Audi has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid version of its A3 hatchback, which is able to travel on electricity for an impressive 41 miles.
Joining Audi’s growing range of PHEV models, the new A3 40 TFSI e will be the second time a plug-in hybrid version of the A3 has been offered, following on from the A3 Sportback e-tron.
The powertrain mates together a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines with an electric motor and 13kWh battery – the latter enabling the impressive 41-mile electric range, with electric driving possible at speeds up to 87mph. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed S tronic automatic transmission.
While it becomes the quickest A3 derivative available, as it can accelerate to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, the 40 TFSI e is more about efficiency. Audi claims it’ll return 282.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 31g/km. These figures make it an ideal company car with a benefit-in-kind of just six per cent.
Drivers can choose how to use the electricity, with a ‘battery hold’ mode available to save the power for later, and a ‘battery charge’ function ensuring as much electricity as possible is supplied to the battery from the engine. More traditional EV and hybrid settings are also available. Its battery can also be charged in around four hours using a home wallbox.
The battery does eat into boot space, though, reducing the room on offer by 100 litres to 280 litres. Dropping the rear seats increases the capacity to 1,100 litres.
Two trim levels are available – Sport and S line – with standard equipment including digital dials, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels. S line models gain sports seats and a sportier styling kit.
Prices for the new Audi A3 40 TFSI e start from £33,060, with order books now open. First deliveries expected by the end of the year, with a more powerful plug-in hybrid model also set to join the range.
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