How you feel about car names that describe the technology within instead of a name that conjures the pleasure of driving is a matter of opinion. For example, this new version of the Audi A3 tells us that it is petrol and turbo powered but also a hybrid (with that strange lone ‘e’ in the name) and is a car that comes with a coupé styling. It looks and is quite quick, so why not call it something exciting like ‘Cyclone’? It’s a technological world, it seems.
About This A3 Variant
Premium German brand Audi always seems to get the details right in terms of fit and finish. In terms of styling this car looks, inside and out, like the regular model we featured here on MHH International back in March 2024. What’s changed is under the skin.
With a higher battery capacity, 50kW DC charging at fast-charging stations, and an electric range of up to 88 miles, the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e has received a comprehensive technology upgrade. Its intelligent drive management ensures outstanding efficiency, high recuperation performance, and emission-free local driving in everyday life. Further more, it is well priced for a prestige offering.
The Power
The new turbo-charged petrol engine, plus the supporting electric motor with increased power density, are at the heart of the drive system. The ‘1.5 TFSI evo2’ replaces the previous ‘1.4 TFSI’ and boasts a wide range of high-tech features. In addition to optimising combustion chamber cooling, the combination of the turbo-charger with variable turbine geometry and the Miller cycle, as well as the early closing of the intake valves, ensures a higher compression ratio. Thanks to this combustion process, the new unit operates with a high degree of efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. For the technically-minded if it’s of interest, injection takes place at a pressure of up to 350 bar. By comparison, the 1.4 TFSI reached a maximum of 200 bar. Plasma-coated cylinder liners reduce internal friction in the new engine. Pistons with cast-in cooling channels optimize combustion.
The electric drive is provided by a ‘permanently excited synchronous motor’, which now delivers 85kW (113bhp / 115PS equivalent). As with its predecessor, it is integrated into the housing of the six-speed ‘S tronic’ gearbox, which is now equipped with a more robust bearing to cope with the higher system output. It transfers the torque from the two ‘engines’ to the front axle. The dual-clutch transmission has an electric oil pump that ensures the change of gears and oil supply even when the TFSI is temporarily deactivated under electric-only driving.
The Battery
The gross capacity of the high-voltage battery is now 25.7kWh and has, therefore, almost doubled with nearly identical physical dimensions to the predecessor model. The net capacity is 19.7kWh. The developers have thus increased the electric range to up to 88 miles on the official cycle. A dedicated cooling circuit ensures the battery temperature is maintained in the optimum range.
With low, low emissions, the latest ‘1.5 litre TFSI evo2’ combustion engine, has a power output of 148bhp (150PS) and 250Nm of torque. Combined with the electric motor, peak power is 201bhp (204PS) and 350Nm. On the road, this means 0-62mph is possible in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph. The all-electric top speed is 87mph, so it’s no slouch in the eco-department either.
The Drive
The compact plug-in hybrid drive management is designed for high efficiency. Starting is always electric, even when the temperature drops down to minus 28°C. The driver can prioritize the electric drive with the EV button in the switch panel or by selecting it in the ‘multi media interface’ (MMI), which enables the vehicle to operate like a fully electric model. In ‘Auto Hybrid’ mode, the primary operating mode, the combustion engine and electric motor share the work intelligently – purely electric driving at low speeds, with the TFSI engine taking priority at higher speeds and often both drives together. Depending on the situation, the A3 Sportback 40TFSI e can coast, recuperate – both in thrust and braking – or boost together with the electric motor and TFSI. In addition, the hybrid management system keeps the battery charge level constant to save enough electrical energy for later use, for example, in a low-emission zone.
Compared to the conventionally powered A3, the axle load distribution in the plug-in hybrid is slightly more rear-heavy, with 55 percent on the front axle and 45 percent on the rear axle. This is due to the lithium-ion battery, which is located beneath the rear seat bench. The suspension and dampers have, therefore, been specifically tuned. The combination of slightly increased spring rates and a somewhat sportier damping behaviour ensures an excellent ride quality and dynamics in equal measure. The electromechanical steering works sensitively and provides support depending on the driving speed. It offers a precise steering feel at high speeds, yet when parking the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e feels very easy to handle. Progressive steering with a variable ratio depending on the steering angle is available as one of many options for an even more agile driving experience.
Energy recuperation occurs via the steering wheel paddles so when the driver takes the go-fast foot off the accelerator pedal, the 40 TFSI e coasts with the engines switched off, or the electric motor recuperates in overrun mode. This depends on the driving situation and, as mentioned, paddle options. When braking, the electric motor takes over the deceleration alone up to around 0.3G and thus covers the vast majority of all braking processes in everyday driving.
The hydraulic wheel brakes only come into play when you step harder on the brake pedal. This must surely save on brake pad erosion. This transition is almost imperceptible and recuperation remains active. When braking, the electric motor can recover up to 43kW of power. Like on Audi’s all-electric models, the steering wheel paddles are now used to control the degree of recuperation in EV mode for the first time. The optimum driving level is set in the background.
And Finally
Like the rest of the A3 line-up, the plug-in hybrid power-train is offered in Sport, S line, and Black Edition specifications. As standard, it is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and air conditioning as standard. Special displays provide information about the drive: the graphically revised power metre in the Audi virtual cockpit Plus shows the power currently being called up, the drive mode, the battery charge status, and the range. The MMI display also visualizes the energy flows, so all the information is available to the driver. This mix of EV power and a very fuel-efficient internal combustion may well be the true future of motoring; at least for now.
For information, MHH International export Audi vehicles (and many other brands) from the UK to global destinations that include Kenya, Ireland and New Zealand. Check out our website for details. Current stock of Audi cars can be found here.
