Audi A3 and Audi Q3 as plug-in hybrids: test, engine, price
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How do the Audi A3 and Q3 perform as plug-in hybrids in the test?
With the powertrain of the Golf GTE, the Audi A3 and Audi Q3 become super-powerful plug-in hybrids. AUTO BILD has tested the two Ingolstadt.
The well-known drive is available from Audi with more power
Nice and powerful: In the more powerful version of the 45 TFSI e, the A3 has 245 HP and 400 Nm under the hood.
© Audi AG
The Components are basically the same at Audi as at Golf GTE and Tiguan e-Hybrid: 150 hp from the 1.4 liter turbo gasoline engine plus maximum 115 hp from the e-machine result in the milder A3 40 TFSI e 150 kW / 204 PS system output; the more powerful A3 45 TFSI e and the Q3, which is only available as a 45 TFSI e, are even bold 180 kW / 245 PS. And they push hard and, above all, smoothly. Even in pure “EV” mode, which of course is only available while the 13 kWh battery Juice, the compact Audi PHEV strive cheerfully forwards. The 330 Nm of the electric motor take off spontaneously from the stand. Then come the 250 Nm of the turbo gasoline on top of that, things really go off – so crisp that the front wheels are occasionally overwhelmed on wet roads.
Different driving modes ensure fun and economical trips
No empty promise: In “Dynamic” mode, the Q3 (photo) and A3 are really sporty.
© Audi AG
Fortunately, Audi manages to keep the steering firm and accurate – you just hear the wheels scraping and see them ESP light flashing excitedly. This is how the plug-in hybrids are really fun; not only in “Dynamic” driving mode, which keeps the gasoline engine constantly active and turns the supposed eco-versions into real racers. The default mode is “Auto Hybrid”. The drive work is then automatically distributed between the two motors so that both run with optimum efficiency. “EV” means purely electric ride; then the gasoline engine only helps if necessary – for example if the pedal is suddenly fully depressed. “Battery Hold” and “Battery Charge” let the hybrid run on gasoline and preserve the battery charge for later “EV” travel – or recharge the battery while driving.
| E-car accessories |  | |
|---|---|---|
 | Heidelberg Wallbox Home Eco 11 kW Price *: 449.54 euros | |
 | Morec Type 2 three-phase EV charging station 11 kW Price *: 569.99 euros | |
 | EV OneStop Simple Universal Charger 7.2kW Price *: 376.99 euros | |
 | Morec Portable EV Charging Cable 3.6 kW Price *: 245.99 euros | |
* Prices as of January 12th, 2021
The A3 TFSI e with maximum 2.9 kilowatts, the Q3 45 TFSI e with maximum 3.6 kilowatts: at the Mode 3 charging station or wallbox. At the Household or power socket at home it takes one charge around five hours. The 13 kWh in the battery is enough for the A3 45 TFSI e under ideal conditions maximum 78 kilometers electric drive, in the heavier and larger Q3 45 TFSI e for 61 kilometers.
The prices of the plug-in hybrids are typically high
Price question: For the A3 45 TFSI e (photo) 41,440 euros are due, the Q3 is 46,000 euros Euro significantly more expensive.
© Audi AG
Decide which of the two to take Wallet and space requirements: The Q3 has the same engine 4560 euros, as a Sportback with hatchback 5960 euros more expensive than the A3. It works in comparison cut almost body-hugging – especially in the back. With the Q3, 16 centimeters more length is particularly beneficial for legroom. And in more voluminous structure of the Q3 with a normal roof there is an almost spacious atmosphere; In the lower Q3 Sportback, the quiff can scratch the roof lining in the rear. The pleasure of being casual noiseless gliding In the city, all three offer: So always diligently charge the battery by cable – and don’t just take advantage of the tax advantages.
Technical data Audi Q3 45 TFSI e • Engine: four-cylinder, Turbo + E, front transverse • Displacement: 1395 cm³ • Power: 110 kW (150 PS) • System output: 180 kW (245 PS) • Max. Torque: 250 Nm • Max. System torque: 400 Nm • Drive : Front-wheel drive, six-speed DSG • Length / width / height: 4484/1856/1616 mm (Sportback: 4500/1843/1567 mm) • Empty weight: 1870 kg • Luggage compartment: 380-1375 / 1250 l • 0-100 km / h : 7.6 s • Vmax: 227 km / h • Consumption: 1.7 l Super • CO2 exhaust: 39 g / km • price from 46,000 euros, Sportback from 47,400 euros.
Technical data Audi A3 45 TFSI e • Engine: four-cylinder, Turbo + E, front transverse • Displacement: 1395 cm³ • Power: 110 kW (150 PS) • System output: 180 kW (245 PS) • Max. Torque: 250 Nm • Max. System torque: 400 Nm • Drive : Front-wheel drive, six-speed DSG • length / width / height: 4343/1816/1458 mm • empty weight: 1635 kg • trunk: 280-1100 l • 0-100 km / h 7.6 s • Vmax: 227 km / h • Consumption: 1.5 l Super • Exhaust CO2: 34 g / km • price 41,440 euros.
