Beatrice Lang
Audi's smallest hybrid, the Audi A3, is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an impressive range. The A3 Sportback TFSI e has a good crash safety rating, but many Audi owners report faults with their cars. The A3 TFSI e is intended to be topped up at home overnight and takes four to five hours to charge. The Audi A3 PHEV has a 12.8 kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 10.4 kWh, offering a range of 36 to 39 miles, though this is closer to 30 miles in summer and 25 miles in winter. However, the new Audi A3 plug-in hybrid has an increased range of 88 miles, thanks to its more powerful 25.7 kWh battery, which is almost double the capacity of its predecessor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric Range | 88 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 19.7 kWh |
| Charging Speed | 50 kW |
| Engine Power | 201 bhp |
| Top Speed | 140 mph |
| Acceleration | 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | Varies with conditions and wheel size |
| CO2 Emissions | Varies with conditions and wheel size |
| Company Car Tax Rating | 8% or 12% depending on wheel size |
| Boot Space | 100 litres smaller than other Sportbacks |
| Weight | 400 kg heavier than standard A3 |
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What You'll Learn
The Audi A3 PHEV has an all-electric range of 88 miles
The Audi A3 PHEV gets a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 10.4kWh. This allows for an impressive range of between 36 and 39 miles, according to official tests. However, in real-world conditions, the range is likely to be closer to 25-30 miles, depending on the season.
The A3 TFSI e offers impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures, with a top-notch interior and low company car tax. However, it may not be the most practical option for everyone, as it loses some boot space compared to the non-plug-in version and has a softer suspension setup.
Despite this, the Audi A3 PHEV is a nice car to live with and spend time in. It is a familiar, premium take on the traditional family hatchback, with a good crash safety rating. It is also cheaper to buy than its key rivals, the Mercedes A250 e PHEV and BMW 225e Active Tourer PHEV.
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The Audi A3 TFSI e has a sought-after badge and a top-notch interior
The Audi A3 TFSI e is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle PHEV with an impressive electric-only range of 88 miles, according to some sources. This range is almost double that of its predecessor, the A3 PHEV, which offered a range of around 30-40 miles. The A3 TFSI e's battery capacity has been boosted from 13kWh to 19.7kWh, and it now features fast charging at speeds of up to 50kW.
The Audi A3 TFSI e has garnered attention for more than just its range. The vehicle bears the sought-after Audi badge and boasts a top-notch interior, with one review claiming it has "the best interior finish in the class". The A3 TFSI e is a five-door 'Sportback' hatchback, offering a practical choice for those seeking a premium vehicle.
However, it is important to note that the A3 TFSI e loses some boot space compared to the non-plug-in version due to the placement of the hybrid system batteries under the boot floor. This results in approximately 100 litres less boot capacity, and the need to stow the charging cable in the boot further reduces the available space.
The Audi A3 TFSI e offers two driving modes: EV mode and standard Hybrid mode. In Hybrid mode, the car decides when to switch between petrol and electric power, allowing for efficient shuffling between the two power sources. The ability to select EV mode ensures that drivers can utilise electric power when needed, such as during city driving or short commutes, while conserving battery power for longer journeys.
While the Audi A3 TFSI e has impressive features and performance, it may not be the most practical or cost-effective choice for everyone. Some reviews mention the high cost of additional extras, and the fact that key rival PHEVs offer longer electric ranges and better value for company car buyers, who make up a significant portion of plug-in hybrid purchasers. Nonetheless, the Audi A3 TFSI e remains a desirable option for those seeking a premium driving experience, a top-notch interior, and a sought-after badge.
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The Audi A3 is cheaper to buy than its key rivals
The Audi A3 is a premium hatchback that combines family car practicality with a touch of luxury. The latest model adds futuristic tech and a sophisticated driving experience. However, it is a bit more expensive than some of its rivals.
