The regular A3 sedan is very likable car thanks to its upscale interior, some excellent technology features and an engaging driving experience. But there’s only one way to get a hatchback Audi A3 in the United States, and that’s to opt for the plug-in hybrid e-tron. This version of the A3 gets you more cargo space, higher fuel economy and 16 miles of all-electric driving.
With Audi’s diesel engines discontinued in the United States for the foreseeable future, the automaker’s competitiveness in the fuel-efficient car field comes down to this plug-in hybrid. Notably, the A3 Sportback e-tron is the only luxury car of its size and configuration offered as a hybrid. It’s not until you look at the more expensive BMW 330e that you’ll find a plug-in hybrid powertrain in a luxury car.
The A3 e-tron’s all-electric range of 16 miles is decent, and once you’re running on gas it offers about the same estimated combined mileage as the last A3 diesel. But it also weighs about 400 pounds more than a regular A3 and costs thousands of dollars more. Government incentives and state tax credits can help offset the cost for new car buyers, though.
Overall, the A3 e-tron effectively fills its niche. But along with the 330e, we also think shoppers should look at similarly capable non-luxury plug-ins such as the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-Max Energi, Toyota Prius Prime or even the all-electric BMW i3 with its optional range-extending gas generator option.
For 2018, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron receives only minor changes to trim-level features and options package content.
While the base trim still gets you a nicely appointed car, we think Premium Plus with the Technology package (not available on Premium trim) is the sweet spot. That gets you smartphone integration, navigation, a touchpad controller and the excellent Virtual Cockpit, all of which greatly improve the tech interface and make this high-tech hatchback feel properly modern.
The base 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium is a well-appointed luxury compact, but it lacks the option for a lot of desirable technology upgrades. The Premium Plus offers more options, but only the top-of-the-line Prestige has all the technology and active safety features many luxury buyers expect.
The Sportback e-tron outperforms EVs such as the BMW i3, and its impressively quick for a plug-in hybrid as well. Expect a zero-to-60-mph time right around 7 seconds. The e-tron’s heavier weight dulls responsiveness around turns compared to the regular A3, though.
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