For those who find the Volkswagen Golf GTE a bit too ordinary, the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe is a great alternative. As with its half-brother Q3, the plug-in hybrid variant delivers 245 hp.
Anyone who is in the market for a plug-in hybrid, but still wants to stand out from the crowd, can soon report to the Audi dealer for the stylish looking, but equally environmentally friendly A3 and Q3 with the long type name TFSIe. The compact Audi’s logically share their technology with two models from the VW stable, namely the Golf GTE and the Tiguan e-Hybrid. The propulsion is provided by a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine with an output of 150 hp, which is supported by an electric motor that delivers a maximum of 115 hp. With the less powerful A3 40 TFSIe this gives a system power of 150 kW / 204 hp; the even more powerful A3 45 TFSIe and the only available as 45 TFSIe Q3 even offer an impressive 180 kW / 245 hp.
The bear is loose
In practice, the strong power ensures powerful and, above all, smooth acceleration. In ‘EV’ mode, which of course is only available as long as the energy level in the 13-kWh battery is high enough, the compact PHEVs from Audi are already thriving. The 330 Nm of the electric motor immediately gives you a big boost when driving off. When the 250 Newton meters of the turbo engine are added, the bear is loose. Then the acceleration is so strong that the front wheels can no longer keep up on wet roads. Fortunately, the Audi engineers have made sure that even then, the steering is executing the commands effectively and accurately. You only hear the front wheels looking for grip and the ESP light flashes happily.
Driving pleasure is therefore a must in these plug-in hybrids. This is especially true in the ‘Dynamic’ driving mode, in which the petrol engine remains on continuously. Then the eco versions spontaneously change into fun cars. Auto Hybrid mode is enabled by default when starting. The drive tasks are then distributed over both motors in such a way that both perform their tasks at the optimum efficiency. If you have selected ‘EV’ mode, you drive fully electric. The petrol engine only jumps in when there is really no other option, for example if you fully press the accelerator. Only the petrol engine is active in the ‘Battery Hold’ and ‘Battery Charge’ modes; the power in the battery is then saved for the later ‘EV’ ride. The petrol engine can also charge the battery while driving. Via the socket you can charge the A3 45 TFSIe with a maximum of 2.9 kW, the Q3 45 TFSIe with a maximum of 3.6 kW. This can be done at type 2 charging stations or at a wallbox. Charging takes approximately five hours via the regular or the three-phase power socket at home.
Range
The 13 kWh in the battery in the A3 45 TFSIe is sufficient under ideal conditions to cover a maximum of 78 kilometers electrically, in the heavier and larger Q3 the range is still 61 kilometers. The Audi A3 feels like it’s molded around you, especially when you’re sitting in the back seat. With the Q3, the extra body length of 14 centimeters, in particular, benefits the legroom. You also have a generous feeling of space in the larger Q3, especially when the standard roof is mounted. In the lower Q3 Sportback, your head is closer to the headliner in the back than is desirable. All three variants offer the pleasure of being able to drive silently through the city, at least if you charge the battery pack consistently.
Audi has not reinvented the plug-in hybrid with these cars, but the total package makes an impression. Both the A3 and the Q3 drive remarkably well, the battery delivers a pleasant dose of power and a reasonable electric range. The fact that both Audis also look beautiful is of course a bonus. Everyone can decide for themselves what the best car is.