THE Audi A3 is a true success story and since it was launched in 1996, it has sold more than five million units.
In Portugal alone, there were more than 50 thousand copies, with a natural predominance of Diesel versions, so that in the current generation, the fourth, the greatest responsibility lies with the 30 TDI and 35 TDI versions, which equip a Diesel 2.0 Turbo block with 116 hp and 150 hp of power, respectively.
But the A3 range is more complete than ever and when choosing one, the Ingolstadt brand proposes four different engines (Diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid and CNG), divided into two types of bodywork: hatchback (two volumes ) and sedan.
All in all, we can say that there is an Audi A3 for all tastes, but the latest to hit the market was the A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe, the first plug-in hybrid of the latest generation of the German compact family-friendly.
We took this A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe in town, where it is theoretically more efficient, but we also gave it a more demanding challenge, a journey of more than 600 km by motorway and expressways. Did he measure up?
Hybrid system convinces
This being a plug-in hybrid, under the hood we find a 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine with 150 hp — it's different from the engine we found in the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI, which despite having the same power, has 1.5 l of displacement — and a 109 hp electric thruster, for a combined power of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm.
Thanks to these numbers, the A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe is capable of reaching a top speed of 227 km/h and needs just 7.6s to complete the usual acceleration exercise from 0 to 100 km/h.
These are interesting numbers, but compared to the Mercedes-Benz A 250 and — slightly more powerful, with 218 hp — the A3 has an identical top speed, but takes another second at 0 to 100 km/h. On the other hand, if the comparison is made with the SEAT Leon 1.4 e-Hybrid — they share the same driving group — the model of the German brand has an advantage in maximum speed (227 km/h against only 220 km/h of the Spanish model), getting just a tenth of a second in the 0 to 100 km/h (7.6s against 7.5s).
The electric motor is integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox — there was no place for the Volkswagen Group's newest seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but that didn't make us any less well served… — and that allows always start in electric mode. There is no manual gearbox or all-wheel drive option, with power always being sent to the front axle.
The entire electric machine is powered by a 13 kWh battery capacity, an increase of almost 50% over the predecessor's battery capacity. And it is precisely this increase in capacity that justifies the almost 20 km more in electric range compared to the last A3 plug-in hybrid, now settling at 67 km (WLTP).
But as almost always happens, the real autonomy is a little short of the advertised by the brand and, during this test, the best we were able to cover was about 50 km “free” of electrons.
It may not be close to the 67 km claimed by the German brand, but it is an interesting record, especially for those looking for a plug-in hybrid to use mainly in cities.
In 100% electric mode, maximum speed is limited to 140 km/h, but operation is always very smooth, as is power delivery. The regenerative brakes are strong and require a firm “step”, a feature that I really like.
It's 204 hp, but it seems more
As long as the battery has energy available, less demanding accelerations are always made using the electric motor. Only when we step on the accelerator pedal deeper does the drive system invite the gasoline engine to “join the party”, but when that happens — or when the battery runs out, the combustion engine comes “into play” very smoothly.
In total we have 204 hp at our right foot, but this A3 plug-in hybrid makes it look like it actually has more “firepower” hidden under the hood. As for consumption, and at the end of the 657 km I covered, the balance was also positive: 5.3 l/100 km.
Election strategist
This Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe has many good arguments, but it's the compromise between comfort and handling that's most impressive. The S Line signature and 17” wheels could anticipate firmer damping and greater discomfort, but the truth is that this A3 is a roadster of choice.With surprising dynamic behavior, the A3 stands out for its stability on the road, something that seems to improve as speed increases. And if this is true on the long, serene straights of a motorway, it is also true on a secondary road, where curves provoke us to test our levels of grip.
And there, this plug-in hybrid A3 Sportback, even though it is 280 kg heavier than the 35 TFSI version, proves to be very effective, predictable and safe, with grip levels difficult to challenge, even with the driving aids turned off.
reference interior
Compared to its predecessor, the interior of the new Audi A3 — whichever version it is — is slightly more complex and less elegant. Proof of this are the ventilation outlets for the driver next to the steering wheel. It's a solution that I appreciate, but it is far from generating unanimity, contrary to the general quality, which everyone recognizes to be at the level of what is best done in the segment.
Interior finishes are at a very high level.
The cabin's isolation and very solid build quality live up to the brand's reputation and help to reinforce the feeling of comfort. Even on the motorway, at higher speeds, aerodynamic and rolling noises are never intrusive.
In the test video of the Audi A3 35 TFSI, also as S Line, Diogo Teixeira gave us all the details of the interior of the new generation of the A3. See or review:
The plug-in hybrid mechanics that Audi “gave” the A3 was also felt in the trunk, which lost 100 liters of capacity (down from 380 liters to 280), when compared to conventional versions, with only combustion engine. The 13kWh battery is located under the rear seat, which forced the fuel tank to be pushed backwards, so that it was located under the floor of the trunk.
Is it the right car for you?
The Audi A3 is in better shape than ever. The exterior image is aggressive and appeals to the senses. The interior is refined and has the high quality that the Ingolstadt brand has accustomed us to in recent years.
In addition to all this, this plug-in hybrid version not only adds another possibility to the A3's wide range, it also offers an almost perfect integration between the combustion engine and the entire electrical system.
The roadster qualities we've already praised in other versions of the model remain intact, but the extra power guaranteed by the hybrid system helps to reinforce the feeling behind the wheel of a model that, in my opinion, has a more immersive dynamic even than the most powerful Volkswagen Golf GTE (245 hp), recently tested by Fernando Gomes.