Meet the new Q3 SUV and Sportback TFSI e
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The new Q3 45 TFSI e stakes its claim as the first-ever plug-in hybrid Audi model in the compact SUV class.
The eighth member of the flourishing electrified TFSI e family will be available to order in the UK next spring in Q3 and coupé-inspired Q3 Sportback forms. The former featuring Technik, S line, Black Edition, and particularly sumptuous Vorsprung specification options, and the latter starting at S line level.
In both, a 1.4-liter TFSI petrol engine and an 85 kW electric motor generate a system output of 245PS and enable travel without tailpipe emissions for up to 31 miles* between charges.
The drive and the battery
The four-cylinder 1.4 TFSI petrol engine powering both new Q3 models contributes a healthy 150PS output, and this is supplemented by the 85 kW of power delivered by the permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM). Together, they generate 180 kW of system power (245 PS) and system torque of 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft).
Both variants are front-wheel drive and can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and top out at 130mph.
Both new SUVs always start in electric mode, except in extremely cold conditions. At low speeds, their AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) emits an e-sound to warn other road users of their presence. Both versions can cover up to 31 miles* at speeds of up to 87mph in electric-only mode with zero local emissions according to the WLTP test.
In ‘Auto-Hybrid’ mode, the main operating mode, the drive management system divides the tasks between the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor intelligently and efficiently. The electric motor supports the four-cylinder engine in a wide range of situations, such as when overtaking or when accelerating from low speeds, when it uses its strong and rapidly produced torque to imperceptibly bridge the few tenths of a second needed by the turbocharger to build up pressure.
Drivers can prioritise electric drive at the touch of the EV button. The drive management system constantly evaluates data from numerous sources, including the route information from the navigation system and feedback on the immediate surroundings from the vehicle sensors, to enable it to identify when the car is approaching a town sign, a speed limit, or a roundabout, or is getting too close to the vehicle ahead.
When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle starts to coast with the TFSI switched off in most situations.
The Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e can be charged using alternating current (AC) via a domestic AC wall box using the Type 2 cable supplied. A full recharge takes 3 h 45 min and can be controlled using the free myAudi app, which also allows the driver to remotely activate the climate control via a smartphone or tablet.
A mode 3 cable is also supplied for charging at public AC charging terminals, a process which can be expedited through the use of the fantastic e-tron Charging Service, which enables TFSI e drivers to recharge at more than 155,000 charging points across Europe with just a tap of a single RFID card that generates one convenient monthly invoice.