Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe: the GTI of plug-in hybrids

Following the launch of the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe, Audi adds a second plug-in hybrid option to the range, the new A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe. A car that, in terms of power, performance and styling, we could well describe as the “GTI” among compact plug-in hybrids. And best of all: with the versatility and practicality that the Sportback body brings.

System output of 245 CV, 63 km of electric range

Basically, the plug-in hybrid drive system in the 45 TFSIe version is the same as in the 40 TFSIe: it combines the 1.4 TFSI 110 kW (150 CV) petrol engine with a maximum torque of 250 Nm with an electric motor integrated into the 6-speed S tronic gearbox capable of producing 80 kW and 330 Nm of maximum torque.

The difference in reaching 245 CV of system output and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, compared with the 204 CV and 350 Nm of the 40 TFSIe, is as “simple” as a specific control software. This allows the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe to claim an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 232 km/h. Figures worthy of a true “GTI”. Compared with the 204 CV version, which also can’t exactly be considered slow, this means the 45 TFSIe is almost a second quicker.

Both PHEV versions also share the battery, with a capacity of 13 kWh. Here the 40 TFSIe “wins”, offering an electric-mode range of up to 65 km, two more than the 45 TFSIe. The average homologated consumption in the WLTP cycle of the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe is between 1.2 and 1.3 l/100 km. But you know, that consumption is only on the homologation cycle… and you will only get close to similar figures in practice while the battery has enough charge.

The battery can be recharged at a maximum power of up to 2.9 kW; with the standard 230-volt cable for home use, a full charge takes just over 4 hours. Among the few technical differences between both models, the 45 TFSIe fits slightly larger brake discs, with 340 mm diameter on the front axle and 310 mm on the rear.

Four driving modes

Otherwise, both cars work the same way, with four driving modes for the hybrid system, in addition to the programs offered by Audi drive select. The car uses the “auto” hybrid mode by default, in which both motors are combined for maximum efficiency. Depending on the driving situation and the program selected in Audi drive select, the system will have both the petrol and electric motors add their “forces”, or alternate between them, as well as coast using inertia with the engine switched off.

The fully electric mode is selected using a dedicated EV button. The “Battery Hold” and “Battery Charge” modes allow you to maintain the battery’s state of charge to use EV mode later, or to use the combustion engine to supply more charge to the battery while driving.

Price of the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe

To differentiate the two PHEV versions in the A3 Sportback range by more than power and performance, Audi offers the new 45 TFSIe only with the Black Line trim, which is essentially an S Line “tuned” with the black style pack: gloss black grille, Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels and a few decorative details.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, Audi pre sense front, MMI with a 10.1-inch screen, lane departure warning and turn and lane-change assist systems.

The price of the Audi A3 45 Sportback TFSIe is 43,010 euros, which is about 1,000 euros more than the 40 TFSIe with S line trim. If you’re going to buy an A3 Sportback TFSIe, there’s therefore no doubt between these two versions: the 45 TFSIe is more powerful and adds the black style pack for just 1,000 euros.

The difference in this case is that the 45 TFSIe cannot be combined with a lower trim, whereas the 40 TFSIe is offered with the Advanced trim, from 40,720 euros. Both PHEV versions carry the ZERO DGT environmental label, and are eligible for the Moves II plan subsidies.

A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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