2015 Audi A3 e-tron: Mastering Electrons

L’Audi A3 rechargeable hybrid is available in two engines. In “entry -level”, the 40 TFSI version associates a 4 -cylinder petrol 1.4 liter TFSI 150 hp and an electric motor of only 55 kW (75 hp). The whole provides a maximum power of 204 hp and a torque of 350 nm in peak. The compact preserves its performance with a 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 227 km/h.

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

By receiving the e-tron label, the A3 becomes the first Audi rechargeable hybrid . In turn real electric or hybrid, apparently the cocktail takes well with more than 900 km of autonomy announced and high -level approval. What we went to check on the roads of Austria. Vienne (Austria) – of our special Twitter envoy: @Aa_Turbo

Click here to consult our Audi A3 e-tron photo gallery As much to cut short, we could not reach the very utopian and theoretical 1.5 l /100 km on average (for 35 g of CO2 /km) praised by the technical sheet. Let this leave the sleight of hand of the European approval cycle and marketing. This A3 e-tron has at least the merit of illustrating a trend: the rechargeable hybrid, plug-in for tolerants to anglicism, presents itself as the only viable and durable alternative to all-electric. Large of autonomy and performance constraints, endowed with a versatility of “real” car, this type of propulsion is increasingly posed as the only technological model capable of democratizing (to some extent) the self. Soon will follow the VW Golf GTE, twin sister of the A3 e-tron.

What’s new on the A3 ?

Compared to a simple A3 Sportback (only bodywork offered in e-tron), almost nothing at first glance: on board, specific instrumentation is the only index. The tachometer is replaced by a power and energy operating reserve indicator, assisted by a graphic in the center of the handset. In addition to the grille, the few logos and the shields with slightly retouched aerodynamics, we note that the rings come to reveal the recharge plug. This allows you to recharge the 8.8 kWh battery on a classic 220V socket between 3:30 and 4 hours, and in 2 hours on a 16A network . Regarding mechanics, the A3 e-tron takes up a known thermal block, namely 4-cylinder 1.4 TFSI 150 hp petrol. The electric motor, integrated between the TFSI and the S-Tronic box, develops 102 hp and 330 Nm of torque. Or 204 hp in combined power. Three walking methods are offered: EV (100 % electric), hybrid (thermal and electric), and all thermal, forcing the load of batteries. In addition, energy recovery in deceleration and freewheel have been optimized.

what does it change ?

Habitability remains intact. On the other hand, the trunk gives 100 l to the litium-ion battery, housed in the space usually devoted to the spare wheel and storage under the double floor: its minimum capacity drops to 280 l. On the road, we are far from the erratic functioning of the A6 and Q5 hybrids, which take a hell of a stroke of old. Completely transparent to use, the system offers a remarkable softness of walking in cast driving. We especially appreciate his silence, including in hybrid mode with the thermal interventions. There is hardly only in high acceleration, which has been overcoming for example, that it can braille a little too high in the towers while waiting for the S-Tronic box to react. We especially take advantage of a real all-electrical mode, without untimely interruption of thermal, up to 130 km/h. At this appearance, it will obviously not be necessary to count on the 50 km of the promised action radius. In total, we were able to travel 35 km without resorting to petrol once. No need to brutalize it, even if its accelerations are perennial: 0 to 60 km/h in 3.9 s in all electric, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 s. On the other hand, the electrical device generates 300 kg more (1540 kg). Overweight, without effect on the overall neutral behavior of the A3, becomes sensitive on country roads at good speed. More penalizing, the low -resistance gums Pirelli Cinuturato Blue quickly cry out their limits. Given the virtuous vocation of the A3 e-tron, one can be forgiving on this reproach. A little less on the other hand on damping, too firm for a compact zen spirit.. .

We did not take advantage, on our brief testing, possibilities of recharging in the mains. Interest in the use of plug-in hybrid relates to this point. Result, after having emptied our batteries in town, we led our A3 as any classic hybrid. By maximizing the energy recovery and recharging times via the thermal, we arrived at an average of 5.6 l/100 km. A correct figure, given the not always tender rhythm that we inflicted on it. By using the almost daily domestic load (to which it is intended logically), this value would drop significantly. Without reaching, of course, the whimsical 1.5 l of the advertising argument.

2015 Audi A3 e-tron: Mastering Electrons

Audi, The Ingolstadtadtad-Based Automaker, has just released its first rechargeable hybrid in Europe. The Audi A3 E-Tron Will then Makes Its Way to Canada by the Summer of 2015. We Travelled to Vienna, Austria, To Meet This NewComer, Which Balances Seemingly Irreciscable Priorities: Efficiency and Driving Pleasure.

The a3 e-tron only comes as a five-door sportback, and it keeps its hybrid status secret-or just about. From the outside, the only notebooks BETWEEN THIS VEHICLE AND ITS Conventional counters are it its black grille and unique rear spoiler. Inside, the dashboard is the same, too, with the only visual tip-off being the “EV” Switch Above the A/C System. On the Left of the Instrument Cluster is a gauge that indicates the amnt of power used/generated by the electric motor when the vehicle decelerates. On the right is just a regular speedometer.

