Plug-in Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e debuts

A new Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid has been unveiled in Europe, offering a pure-electric range of up to 67km – 20km more than the previous A3 e-tron.

The first of at least two new plug-in hybrid powertrains developed for the latest Audi A3, the 40 TFSI e combines the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) with an 80kW/330Nm electric motor, driving through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Combined, total power for the A3 40 TFSI e is 150kW and 350Nm of torque.

Against the clock, the small plug-in hatch takes 7.6 seconds to reach 100km/h, topping out at 227km/h.

The biggest change is reserved for the lithium-ion battery, which is now rated at 13kWh compared to the previous 8.8kWh.

Fully charged, a process that is said to take four hours at home using a 2.9kW charger, the new battery – which has more energy-dense cells – provides for a WLTP-verified 67km range.

Use the petrol power sparingly and Audi claims you can average around 1.4L/100km while emitting just 30g/km of CO2. These figures are slightly better than the previous A3 e-tron, which managed a still-frugal 1.6L/100km and 37g/km.

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

Like before there is a dedicated EV mode, a hybrid setting, along with a Battery Hold and Battery Charge setting 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.

Standard equipment for the A3 40 TFSI e, in Europe at least, includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a 10.1-inch infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.

In Germany, the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is priced from €37,470 ($A62,000).

It's already been revealed that Audi Sport has begun developing high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrains that could soon see an electrified RS 3 introduced.

There's no word on performance, but we expect it to pack around 350kW and loads of torque.

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