Audi has already introduced the updated A3 hatchback to the Irish market, but following the diesel, petrol, and mild-hybrid versions comes the updated A3 TFSIe plug-in hybrid.
25kWh battery
This generation of A3 PHEV gets a much bigger battery than before, a 25kWh unit that gives it a potential electric range of up to 141km on the WLTP test. That’s comparable to the range of a first-generation Nissan Leaf, yet the Audi has a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a fuel tank on board for longer journeys.
That 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is more modern than the 1.4 TSI unit used by the previous A3 PHEV, so it’s more efficient when running as a normal hybrid once you’ve burned through the full charge of that bigger battery. The 1.5 engine has a higher compression ratio and higher pressure fuel injection, which help towards its improved efficiency.
204hp of combined power
That engine is combined with an 85kW electric motor and a six-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Combined, the two make 204hp and 350Nm of torque, giving a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds.
The official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are almost laughable - 6 to 9g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption of up to 941mpg. Of course, those are laboratory figures, but if you’re regularly plugging in and making full use of that 25kWh battery, you should be able to record some seriously impressive real-world figures.
Electric is dominant partner
The electric part of the hybrid system is designed to be the dominant partner, and the A3 TFSIe will always start under electric power, even if the outside temperature is as low as -28 degrees C. There’s a driving mode selector which allows you to choose fully electric running, automatic hybrid control, or, of course, to charge the battery as you drive. There’s an automatic system which, when you’ve entered a destination in the sat-nav, saves battery charge for zero-emissions urban driving, and the A3 has regenerative braking to top up the battery a little as you go, just like an electric car. That regenerative braking effect can slow the car at up to 0.3G, and can return up to 43kW of power to the battery at peak capacity.
There’s also a boost function, which, when you put your foot down hard enough to trigger the gearbox’s kick-down, automatically gives you an extra 40kW of electric power for a 15-18-second burst.
50kW rapid charging
When charging from the mains, the A3 TFSIe’s battery can charge at up to 11kW on AC power. Now, it can also use 50kW fast charging when you’re out and about, allowing you to top up the battery’s power on a long journey. A 10-80 per cent charge takes less than half an hour.
The A3 TFSIe is, of course, heavier than a conventional model, and much of that weight is at the rear of the car, but Audi says that: “The combination of slightly increased spring rates and a somewhat sportier damping behaviour ensures high ride quality and dynamics in equal measure. The electromechanical steering works sensitively and provides support depending on the driving speed. It offers a precise steering feel at high speeds, when parking the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e feels very easy to handle.”
Prices for the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e start at €51,410 and orders can be placed now.