Test drive Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
You know, it's like our mom convinced us when we were kids that peppers in a salad are actually delicious. Whom to trust if not her? And who to believe that it's time for hybrids, if not Audi? Okay, maybe Volkswagen with Golf, but as we know, the stories of both brands are intertwined. And apparently Audi also believes that Slovenians are ready for their plug-in hybrid – two Slovenian journalists and about ten Chinese colleagues attended the international presentation. Given the share of representation compared to the size of the market, one can jokingly say that they are counting on us very seriously.
But let's focus on the new electronic throne of the Audi A3 Sportback. There are already a lot of hybrids and electric vehicles on the market now, and people are getting confused. What kind of hybrid is the e-tron really? In fact, it is the most technologically advanced and most sensible version at the moment - the plug-in hybrid (PHEV). What does it mean? While all-electric cars are limited by the installation of large, heavy and expensive batteries, the e-tron is a cross between an electric car and a car that helps itself with an internal combustion engine while driving. Audi has added a 1.4kW electric motor to the 110 TFSI (75kW) engine with a dual-clutch transmission (s-tronic) with a different clutch between them, allowing the e-throne to be driven by the electric motor alone. . Batteries, providing a range of about 50 kilometers, are hidden under the rear seat.
The appearance itself is practically the same as that of the regular A3 Sportback. The E-throne features a slightly larger chrome grille. And if you play a little with the Audi logo, then you will find a socket for charging the battery behind it. Even inside, it will be difficult for you to tell the difference. If you don't notice the EV button (more on that later), just by looking at the gauges, you know it's an Audi hybrid.
We tested the electronic throne in and around Vienna. Cars with charged batteries were waiting for us at the old city power station (by the way, a completely discharged battery is charged through a 230 volt socket in three hours and 45 minutes) and the first task was to break through the city crowds. . The electric motor has prepared a pleasant surprise for us here. It is decisive and incredibly sharp, as it provides a torque of 330 Nm at initial speeds, and the car accelerates to a speed of 130 kilometers per hour. In silence, that is, only with a gust of wind through the body and noise from under the tires. If we want to maintain such a speed, it makes sense to switch to a gasoline engine. This can be done by simply selecting one of the three remaining driving modes with the EV button: one is an automatic hybrid, another is a petrol engine, and a third increases battery regeneration (this driving mode is suitable when approaching an area where you intend to use only electric drive). ). And when we go into hybrid mode, the e-tron becomes a pretty serious car. Combined, both engines provide 150 kilowatts of power and 350 Nm of torque, dispelling all stereotypes about slow and boring hybrids. And all this at a standard consumption of 1,5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. If someone doesn't believe you, you can prove it anywhere, because the e-tron sends all vehicle condition data directly to your smartphone. This allows you to independently monitor the charge of the battery, check if the door is locked, or remotely set the desired temperature inside.
The Germans will be able to order the new A3 Sportback electronic throne at the end of July for € 37.900. It is not yet entirely clear whether the Slovenian importer will decide to bring it to our market and at what price it should be offered. However, do not forget that the state will encourage buying such an Audi for three thousand with a contribution from the environmental fund. But that could be quickly spent on accessories like we're used to at Audi.
Text: Sasha Kapetanovich, photo: Sasha Kapetanovich, factory
Specifications Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI S tronic
Engine / total power: petrol, 1,4 l, 160 kW
Power - ICE (kW / hp): 110/150
Power - electric motor (kW/hp): 75/102
Torque (Nm): 250
Gearbox: S6, dual clutch
Battery: Li-ion
Power (kWh): 8,8
Charging time (h): 3,45 (230V)
Weight (kg): 1.540
Average fuel consumption (l / 100 km): 1,5
CO2 emission average (g / km): 35
Power reserve with electric drive (km): 50
Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h (sec): 7,6
Maximum speed (km / h): 222
Maximum speed with electric motor (km / h): 130
Trunk volume: 280-1.120
