Audi reveals another A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid with more power

Electricity gains a little more velocity in the Audi A3 range, as a new, more powerful 45 TFSI e version of the Sportback lines up alongside the recently launched 40 TFSI e model, bringing prospective buyers of the A3 Sportback a choice of outputs for the first time at this level.

Like the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, the new A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is equipped with a 1.4-litre combustion engine with 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, which is complemented by a permanently excited synchronous electric motor contributing 107bhp and 330Nm of torque. Peak system output is 242bhp and 400Nm of torque.

The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic transmission, which drives the front wheels. It is fed by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be fully recharged in around five hours using a domestic AC wall charger.

The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e accelerates form zero to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 232km/h. A maximum speed of 140km/h can be achieved solely on electric power, with a range of up to 60km. 

In 'Auto Hybrid' mode, which is the main operating mode, the combustion engine and the electric motor divide the work intelligently. Depending on the situation and the driver's preference, the car can coast, recuperate - in overrun mode and while braking - or boost by fully engaging the electric motor and engine.

When the driver selects the 'Battery hold' or 'Battery charge' modes, the hybrid management maintains the state of charge of the battery at a constant level or increases it in a targeted manner. Electric drive can be prioritised using the EV button, and further functions are also controllable via the central MMI display, the S tronic transmission or the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The status of the hybrid drive system is presented to the driver on the 10.1-inch MMI Touch display and in the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The former displays information on the energy flow between the various components, and the latter features a power meter that displays the system's output and operating mode, the recuperation activity, the battery's state of charge and the range.

Externally, exclusive S line styling details are a black styling package that darkens elements such as the grille surround, window cappings and door mirror housings, and 18-inch 5-Y-spoke design alloy wheels in graphite grey.

The head light and taillights with their dynamic rear indicators use LED technology as standard, and can be optionally upgraded to include Matrix LED head light units that illuminate with even more depth and precision and feature dynamic cornering lights. The digital daytime running lights comprise of 15 LED segments which generate an E-shaped light signature - the symbol of the plug-in hybrid drive.