Audi continues its electrification campaign in the compact class: Presales of the 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.
Like its sister model, the new A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is equipped with a 1.4-liter 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.
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 e. 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. 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 e 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
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 liters per 100 kilometers (156.8–168.0 US mpg), corresponding to 34 to 31 grams of CO2 per kilometer (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 kilometers (46.0 mi) according to the NEDC standard (63 kilometers (39.1 mi) in the WLTP cycle) with zero local emissions. The fully electric top speed is 140 km/h (87.0 mph).
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.
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.
Sporty equipment
The exterior of the Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e 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 millimeters (13.4 in) at the front and 310 millimeters (12.2 in) at the rear. All brake calipers 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.
