Compact hybrid with 245 PS system output: The Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e

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Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Static photo, Colour: Glacier white

Audi continues its electrification campaign in the compact class: Presales of the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e will start in Germany this week. The brand with the four rings is thereby complementing the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e with a sporty model that has more power and more extensive equipment. Its plug-in hybrid drive has a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of system torque.

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Static photo,
Colour: Glacier white

Like its sister model, the new A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is equipped with a 1.4-litre combustion engine. It outputs 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque. The electric drive is powered by a permanently excited synchronous machine that outputs 80 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque.

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Static photo,
Colour: Glacier white

Control software generates the extra 30 kW (41 PS) of system output and 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft) of torque as compared to the A3 40 TFSI e2. It regulates the optimum interplay between the two drives under maximum power requirements. The electric motor complements the combustion engine in the corresponding engine speed ranges.

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Static photo,
Colour: Glacier white

The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S Tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. A package consisting of 96 prismatic cells in the lithium-ion battery stores 13.0 kWh of energy. The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e1 charges with a maximum of 2.9 kW. An empty battery can be recharged in around five hours from a conventional domestic power socket.

Powerful performance and long-range

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Cockpit

With a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of system torque, the compact PHEV model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.8 seconds and continues up to a top speed of 232 km/h (144.2 mph). Its fuel consumption in the NEDC cycle is 1.5 to 1.4 litres per 100 kilometres (156.8–168.0 US mpg), corresponding to 34 to 31 grams of CO2 per kilometre (54.7–49.9 g/mi).

The Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e always starts up on electric power. The driver can cover up to 74 kilometres (46.0 mi) according to the NEDC standard (63 kilometres (39.1 mi) in the WLTP cycle) with zero local emissions. The fully electric top speed is 140 km/h (87.0 mph).

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Detail

Four driving modes for high efficiency

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 together with the electric motor and TFSI.

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Cockpit

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. Drivers can prioritize electric drive with the EV button.

The driver controls further functions via the central MMI display, the six-speed S tronic, or the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Special displays inform the driver about the drive’s activity: For example, the digital instrument cluster displays, the engine output, the drive mode, the battery’s state of charge, and the range. The MMI display also provides visualizations of the energy flows.

Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e
Detail

Sporty equipment

The exterior of the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e1 features an expressive design: The black styling package and a Singleframe grille with high-gloss black inlays emphasize the car’s sporty character. Upon request, Audi offers the Matrix LED headlights with non-blinding high beams and dynamic cornering lights.

Their digital daytime running lights, a pixel array consisting of 15 LED segments, generate an E-shaped light signature – the symbol of the plug-in hybrid drive. The brake disks behind the 17-inch wheels are larger than those of the 40 TFSI e: They have a diameter of 340 millimetres (13.4 in) at the front and 310 millimetres (12.2 in) at the rear. All brake callipers are painted red.

Unlike the 40 TFSI e, the standard equipment also includes Audi drive select, sport seats, tinted windows, two-zone automatic air conditioning, and the convenience key. The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is available from EUR 40,395.29 in Germany (EUR 41,440 with 19% VAT). Customers are entitled to a subsidy of EUR 6,750.