The Audi A3 e-tron is the ideal combination for anyone who would like a modern blend of combustion engine and electric motor. Photo: © Audi (Photo: © Audi)
Read aloud:
July 2017
Audi's A3 e-tron isn't yet fully electric, but it's sufficient for city driving on electric power. The electric motor provides more power for long distances.
It's like a little kick that propels you forward. As soon as I demand additional power from the engine to overtake the vehicles in front of me on the highway, the electric motor kicks in. With a powerful extra boost, the A3 e-tron picks up speed and swiftly pushes past the other road users – giving me plenty to think about.
Hybrid models – as the name suggests – are a hybrid, combining two worlds under their skin: a combustion engine and an electric motor. The first models were a joy for tech geeks: They combined old and new mobility, providing a fantastic visual display when they projected the energy flow onto the small monitor in the cockpit. The catch: The electric motors only provided energy for a few kilometers, and buyers paid a hefty premium for minimal fuel savings. And for me, these were solid arguments as to why a hybrid doesn't really do anything. Actually.
In 2017, hybrid or plug-in hybrid means electric mobility for inner-city travel. This is also the case with the A3 e-tron, which, as a plug-in hybrid, delivers electric power from its battery for up to 50 kilometers. Two engines operate under the hood. The combustion engine is a 1.4 TFSI engine, delivering 110 kW/150 hp and 250 Newton meters of torque. In addition, there's an electric motor with 75 kW and 330 Newton meters of torque. This results in a combined system output of 150 kW/204 hp.
How far the Audi actually travels on electric power naturally depends on driving style. If you use the accelerator sparingly and take advantage of every opportunity for recuperation, you can achieve a range of 50 kilometers, or, at the fastest speed, you'll hear the combustion engine kicking in after just under 30 kilometers.
Mobility - Electric drives
Operations management
Craft policy
The second advantage of this hybrid comes on long journeys: If you suddenly need more power, you can use the overboost function. This activates the electric motor in addition to the combustion engine, providing just the right amount of additional power for ambitious drivers. The e-tron's range is around 800 kilometers with gentle driving; if you press the accelerator and constantly demand full power, it drops to around 600 kilometers. And by performance, we mean over 200 km/h on the highway. The combustion engine can accelerate up to 222 km/h, while on electric power alone, it can reach 130 km/h.
Fuel consumption fluctuates accordingly. The technical data states a combined fuel consumption of 1.6 to 1,8 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the tire type used. Since the car can also be driven solely with the combustion engine, a trip to the gas station can result in a fuel consumption of almost eight liters. However, the driver then reached his destination quite quickly.
During quiet journeys, the driver has time to get acquainted with the Audi's luxurious ambience and technology. The assistance systems forgive even minor lapses in attention by keeping the A3 in lane or maintaining the correct distance from the vehicle in front. There's also plenty of room in the rear, so even taller passengers will feel perfectly comfortable.
Conclusion: For those who aren't quite ready to commit to a purely electric vehicle but still want a modern driving experience, a hybrid is a good choice. Current models like the A3 e-tron combine long range with environmentally friendly electric driving in the city. And with the brand featuring the four rings, buyers who value aesthetics and luxury will find what they're looking for. The base model of the A3 e-tron costs €31.848,78 (net).
Newsletter
Write a comment