{"id":2626,"date":"2020-12-09T12:21:55","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T18:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/?p=2626"},"modified":"2020-12-09T12:21:55","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T18:21:55","slug":"audi-a3-sportback-45-tfsi-e-plug-in-hybrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/2020\/12\/09\/audi-a3-sportback-45-tfsi-e-plug-in-hybrid\/","title":{"rendered":"WORLD PREMIERE: Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid"},"content":{"rendered":"

This new generation of Audi A3 has been impressing journalists and enthusiasts alike. While it\u2019s not the sportiest premium hatchback, nor the most fun to drive, it\u2019s a surprisingly well-rounded machine that\u2019s enjoyable to own and live with. Sweetening the deal even further is the arrival of a new hybrid model \u2014 the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e.<\/p>\n

Under the hood of this new hybrid A3 is a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On its own, the engine develops 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. However, an electric motor provides an additional 107 horsepower (80 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque.<\/p>\n

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Static photo,
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So despite having a tiny, efficiency-minded engine, the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e has a combined system power output of 241 horsepower (180 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. That gives it almost Audi S3 levels of power, despite being far more efficient, returning a US MPG of 156.8\u2013168.0 (1.5 to 1.4 liters per 100 kilometers).<\/p>\n

All of that power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to only the front wheels. Though, the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e isn\u2019t as quick as the S3. According to Audi, 0-62 mph takes 6.8 seconds. That\u2019s relatively slow, considering its power output, but you can blame its additional weight from the 13 kWh battery pack and electric motor.<\/p>\n

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Cockpit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hybrid A3 has all of the same hybrid driving modes as every other hybrid Audi. So there\u2019s a Battery Hold mode, which uses the engine and electric motor to hold the battery charge at a specific level, to save it for a specific time. There\u2019s Battery Charge mode, which uses the engine to increase the amount of battery charge until it\u2019s full. Auto Hybrid is pretty self-explanatory, using both the engine and electric motor as the car sees fit. Lastly, there\u2019s an EV mode that prioritizes using electric power only, as long as possible.<\/p>\n

In terms of visuals, the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e is one of the sportier looking A3 models and is a handsome hatchback. It looks sharp, athletic and premium, without much hint to its hybrid nature. So owners will be able to reap the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without being shouty about it.<\/p>\n