Audi A3 Sportback e-tron launched from $62,490

Audi’s first ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the A3 Sportback e-tron, has arrived in Australia. Priced from $62,490 plus on roads, the e-tron is the new range-topper in the A3 Sportback line-up.

Based on the A3, the e-tron’s petrol-electric powertrain comprises of a 1.4 TFSI engine with 110 kW, a 75 kW electric motor and a newly developed six-speed S tronic gearbox. Combined, the system produces 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The battery has a capacity of 8.8 kWh and can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.

Driving the front wheels through a newly developed six-sped S tronic gearbox, the A3 Sportback e-tron sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, before maxing out at 222 km/h. Running purely in electric propulsion, the A3 e-tron can reach 60km/h in 4.9 seconds, before reaching a limited top speed of 130 km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at just 1.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres – corresponding to CO2 emissions of 37 grams per kilometre. The compact five-door has a range of up to 50km in full electric mode, yet can cover up to 920km on a single charge and a full tank of fuel – meaning no compromises for owners who want to know that they can still take their vehicle for a weekend away.

While it still can accommodate five people, the present of batteries and electric drive components under the car means rear cargo space is slightly reduced to 280 litres, or 1120 with the rear seats folded flat.

Like all other models in the A3 range, the A3 Sportback e-tron has been awarded the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and is fitted with seven airbags.

In Australia, the A3 Sportback e-tron will be offered to customers with a standard home installation package that includes the fitting of a dedicated 230-volt, high-output 16-amp single-phase power outlet that allows the battery to be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.