Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi A3 plug-in hybrid boasts huge 88-mile EV range

The A3 TFSI e will go on sale in November, with prices set to start from £39,150

Audi has announced that the plug-in hybrid version of its recently refreshed A3 hatchback will have an impressive pure-electric range of 88 miles – more than twice that of the previous model. 

The boost in EV range is thanks to a new 25.7kWh battery (19.7kWh usable), which replaces the 13kWh unit that the A3 40 TSFI e used to have, plus there’s now a 50kW DC rapid charging capability that allows for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in less than half an hour.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The updated plug-in hybrid system uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. The e-motor produces 114bhp, and the top speed in EV mode is 87mph. The combined power output is 201bhp with 350Nm of torque; enough for 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. 

When you lift off the accelerator, the A3 40 TFSI e can coast with the engine switched off, while regenerative braking helps slow it down and recuperate energy. Drivers can use paddles on the steering wheel to adjust the strength of the regeneration. 

Due to the extra weight of the battery, located under the rear seats, the plug-in hybrid A3 features specifically tuned suspension including increased spring rates and sportier tuning for the dampers.

The new A3 40 TFSI e is due to go on sale in November, with prices starting from £39,150. Buyers will have a choice of three trim levels – Sport, S Line and Black Edition – with standard kit including Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit Plus’ driver display, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charging pad, three-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Fancy a car with a plug? These are the best electric cars...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi A5 and A3 PHEVs lead run of 10 new Audi plug-in hybrids due this year
Audi A3 facelift 2025 UK

Audi A5 and A3 PHEVs lead run of 10 new Audi plug-in hybrids due this year

Audi is betting big on plug-in hybrid tech as EV uptake falters. Expect an influx of 10 models by the end of 2025 with long EV ranges
News
18 Mar 2025
Best used snow cars 2025
Best used snow cars - header image

Best used snow cars 2025

Don’t have the budget for a new car? These 10 great-value used buys also excel in the worst of the weather
Best cars & vans
11 Feb 2025
Used Audi A3 (Mk4, 2020-date) buyer’s guide: a classy used hatchback
Used Audi A3 Mk4 - front

Used Audi A3 (Mk4, 2020-date) buyer’s guide: a classy used hatchback

A full used buyer’s guide on the Audi A3 covering the A3 Mk4 that’s been on sale since 2020
Used car tests
12 Sep 2024
Best low emission green cars in the UK
Best low emissions green cars - header image

Best low emission green cars in the UK

Low emissions and good fuel economy go hand-in-hand, and these cars deliver the best of both
Best cars & vans
22 Aug 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025