Upgraded plug-in hybrid Audi A3 - everything you need to know

• Major update for the Audi A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid
• All 40 TFSI e models handed bigger battery
• Electric range now up to 88 miles on full charge
• Not available with Audi A3 Saloon models

This is the new and improved Audi A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid - and it’ll now travel twice as far using electricity than it could before.

The A3 Sportback ‘40 TFSI e’ has been around for a while now, first launched back in 2020.

Up until now, the plug-in hybrid variant of the traditionally-fuelled A3 Sportback hatch made use of a 13 kWh battery that equated to an EV range of up to 40 miles.

Now, though, Audi has treated its A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e to a much bigger 25.7 kWh battery which has doubled the max electric range to a very healthy 88 miles on a full charge.

And you don’t need to sacrifice on power, either, as the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e still generates 204 PS, as a 1.5-litre petrol engine replaces the previous 1.4-litre unt.

The frugal hatchback supports 50 kW DC fast charging for the first time and paves the way for a battery recharge from 10-80 percent in less than half an hour.

The hybrid A3 is also sprightly, capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph. The all-electric top speed is 87mph.

Looking for a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Audi A3 Saloon? Well, you won’t find one as the PHEV engine is reserved for the A3 Sportback hatchback alone.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard and also features an ‘S’ mode, which summons all of the power available for bursts of acceleration for up to 15 seconds.

Meanwhile the suspension and dampers have been specifically tuned to cope with the extra weight of the lithium ion battery, with slightly increased spring rates and a ‘somewhat sportier damping’, says Audi.

There are three trim levels to enjoy - ‘Sport’, S line’ and ‘Black Edition’ - and prices start from £39,150 to buy outright.

Standard-fit equipment includes 17-inch alloys and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

Rivals to the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e include the plug-in hybrid VW Golf and the CUPRA Leon eHybrid.

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