Another week, another new plug-in hybrid from Audi, to join the growing ranks of its TFSIe lineup. This time it's the turn of the A3 Sportback, which gets a '45 TFSIe' model to sit alongside the existing 40 TFSIe.
245hp power output
The A3 45 TFSIe gets the same combo of 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine combined with an 80kW electric motor and a 13kWh battery pack. Combined, the 45 TFSIe gets 245hp and 400Nm of torque. That's 41hp and 50Nm more than the 40 TFSIe. Driving through a six-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox, the A3 45 TFSIe will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
63km electric range on a fully charged battery
It'll go quite a distance on just the battery, too. Fully charged, Audi claims that the A3 45 TFSIe has an electric-only range of 74km on the old NEDC test cycle, or 63km on the newer, more realistic WLTP test. CO2 emissions are as low as 31g/km, and if you've got enough charge and enough room (and a handy Autobahn) you can get it up to 140km/h in electric mode.
Four driving modes
As with most plug-in hybrids, there are four driving modes - electric only, auto hybrid, battery hold (which keeps whatever charge you have in the battery for later) and battery charge (which tops up the battery as you drive). The A3 45 TFSIe also has brake-energy recuperation and an engine coasting mode to help eke out a few more mpg.
Looks-wise, the A3 45 TFSIe gets a black surround for the grille, and optional Matrix LED headlights - which have an 'e-for-electric' lighting signature for daytime running. There are also bigger brakes than those of the 40 TFSIe model (340mm at the front) and inside you get sports seats, tinted windows, two-zone automatic air conditioning, and the convenience key.
Prices in Germany start at €40,395 before taxes and incentives, and we'll have Irish prices and specs in due course.