The 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi's compact plug-in hybrid wagon. It's an all new model, but it's the first in a segment that will probably start to fill up fast. Think of this like a luxury Ford C-Max Energi with a more conventional body style. And with more Audi ride and handling. With no "look at me" hybrid trim and a hidden charging port, you could easily miss that it's a hybrid. At least from the outside.
The A3 e-tron has a 1.4L turbo four that makes 150 hp. There's also an 8.8 kWh battery that powers an electric motor that makes 102 hp and 243 lb-ft. The small battery means that the range is just 26 km, but that will cover a large portion of many commutes. Once the battery is low, the gas engine kicks on and the range increases to the same as any other gas car.
The A3 Sportback e-tron is available in three trim levels. The base is the ultra, which has 16-inch alloys with low rolling resistance tires, special hybrid gauges, an Audi MMI radio with 5.8-inch colour display, xenon headlights, keyless start, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Heated and power seats are standard. It also comes with 120 V and 240 V charge cables. Next up is Progressiv which adds 17-inch wheels.
Top trim is Technik, which adds navigation, a Bang & Olufsen stereo with 12 speakers, parking sensors front and rear with a rear-view camera, and LED headlights.
Park assist is optional on ultra and Progressiv, as is navigation. A tech pack with lane guidance, adaptive cruise, and forward collision detection is optional on all three trims.
Rated fuel economy is 2.8 L/100 km for the combined electric cycle. Conventional economy is rated at 7.1 / 6.4 L/100 km city/highway.
