A3 Sportback e-tron returns
Audi has announced the return of the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This model, available to order from mid-November and with first deliveries in early 2020, will be badged as the A3 Sportback 40 e-tron. Combining a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with a high-torque electric motor, it will generate 204PS and be capable of an all-electric range of up to 22 miles, with the petrol engine available for longer journeys.
The car matches some small specification changes with a big price reduction. Its new on the road price (OTR) of £32,800 is significantly less than the model’s previous OTR of £36,465. These specification changes mean that the revised A3 Sportback e-tron includes the following items of standard specification in addition to those found on the A3 Sportback Sport trim:
- Technology Package including Virtual Cockpit
- Flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles
- Advanced Key
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- High beam assist
- Pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition
- Active lane assist
- e-tron exterior badging and interior elements including e-tron logo on the door sill trims
Technical data
- As before, this model combines a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine producing 110 kW and a high-torque electric motor with a maximum power output of 75 kW
- Together, this creates a total output of 204 PS with 350 Nm of torque
- In all-electric mode, the revised hybrid A3 Sportback has a range of 22 miles (WLTP measured)
- The car's CO2 output is 45g/km
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) advantages
The table below shows the BIK advantages for company car drivers when choosing the A3 Sportback 40 e-tron over its non-hybrid, petrol combustion engine sibling. Over four years a 40% taxpayer will save over £3,600 based on the current government announced BiK bands.
| BiK Example - 20% Tax Payer | Fuel | P11D | CO2 | 2019/20 BiK band/monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Sport S tronic | Petrol | £27,355 | 118g/km | 27% / £124 |
| A3 Sportback 40 e-tron S tronic | Petrol hybrid | £32,745 | 45g/km | 16% / £88 |
| BiK Example - 40% Tax Payer | Fuel | P11D | CO2 | 2019/20 BiK band/monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Sport S tronic | Petrol | £27,355 | 118g/km | 27% / £247 |
| A3 Sportback 40 e-tron S tronic | Petrol hybrid | £32,745 | 45g/km | 16% / £175 |
Drive modes
The A3 Sportback e-tron boasts four different operating modes, which the driver can actively control – depending on certain factors such as the battery charge state and the speed. This is done with the EV button on the centre console or via the MMI system.
- Electric driving (EV) mode: EV mode gives priority to the electric motor. In this mode, the vehicle is almost always started electrically, except in very low temperatures, extreme heat or when the battery charge is very low. In EV mode the vehicle has a speed of up to 80mph. As soon as the driver presses the pedal beyond a certain resistance – say when overtaking – the petrol engine kicks in for additional power
- Consume battery charge (hybrid auto) mode: If this option is selected, the petrol and electric motor automatically work together (hybrid driving). The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron specifically uses its electric power to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – ideal for longer journeys
- Retain battery charge (hybrid hold) mode: If the driver wishes to save the electric power stored in the battery for later use in all-electric mode (EV), they can switch the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron to this special hybrid mode
- Increase battery charge (hybrid charge) mode: The high-voltage battery is recharged by the combustion engine. This causes an increase in fuel consumption, which in turn reduces efficiency
To find out more about the new A3 Sportback e-tron, or the recently announced plug-in hybrid variants of the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 models, please contact the Poole Audi sales team on 01202 983727.
For specialist advice, business decision-makers and company cars drivers should contact our local business team on 01202 724209.