New Audi A3 Sportback spawns a PHEV version

The Audi A3 Sportback family welcomes its latest member: the 40 TFSI e, a plug-in hybrid car with added power and superb fuel efficiency.

The powertrain remains largely identical to the one used in the A3 Sportback e-tron. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine still delivers its usual 150 hp (112 kW) and 250 Nm (183 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels, assisted by an electric motor inside the S tronic transmission. The latter now produces 109 hp (80 kW) instead of 102 (75 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. All-electric top speed rises from 130 to 140 km/h (81 to 87 mph, respectively), and you can engage both engines for 227 km/h (141 mph) max. The initial sprint time still amounts to 7.6 seconds.

Battery capacity sees a raise from 8.8 to 13 kilowatt-hours, so the NEDC-rated electric range grows up from 50 to 78 kilometers (31 to 48.5 miles). The manufacturer admits that the WLTP-rated range is somewhat smaller at 67 km (41.6 miles). A full charging cycle takes up slightly longer than four hours, and NEDC-rated mixed-cycle fuel consumption amounts to 1.4-1.5 liters per 100 km (previously no less than 1.5l/100km).

Sales in Germany should begin later this fall starting from €37,470 without subsidies.