Slightly Less Spacious

Adding the liquid-coolded 8.8-KWH Lithium-ion Battery Under the Rear Seats forced Audi to reduce the size of the fuel tank from 50 liters to 40. The Cargo Hold is just 100 liters Smaller Than in the Conventional A3 Sportback, Meaning That the Hybrid Offers 280 liters of Cargo Space When the Seats Are Up and 1,120 liters when the Seatbacks Are Folded Down. As Always with Audi Vehicles, the Quality of Assembly, Fit and Trim is Perfect. It’s also very easy to find a great driving position.

It’s not unit you notice the outlet hidden under the oven-ring logo on the grille or unit the hood that you realize that the a3 e-tron is powered by what might call a kinetic chain! This chain included a clutch and a 75-kw Electric Motor, which is tucked between at 150-horsepower 1.4-Litre Four-cylinder Gas Engine and a Six-Speed ​​Dual-Clutch Gearbox That Transmits Power To The Front Wheels Only.

The Audi A3 e-tron is therefore Just a Front-Wheel Drive. Unfortunately, the hybrid model can’t be equipped with the brand’s renowned quattro all-yourel drive system. The combined output of the Two Engines is 204 HorsePower and Maximum Torque is 258 lbs.-FT. The e-tron version weights in at 1.540 kilograms, which is about 300 kilos more than a convention a3 sportback, yet it can still reach 100 kilometers per hour in 7.6 seconds. It can also attain 130 kilometers per hour in electric mode, and its top speed is 222 kilometers per hour.

Various Electric Modes

When you start the a3 e-tron, it’s default Setting is electric mode (EV), as long as the ambient temperature is about 10 degrees, and it is able to accelerate energy with each green light. Drivers can also opt to drive in charge mode, which allows you to recharge the battery as fast as possible while driving. Meanwhile, Hybrid Hold Mode Will Store Energy in the Battery for Later Use. In Auto Mode, The Vehicle USES Electric Energy Along With The Combustion Engine in an Optimal Combination Designed to Keep Fuel Consuption Down, Even over long distances.

At this introductory event, i first drh. This trip was done in Entirely in Electric Mode, and the Vehicle Had No Problem With Cold Acceleration or Negotiating Heavy Traffic. Once the Battery was rechargeed-A Process that Takes 3 Hours and 45 minutes Using A 240-Volt Outlet or 2 Hours and 15 minutes Using the Special Quick Charge Provided by Audi-I Took the A3 E-Tron Out for An 83-Kilometre Jaunt In the City and the Countryside, which included 34.7 kilometers of Electric Driving and 48.3 kilometers of Gas-Power Driving. This results in an average fuel consumption of 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

Very, very good

What Really Struck Me is that the audi a3 e-tron offers a much more pleasant driving experience than the toyota prius or chevrolet volt. First because the chassis is Rigid and remarkably Well-Balanced. Then because the car comes with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and not a horrible cvt. Combined, these Two Aspects Ensure The A3 E-Ton Remukable Handling on Country Roads. It may not be as sporty as a volkswagen gti, but it is nonetheless very enjoyable to drive. The suspension has been calibrated to be firm, while the steering gives you a good feel for the road. You never get the Sense that you’ve sacrificed dynamism or fun just to get great fuel elonomy. In this case, the Two Aspects Go Hand-in-Hand.

The Audi A3 e-tron is expected to arrive in Canada in the second quarter of 2015, but the price in canadian dollars has yet to be Determined. To give you an idea, However, The New Model is Currently Being Sold in Germany for € 37,900. While this vehicle is extremely efficient when outdoor temperatures are pleasant, the a3 e-tron is not likely to perform as well in the dead of canadian winter. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius Will Keep the Combustion Engine Running Constantly. Also, since the hybrid version doesn’t come with all-wheeel drive, its winter handling will be less reassuring that of the convention a3 (which has the quattro system). These Two Factors are sure to be this vehicle’s weakness, in Addition to the fact that it’s likely to cost a bit more.

Drive Report test
Test Model	2015 Audi A3
Trim Level	e-tron
Price Range	N / A
Price as tested	N / A
Warranty (Basic)	N / A
Warranty (PowerTrain)	N / A
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Observed)	N/A/N/A/3.4 L/100KM
Options	N / A
Competitive Models	Chevrolet Volt
Strong points	N / A
Weak Points	N / A
Editor’s Rating
Fuel Economy	4.5/5 year Average of 3.4 l/100 km we have that combined city and country roads.
Value	4.0/5 hard to say since the price has been been announced.
Styling	4.0/5 The Classic Look of An A3 Sportback.
Comfort	4.0/5 Comfortable and dynamic.
Performance	3.5/5 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
Overall	4.5/5 The A3 e-tron doesn’t Sacrifice Dynamism for the Sake of Outstanding Fuel Economy.

Audi A3 rechargeable hybrid

Configure your Audi A3 vehicle rechargeable hybrid or ask for a free trial.

