A Close Look at the Audi A3 Sportback’s Most Powerful Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

The new model, which is available to preorder in Germany, brings a powerful PHEV powertrain and more extensive equipment to the successful fourth-generation hatchback.

Compared to its previous model, the new A3 which was unveiled online earlier this year brings a completely redesigned exterior with styling heavily inspired by Lamborghini.

It is built on the MQB evo platform which it shares with the Volkswagen's eight-generation Golf, as well as the fourth-generation Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia.

As with its less posh siblings, the new Audi A3 features a wide variety of diesel and petrol engine options, a petrol/CNG variant and three hybrid powertrains.

The newest addition to the electrified lineup is the 45 TFSI e, which uses the 1.4-liter EA211 engine that on its own provides 150 PS (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

It works in tandem with an electric drive that is powered by a permanently synchronous motor which gives the new A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e a total system output of 245 PS (180 kW/241 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

The new powertrain generates 41 PS (30 kW/40 hp) and 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft) more torque than the 40 TFSI e PHEV. This is achieved through an upgraded control software that does a better job of managing the interplay between the two drives under maximum power requirements.

The 80 kW (109 PS/108 hp) permanently synchronous electric motor is incorporated into the six-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers power to the front wheels, supplementing the combustion engine.

It gains power from a lithium-ion battery pack that consists of 96 prismatic cells and is able to store 13 kWh of electric energy. The pack can be fully recharged in about five hours using a conventional home charger.

Equipped with this powertrain, the new A3 45 TFSI e can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 232 kph (144 mph). This makes it one of the quickest PHEV hatchbacks out there.

The car also features bigger brake rotors than the 40 TFSI e model. They have a diameter of 340 mm (13.4 in) at the front and 310 mm (12.2 in) at the rear. Plus, the calipers come painted in red, marking another exclusive standard feature for this model.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Audi A4 45 TFSI e only needs 1.5 to 1.4 liters of gasoline to cover 100 kilometers (157–168 mpg), according to the NEDC cycle - obviously with the electric motor in use.

About that, the car always starts up on electric power and can cover up to 74 km (46 miles) according to the NEDC standard or 63 km (39 miles) in the WLTP cycle with zero emissions, only using the electric motor when the driver selects the EV mode.

Three driving modes are available through the central MMI display. In Auto Hybrid mode - which is the default driving mode - the combustion engine and the electric motor cleverly work together, depending on the driving style.

When using the other two special modes called Battery hold and Battery charge, the hybrid management software maintains the state of the battery at a constant level or increases it using the regenerative capabilities of the system.

The PHEV hatchback comes with a black styling package and a single frame grille with high-gloss black inlays. Standard equipment also includes Audi drive select, sport seats, tinted windows, two-zone automatic air conditioning, and convenience key. The innovative Matrix LED headlights are, unfortunately, optional.

The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is available from €41,440 ($50,219) including VAT in Germany, and customers can benefit from a government subsidy of €6,750 ($8,180).