint time of 7.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and can reach a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). The five-door model emits 35 grams of CO2 per km (56.33 g/mile), or less than the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles’ average fuel consumption of 1.5 liters per 100 km (156.81 US mpg). The Audi A3 e-highest tron’s speed in electric mode is 130 km/h (80.78 mph), and its maximum range is 50 km (31.07 miles).
The 110 kW combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI (150 hp). The TFSI is connected to a 75 kW electric motor using a clutch. The new six-speed e-S tronic, which transmits power to the front wheels, incorporates the disc-shaped electric motor. The two engines work well together. The TFSI’s maximum pulling power is accessible between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm, while the electric motor’s peak torque is available from idle to about 2000 rpm.
The Audi A3 e-tron has three different driving modes: combustion engine, electric drive, and hybrid. It provides strong acceleration even in electric mode without requiring the TFSI to be engaged. The driver has the option to use both engines simultaneously ” (“boosting). They both briefly deactivate when the driver releases the accelerator ” (“gliding). Efficiency improves as a result of eliminating motor braking torque.
The Audi A3 e-tron will offer a practical look into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it at the Geneva Motor Show. The electrification of the drivetrain, particularly with plug-in technology, is a key component of the brand’s overall strategy.
The Audi A3 e-tron can it be charged while it’s moving?
Charging management makes up the second leg of the objective triangle for Audi development. While cars in the medium-size class and full-size class can charge at up to 7.4 kW, the compact class PHEVs charge at 2.9 kW and 3.6 kW, respectively. For instance, utilizing an industrial power outlet to charge the battery takes two and a half to four and a half hours. The larger classes have a bigger battery and, as a result, a higher charging capacity because they use more electricity.
Most PHEV owners charge their cars once or twice a day, typically in their garage after work or on weekends. They can use certified Volkswagen Naturstrom, which is produced using only renewable energy sources, at home if they so choose.
95 percent of all private journeys in Germany are under 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) and 99 percent are under 100 kilometers (62.1 mi), according to research done by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. This indicates that the plug-in hybrid models from Audi serve the majority of their target market. In the NEDC, the Q3 and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e travel up to 61 kilometers (36.7 mi) on purely electric power, while the Q8 55 TFSI e travels up to 59 kilometers (36.7 mi) (37.9 mi). With no local emissions, the little A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e may travel up to 78 kilometers (48.5 miles).
Audi’s e-tron Charging Service makes it easy to recharge while driving. It provides access to around 155,000 AC charging points throughout 26 European nations with only one card. The compact charging system with a cable for household and commercial power sockets and a mode 3 cable with a type 2 connector for public charging terminals are included as standard equipment with all plug-in hybrid vehicles from Audi.
By enabling users to access the Audi connect services on their smartphones, the myAudi app enhances the convenience of daily living. Customers can initiate charging operations, set a charge timer, check the battery and range status remotely, and obtain charge and consumption statistics. The charging stations at the present location as well as the destination are shown via the app and the vehicle. Before driving off, the app can be used to warm up or cool down the vehicle. By using electricity from an electrical socket, customers can keep the vehicle’s electric range intact. They can use the pre-entry climate control to turn on the steering wheel, seats, mirror, windshield, and rear window, as well as the seat ventilation, depending on how equipped they are.
Is the Audi A3 e-tron a hybrid electric vehicle?
The Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron exhibits strength and style in typical Audi way. A plug-in hybrid car, as indicated by the E-Tron badge, features a battery pack that, when completely charged, can carry the car a respectable distance without using the engine, saving gas.
What caused the A3 e-tron to be retired?
Due to the implementation of WLTP emissions standards, Audi has discontinued the A3 Sportback e-tron, joining a number of other plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the Audi Q7 e-tron.
The German company said that procedural changes, not other factors like sales success, were to blame for the adjustment. In the UK last year, 637 A3 Sportback e-trons were sold in total.
Audi e-tron: an electric vehicle?
quattro. The renowned quattro all-wheel drive system provides an improved driving experience by enhancing acceleration and handling. pulling power. The e-tron is an electric SUV that actually functions like an SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs when properly outfitted.
How long does it take an Audi A3 e-tron to charge?
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron may be fully charged in as little as 2:30 hours with a charging power of up to 3.7 kW. In the technical information below, charging times for your Audi A3 Sportback e-tron are mentioned.
Is the all-wheel drive on the Audi A3 e-tron?
How it works: The only A3 hatchback available in the United States is the Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid. It only comes with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. You may recharge the plug-in battery while operating the vehicle on the freeway thanks to a special driver-selected mode. New 18-inch alloy wheels are offered with the Sport Package for 2018.