First rechargeable hybrid model of the Audi brand in 2014, the one that responded to the A3 e-tron continuous appellation for a second generation A3 TFSI, on the roads in the fall of 2020 with a larger battery, and autonomy until 67 km electric.

Dimensions and style of the Audi A3 rechargeable hybrid

Just like the first generation ofA3 rechargeable hybrid, No difference is notable with the petrol and diesel versions. The compact only uses the 5 -door “sportback” body, with identical dimensions, 4 cm longer than before (4.34 m), 3 cm wider (1.82 m) and 3 cm higher (1 , 45 m). The trunk once again loses 100 liters of volume against the thermal versions, or 280 liters under tablet.

The cabin, still borrowed from thermal versions, differs only by its meters indicating electrical use or the battery level. An additional command also offers the three driving modes: hybrid, electric and Hold battery (level maintenance).

Audi engines & battery rechargeable hybrid

L’Audi A3 rechargeable hybrid is available in two engines. In “entry -level”, the 40 TFSI version associates a 4 -cylinder petrol 1.4 liter TFSI 150 hp and an electric motor of only 55 kW (75 hp). The whole provides a maximum power of 204 hp and a torque of 350 nm in peak. The compact preserves its performance with a 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 227 km/h.

More powerful, the A3 45 TFSI e uses the same 150 horsepower petrol block but this time associates it with an electric block of 80 kW (109ch). Combining 245 horsepower and 400 Nm, the set allows 232 km/h of maximum speed and a 0 to 100 km/h shot in 6.8 seconds.

In 45 TFSI version, the rechargeable hybrid A3 benefits from specific aesthetic elements.

Autonomy and recharge of the Audi A3 e-tron

The battery of the rechargeable hybrid is identical on all versions. Established under the trunk, it accumulates 13 kWh in total.

With such a battery, the rechargeable hybrid A3 allows 100% electric autonomy of 59 to 67 km depending on the WLTP cycle. The consumption of the electric motor would be 14.1 l/100 km to 15.3 kWh/100 km.

In mixed driving, fuel consumption oscillates between 1 and 1.2 l/100 km on WLTP cycle. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions between 24 and 31 g/km. Audi also communicates the unleaded demand when driving in hybrid mode, empty battery, or 5.9 to 6.5 l/100 km or 134 to 148 g/km of CO2.

The recharging no longer goes through the grille but a hatch on the front left of the vehicle, in contrast to that of the fuel. The on -board charger allows two load speeds: classic on domestic socket at 1.8 kW and accelerated at 2.9 kW on Green’Up type socket in 4 hours.

Prix ​​and equipment of the Audi A3 hybrid rechargeable

The A3 40 TFSI begins its controls in October 2020, for first deliveries in November. The range is more accessible than on the first version, with a price from 38.100 €.

The Compact Teutonne also offers a larger range with 4 finishes: A3, Design, S Line and Luxury Design. A fifth “Business Line” version dedicates to professionals and businesses at 41.950 €.

More expensive, the 45 TFSI version is adorned with aesthetic elements and specific equipment. It starts from 44.400 €.

Here is the details of the equipment by level:

Audi A3 TFSI E standard equipment
Following serial equipment from the Audi A3 TFSI

Business Line levels

Endowment of the A3 S line

The A3 Design finish

The list of equipment of the A3 TFSI e Design Luxe

Photo gallery of the Audi A3 40 TFSI E (2020)

The former Audi A3 e-tron (2012-2019)

The first generation of the compact hybrid rechargeable was found A3 e-tron. She was available from the summer of 2014 and stopped her career in 2019.

L’A3 e-tron looks like thermal models in every way. The exterior is based on the 5 -door sportback silhouette and detonates through its generous grille enhanced by worked headlights, all embellished by 16 -inch alloy rims. The German, however, undergoes a 100 -liter narrowed trunk and the removal of many storage. Nevertheless, the A3 e-tron can comfortably accommodate four people. The driving position incorporates a counter dedicated to the electric part, the rest responding to the brand’s typical ergonomic.

The A3 e-tron associates the petrol engine 1.4 TSI 150 horsepower and an electric block of 134 horsepower. They have a maximum of 204 horsepower, and are accompanied by a 6 -speed gearbox. On the performance side, the Audi A3 e-tron climbs 0 to 100 km in 7.6 seconds, and reached a top speed of 222 km/h. In terms of petrol consumption, the Audi A3 E-Tron claimed 4.5 liters per 100 km in fuel mode, and up to 1.5 l/100 km in hybrid mode.

Its 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery gives an electrical autonomy of around 50 km (NEDC). In real autonomy, it was necessary to count 35 to 45 km on the road or 25 to 30 km on the highway. The Audi A3 e-tron can recharge in 2 ways, via the hatch in the grille: by domestic socket 240V/8A or Wallbox 16A delivered with the car.

The A3 e-tron was first available in a single ambient finish, including among other reversing radar, cruise control, and Bluetooth. It then offered two finish levels – Luxury design or design – and displayed a basic price of 41.€ 400 at the end of his career.