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2024 Audi A3 e-Tron: Specs and Price – The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a plug-in hybrid variant of the standard Audi A3 automobile. Therefore, rather than only having a traditional gasoline or diesel engine, this combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery that is rather big. This indicates that it is capable of traveling over 50 kilometers on electric power alone. When the batteries reach their maximum capacity, the gasoline engine comes in, enabling it to either replenish the battery or drive the vehicle while maintaining a healthy overall range.
It is a choice that may be made in lieu of other plug-in cars such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE, the Toyota Prius plug-in, and the Kia Niro. And similar to them, it does not make a significant attempt to differentiate itself from the more traditional models that are part of its line. On the other hand, if you don’t examine very closely, you won’t be able to tell the difference between an e-tron and a 1.4 TSI.
The e-tron is more expensive than the other A3 models, which is the primary distinction between it and the rest of the lineup. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is one of the most expensive models in the lineup, but it does at least come with plenty of equipment, such as automatic headlights and wipers, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors, which counter with potentially very cheap running costs. The infotainment screen on this model is seven inches, and it also has automatic headlights and wipers.
The official numbers indicate that the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is capable of returning more than 150 miles per gallon and produces less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. However, how you drive will determine how near you go to that target. You may be able to obtain over 100 miles per gallon on a consistent basis if you do a lot of short journeys, during which you will be relying nearly entirely on electric power, and if you keep the batteries charged up.
When using a regular plug socket, a full charge from an empty takes little less than four hours to complete. However, if you are able to use a wall box or a public Type 2 charger, the time it takes to charge your device will be reduced to only two hours and fifteen minutes.
On the other hand, if you drive a lot of kilometers, and particularly if you do a lot of long journeys on the highway, an Audi A3 diesel could be the best choice for you.
Review
Since 1996, Audi has been producing the A3 model. The tiny Sportback (hatchback) and, later, the sedan have always been powered by an internal combustion engine during the span of four generations. An electric motor was available as an option beginning with the third-generation model of this product.
In the year 2026, however, this won’t be the case. Audi has announced that beginning in that year, all of the automobiles that the German company will unveil will be entirely powered by batteries and that the manufacturing of ICE-equipped automobiles would terminate in the year 2033. This is in conjunction with the debut of the fifth generation of the Audi A3, which is expected to take place between the years 2026 and 2027.
In light of this, we anticipate that the next-generation Audi A3 will be fully electric and may be given the moniker A3 E-Tron, in keeping with the naming conventions the company has established for its electric vehicles. In this conceptual drawing, we anticipate what the outside of the all-electric A3 may look like.
Even on its electrified vehicles, the recognizable single-frame grille that is synonymous with Audi will be there, the automaker has affirmed. The one that was utilized for this rendering is black and features inserts that open up to reveal vents that will direct airflow to cool down the brakes. In this iteration, the LEDs have been given a more angular and pointed appearance, and we anticipate that future Audi models will make heavy use of cameras rather than conventional mirrors.
Although it is not shown here, we anticipate a significant redesign of the A3 E-interior Tron to coincide with the new architecture of the electric vehicle. A greater number of the advanced technological elements seen in larger Audis are anticipated to be included in the tiny variant.
Regarding the Audi A3 E-Tron, there is a scarcity of technical details at this moment. On the other hand, there is a rumor going around that it will be supported by the brand-new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). It was declared in 2021 that the SSP would be the future architecture of the VW Group and that it would be able to accommodate both sophisticated assisted driving technologies and super-efficient batteries. It will serve as the foundation for all Volkswagen Group vehicles moving forward, with the exception of Porsche, which will develop its own electric vehicle platform.
Interior
The inside of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is very identical to the interior of the standard A3. For one thing, it has the same superb build quality as the other models in the line, and since it is one of the more costly versions, it also features some of the nicest materials on the interior.
This also means that there is the same amount of room for passengers as there is in a standard Audi A3. As a result, there is sufficient space for four individuals to travel with complete ease, and the fact that the vehicle has five doors makes it simple for everyone to enter and exit.
When it comes to everyday use, the only difference between an Audi A3 e-tron owner and the owner of any other A3 model is the amount of space available in the trunk. This is due to the fact that the hybrid system’s batteries need somewhere to be stored, and that place is beneath the floor of the trunk. Because of this, the amount of space available in the trunk is around one hundred liters less than in other Sportbacks, and it is, of course, further limited by the fact that you are required to store the charging cable in the trunk as well.
These additional components also contribute to the weight of the vehicle, which brings it up to an additional 400 kilograms. This is the same as having an additional five individuals on board. In terms of performance, you won’t really notice this all that much; on the other hand, the immediate reaction of the electric motors gives the impression that the vehicle is moving rather quickly.
The e-tron, on the other hand, feels less crisp in the turn than a conventional A3 Sportback does. This is the aspect of the vehicle’s handling that suffers. On the other hand, the e-tron has a softer suspension set-up in order to accommodate the additional weight; as a result, you experience fewer bumps in the road in comparison to the sportier basic vehicle.
The Audi A3 e-tron isn’t going to be the right choice for everyone, but if you live in a city where you have a relatively short commute and convenient access to charging facilities, it could be worth the investment.
Price
The 2024 Audi A3 e-Tron comes with a price tag that may vary anywhere from £32,800 to £36,455. The lowest starting price for a pre-owned Audi A3 e-tron is £14,900.