Audi A3 45 TFSIe plug-in hybrid makes debut

Audi has launched a new, more powerful 180kW Audi A3 45 TFSIe member of the car-maker's small plug-in hybrid hatch that will be sold alongside the 150kW A3 40 TFSIe.

Once again combining a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder with an 80kW electric motor that lives within the transmission casing, the Audi A3 45 TFSIe not only produces 30kW more than the entry plug-in model, but 400Nm of torque – an extra 50Nm over the A3 40 TFSIe.

This translates into a small hatch that can hit 100km/h from standstill in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 232km/h. That's a considerable 0.8sec quicker to 100km/h but only 5km/h faster than the A3 40 TFSIe.

Like before, there is a dedicated EV mode and a hybrid setting, along with Battery Hold and Battery Charge functions using Audi’s drive select system.

Opt for the hybrid A3 and there are some sacrifices you have to make. Most notably, this relates to boot space, with the small plug-in Audi offering only 280 litres (or 1100L with the rear seats folded) – down from the regular A3 hatch’s 380/1200L capacity.

In its EV mode, the plug-in A3 can now crack 140km/h – 10km/h faster than the first-gen A3 e-tron.

Speaking of which, there is a drawback to the higher levels of performance.

The A3 45 TFSIe shares the less powerful hatch's 13kWh lithium-ion battery that provides for a 63km WLTP-verified range.

This is 5km less than the 40 version, with the faster plug-in also expected to deliver higher emissions and fuel consumption. Audi is yet to release official figures.

Like before, a full charge of the battery takes around five hours using a 230-volt domestic plug socket.

Standard equipment for the Audi A3 45 TFSIe, in Europe at least, includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.1-inch infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, tinted windows, a gloss black grille and trim elements, plus red callipers.

In Germany, the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe is priced from €41,440 ($A68,000) – around $7000 more than the less-powerful A3 40 TFSIe.

Audi Australia says it is studying the case to reintroduce the plug-in A3 to our market, however the German car-maker’s immediate focus is on establishing its first electric vehicles, the e-tron and e-tron Sportback in the marketplace.