The Audi A3 TFSI e is a plug-in hybrid with impressive specifications. It has a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 10.4kWh, offering a range of 36 to 39 miles in official tests. In real-world usage, this range is closer to 30 miles in summer and 25 miles in winter. The A3 TFSI e offers low company car tax due to its fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Despite its impressive features, the Audi A3 is cheaper to buy than its key rivals, the Mercedes A250 e PHEV and BMW 225e Active Tourer PHEV. These rivals have a longer range on electric power, resulting in lower Benefit-in-Kind company car tax. Additionally, the Audi A3 PHEV has slower charging capabilities compared to some competitors, with a charging time of up to four hours, even at a dedicated home car charger.
While the Audi A3 offers a premium experience, there are more affordable alternatives available. For example, the Ford Focus is a more affordable option with plenty of rear-seat space and an easy-to-use interior. The Toyota Corolla is another comfortable and futuristic option, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
If you're looking for a used car, there are several options that are cheaper than a new Audi A3. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, for instance, offers a premium experience with excellent build quality and can be found on the used market for around $10,000. The BMW 2 Series Coupe is another powerful option, with prices for a used model starting around $23,000.
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The Audi A3 has good crash safety ratings
The Audi A3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has an electric range of 36 to 39 miles according to official tests, but this is likely to be closer to 30 miles in summer and 25 miles in winter. The Audi A3 TFSI e has impressive specifications for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. However, these numbers can be difficult to replicate in real-world driving.
The Audi A3 is equipped with dual frontal, side chest and side head airbags (curtains), as well as a driver knee airbag as standard. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard features. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is available as an optional extra. The car is also fitted with advanced seat belt reminders for all seats.
The Audi A3 has undergone safety tests by Euro NCAP, and the results apply to Australasian variants of the vehicle. While the NHTSA has not conducted NCAP crash tests for the 2023 A3, the vehicle has been introduced in Australia and New Zealand since 2013, with ANCAP safety ratings available.
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The Audi A3 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
The A3 is a five-door 'Sportback' hatchback, offering a practical option for those seeking a plug-in hybrid. It features a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 10.4kWh, resulting in an official electric range of 36 to 39 miles. However, in real-world conditions, the range is typically closer to 30 miles in summer and 25 miles in winter.
The Audi A3 PHEV provides two driving modes: EV mode and standard Hybrid mode. The standard Hybrid mode allows the car to seamlessly switch between petrol and electric power, optimizing efficiency. Additionally, the A3 PHEV can be charged at home overnight using a wallbox charger or a regular domestic socket, although it lacks the rapid-charging capability of pure-electric vehicles.
While the Audi A3 PHEV offers a premium experience, some reviewers note that it falls short in certain aspects. The electric range and CO2 emissions are important considerations for PHEV buyers, and rivals like the Mercedes A250 e PHEV and BMW 225e Active Tourer PHEV offer longer electric ranges and lower company car tax. Additionally, the Audi A3 e-tron, the plug-in hybrid variant of the A3, has a reduced boot space due to the placement of the hybrid system batteries and a softer suspension setup to accommodate the extra weight.
Despite these drawbacks, the Audi A3 PHEV remains a solid choice for those seeking a plug-in hybrid vehicle. With its sleek design, efficient performance, and improved battery capacity in newer models, it presents a competitive option in the market.
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Frequently asked questions
The Audi A3 plug-in hybrid has an electric range of 88 miles, which is one of the longest ranges of any plug-in hybrids on the market.
The Audi A3 PHEV gets a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 10.4kWh. The battery can also now be fast-charged at speeds of up to 50kW.
The Audi A3 PHEV has an impressive range of 88 miles, which is more than twice the range of the previous model. However, competitors such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Mercedes A-Class PHEV offer a higher range, covering more than 50 miles on electric power.
The charging time of the Audi A3 PHEV depends on the charging method. With a dedicated home car charger, it takes around four hours to fully charge the battery. The A3 PHEV also supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.
The Audi A3 hybrid electric is available in two trim levels: the 40 TFSI e and the 45 TFSI e. The 40 TFSI e offers a combined 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 45 TFSI e has 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
