New Audi A3 plug-in hybrid gets massive 88-mile electric range for under £40k

• New plug-in hybrid engine option for Audi A3
• 201bhp and 88 miles of range
• Costs from £39,150

The new Audi A3 was introduced earlier this year and since then we’ve seen a new Saloon version, the hot S3 and the even hotter RS 3, but the new plug-in hybrid 40 TFSI e model is arguably just as important.

The plug-in hybrid A3 joins the petrol-powered lineup and packs some significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a bigger battery and more power. It will go on sale in the UK this November with prices starting from £39,150, helpfully sneaking under the £40,000 luxury car tax threshold.

What’s new for the plug-in hybrid Audi A3?

Central to the new Audi A3 40 TFSI e is its enormous 25.7kWh (19.7kWh usable) battery. It’s the same unit fitted to both the Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan PHEVs, as all three cars also share the same platform and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Stick the A3 in EV mode, and it’ll drive for up to 88 miles, which is among the longest PHEV electric driving ranges on the market.

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The battery powers a 114bhp electric motor, integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which can power the A3 up to speeds of 87mph before the petrol engine has to kick in. Working in conjunction with the petrol engine to power the front wheels, the system outputs 201bhp, which matches the Golf eHybrid. You’ll be hitting 62mph from a standstill in 7.4 seconds, and when you lift off the accelerator, it can coast with the engine switched off.

There’s regenerative braking to help top up the battery, but a full recharge will only be possible by plugging it in. The battery will accept charging speeds up to 50kW DC, enabling a 10 to 80% recharge in under half an hour.

How fuel efficient is the plug-in hybrid Audi A3?

All in, Audi claims the system will return up to a frankly ridiculous 941.6mpg. Like all PHEVs, take that official figure with a grain of salt – you’ll only achieve three-digit fuel economy if you spend most of your time driving in EV mode with the engine switched off. But given the range of the A3 plug-in hybrid in EV mode, that could well be possible for many buyers who have regular access to a charger.

Company car drivers will be most interested in the A3 plug-in hybrid’s 9g/km CO2 emissions figure, placing it in one of the lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bands.

How much does the plug-in hybrid Audi A3 cost?

The Audi A3 40 TFSI e is offered in entry-level Sport trim from £39,150, rising to £41,430 for S Line, and £42,880 for the range-topping Black Edition. Order books open in November 2024.

Read more about the least efficient, but most exciting A3 – the Audi RS 3…