How long does a battery in an Audi A3 Etron last?
Since the sole six-speed S tronic automatic version of the A3 Sportback e-tron was available, all of them share the same mechanical components. An 8.8kWh battery pack allows for a maximum theoretical range of 584 miles while utilizing both gasoline and electricity.
For the A3 e-tron, there was only one trim level initially offered, although it had a substantial amount of equipment. The 17-inch alloy wheels, GPS, eight-speaker stereo with DAB, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, and multifunction steering wheel were all included for the buyers. All versions came standard with front and rear power windows, parking sensors, automatic headlights, and wipers.
White, black, and red were the only conventional colors; however, 15 other metallic and pearlescent shades were also offered, including silver, red, blue, green, grey, black, and white. All e-tron interiors were equipped with fabric trim as standard, although leather or leather and Alcantara trim could be had for a fee.
Other optional extras for the front seats exclusively were heated seats, electric lumbar adjustment, and electric adjustability. A fixed panoramic glass roof, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, cruise control (with adaptive cruise control, which costs extra money again), privacy glass, a rear parking camera, and front parking sensors are other features that you might wish to focus on.
Alternatives
The Volkswagen Golf GTE, which is fundamentally identical to the Audi A3 e-tron, is its main opponent. There isn’t much to differentiate them in terms of the driving experience, and both have really high-quality interiors. Additionally, their running expenses are probably going to be fairly comparable.
If the hatchback design is not necessary, you should consider the BMW 330e or Mercedes C 350 e, both plug-in hybrid vehicles that are only available in saloon form for the BMW and an estate version for the Mercedes. These vehicles are wonderful to drive, well crafted, and simple to live with, as you would expect from the brands that represent them.
The i3, which is offered as a range-extender or in pure-electric form, is another BMW that is worthwhile of consideration. The latter claims to have a range of up to 206 miles when combined with a tiny petrol motorbike engine; the electric-only model reduces this to just 125 miles.
Verdict
One of the sleekest vehicles in its class, if not the sleekest of them all, is the Audi A3. By releasing a plug-in hybrid that wasn’t as stunning as all of the other vehicles in the A3 lineup, Audi was never going to compromise. As a result, even if it’s not the cheapest option available, you can be confident that the A3 Sportback e-tron will be enjoyable to own.
As with any plug-in hybrid, the price is substantially higher than the same A3 model with a diesel or petrol engine. You must determine whether the cost is worthwhile, as our sister publication Auto Express noted in its initial evaluation of the A3 Sportback e-tron: “Compared to competing range-extenders, the hybrid configuration feels less well-resolved, and the drive is weakened by the heavier batteries. Finally, if you drive a lot, your fuel economy will suffer.”
Checklist
- Owners can communicate with their e-tron with a free app. This shows the battery pack’s current charge level and fuel consumption information. It also makes it possible to remotely adjust the climate control using a smartphone. You may also remotely control charging.
- As a plug-in hybrid, the A3 Sportback e-tron features a larger battery pack (8.8 kWh) than a conventional hybrid. It is able to go up to 31 miles in electric-only mode as a result.
- According to manufacturer estimates, the A3 Sportback e-tron may be fully charged in two hours 15 minutes or three hours and 45 minutes using a wallbox.
- There is an active bonnet installed, which means that in the case of a collision with a pedestrian, it will rise to provide protection. Sadly, it may also appear if an animal is struck, resulting in a significant price to make things right.
- Make sure the vehicle has both of the two charging cables that come standard with the e-tron. One is for using at home, while the other is for usage at public charging stations.
- When the back seats are folded, the e-boot tron’s can accommodate 1220 liters and 280 liters, respectively. 380 and 1,220 liters are the equivalent for A3s with conventional engines, which also come with 50 or 55-liter gasoline tanks as opposed to the e-40-liter tron’s capacity.
Running costs
- 29-33 insurance groups
- MPg on average: 166176
- Emissions of CO2: 3739 g/km
Although the A3 Sportback e-overall tron’s warranty was limited for three years, the battery pack’s warranty is for eight years or 100,000 miles. The interval between minor and major maintenance is set at 12 months or 9,000 kilometers. These cost $170 and $335, respectively, at the time of writing (October 2019), and a brake fluid change was also necessary every two years and cost an additional $65.
Every five years or 140,000 miles, the 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine that powers the e-tron needs to have its cambelt replaced. An authorized Audi dealer will charge a fairly high 725 for this service.