The mpg figure above is dependent on European standards, which are jiggered through the authorities to promote electrification through maximizing opportunities for vehicles to make use of their all-electric modes. When it comes to this A3, when powered short distances and blocked in regularly, it won’t use any gasoline whatsoever. But as soon since the batteries are depleted, fuel use will be essentially just like a conventionally powered vehicle.
Magic Numbers!
We found this out a week ago while driving 50-mile loops which wound through Vienna city traffic and to the nearby mountains. During the first stint, we drove moderately and attempted to maintain a full battery using the "hold" and "charge" settings. The former locks out the electric part of the drivetrain (in case you need to save your EV usage for, say, a limited city center), whereas the latter forces the engine to do something as a generator to maximize energy recuperation. In doing this, we saw an indicated 34 mpg within the cluster and returned having a completely full battery.Upon our second run, we began using solely electric energy, ran until the electric batteries were empty, and then put the vehicle into "auto" mode to let it both recapture energy and feed it to the powertrain as this saw fit. We also might have possibly set an Austrian plug-in-hybrid pace record. The result: 42 mpg along with a drained battery. Less intense journalists, however, managed 100 mpg along with a depleted battery, too. With regard to what it’s worth, all of us figure the EPA may rate this car from 95 MPGe combined within gas-electric operation.
The 96 liquid-cooled lithium-ion tissues enabling such performance are recharged via a port located behind the Audi grille rings. Assuming that you simply drive very short distances every single day and electricity is cheap or less expensive than in Germany, anyhow, which is in the costly procedure for shutting down its nuclear energy plants the A3 e-tron could be rather inexpensive to run. Driven over long miles, the savings dwindle, and customers could be better off by having an A3 TDI.
Electricity is really a Buzzkill
We’ll double down about the recommendation of a TDI for that fuel thrifty that actually prefer to drive. Saddled with approximately 750 pounds of additional weight, the A3 e-tron doesn’t have much to provide anyone who isn’t in to silently accelerating in all-electric setting to 60 mph within about 11 seconds. Indeed, the full torque from the electric motor will come in Hybrid mode from 0 rpm and for approximately 20 seconds when the battery is full.Indeed, the dual powertrains which create a combined 204 horsepower can scoot the A3 e-tron to 60 mph within an estimated 7.5 mere seconds. Yes, the aerodynamically enhanced best speed of 138 mph is reached without energy. And, yes, the Volkswagen Group’s superb six-speed DQ400E dual-clutch automated does the shifting. But these facts and figures neglect to coalesce into something totally satisfying, and the whole isn’t because linear and predictable like a conventional car.
The A3 e-tron’s cornering characteristics are under scintillating. In fast bends, the vehicle exhibits more body roll than every other A3 we’ve driven up to now and it also is likely toward serious understeer. It’s as well bad, then, that there isn't any available sport suspension, as this A3 would take advantage of such a setup a lot more than any of its brothers and sisters. At least the brakes tend to be fairly well tuned for any hybrid, as they offer decent feel along with a relatively seamless transition in between their regenerative and rubbing modes.
The A3 e-tron is much more successful when driven in the moderate speeds for which it really is intended. It launches from the stop using electric energy, the transition is smooth once the gasoline engine joins the party, and the engine remains discreetly within the background when it’s operating. Things are even much more subdued when driving just on electrons, although the electric motor and tranny do wind through things, creating a sound which resembles a distant tram.
A leisurely pace a minimum of allows those inside in order to admire the surroundings, as the A3 has what could be the best interior in this segment. As for variations between this car as well as fossil-fueled A3s, there is actually one a power meter evaluates that replaces the tachometer. Past the driving modes all of us already described, additional powertrain control can be obtained by selecting D or S using the gearshift. In D setting, the A3 e-tron sails, that is to say it will turn off and uncouple the powertrain in the drive wheels when coasting about the freeway to minimize rubbing and fuel consumption.
Within S mode, the powertrain efficiently utilizes energy recuperation. And after that there's the Audi Generate Select, which itself provides Comfort, Auto, and Powerful settings, as well like a mix-and-match mode. It wasn't simple to fit the e-tron technology underneath the tight skin of the brand new A3. In order to create room for the lithium-ion electric batteries, the gas tank had been made smaller and relocated a little toward the back, underneath the cargo area. The tank can also be now enclosed in the sturdy crash structure. The cargo capacity is gloomier than that of the standard A3 Sportback and the all-wheel-drive A3 Sportback Quattro.
The engine was relocated slightly toward the passenger’s side to make room for the consumer electronics. And Audi stiffened the structure to cope with the extra weight. Within Germany, the A3 e-tron is actually priced well above the standard A3, approaching the money requested the fantastic 300-hp S3. Sales within the U.S. are still annually away. When the A3 e-tron comes within the summer of 2015 like a 2016 model, we anticipate Audi to ask $40,000 approximately for the privilege associated with owning one.
You will probably be able get an A3 TDI Sportback for a smaller amount. The A3 TDI Sportback and also the S3 are two of the greatest compact cars on the marketplace, being luxurious, rewarding they are driving, and efficient. Unless you’re specific commuting needs require a plug-in hybrid short drives, plenty of time available for charging our advice will be not to wait for that e-tron.
