The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is the only hybrid in Audi's current lineup and the only way to get a hatchback-bodied A3. The Sportback e-tron combines the A3's upscale interior and solid driving dynamics with a more fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The e-tron pairs a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 204 horsepower to drive the front wheels. Unlike the regular A3, all-wheel drive isn't available on the A3 Sportback e-tron.
The e-tron's battery pack is good for about 16 miles on a charge before turning on the internal combustion engine to keep the car moving. Once it's running on gas, the A3 Sportback e-tron might be the most fuel-efficient Audi, but it doesn't boast the most impressive mileage. The EPA rates the 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron will return 34 mpg combined. There are other vehicles that handily trounce the e-tron's economy numbers, but not in the luxury-car world.
And there is a compensating virtue for the so-so economy numbers: The A3 Sportback e-tron is pretty quick. Audi estimates it slugging to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is quite good for a hybrid with 400 pounds of batteries in the trunk.
Audi offers the e-tron in three different trim levels, starting with the base Premium trim. One step up from that is the Premium Plus, which includes everything in the Premium along with a handful of additional features, like blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Plus also has the option to add even more high-end Audi technology, such as the excellent Virtual Cockpit system and an upgraded stereo. At the top of the range is the Prestige trim, which gets the full technology treatment, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, which can only be had on the Prestige trim.
Audi's outstanding Multimedia Interface (MMI) is available on the A3 Sportback e-tron with brilliant navigation graphics and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, but not even as an option on the Premium trim.
Like every other market segment, the plug-in hybrid crowd is getting thicker by the year. It can be confusing making sense of all the manufacturers' performance claims and technical distinctions. That's why you should make use of every tool on Edmunds to find the right plug-in and get it at a keen price. Make sure to read our full review of the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and take advantage of our shopping tools to get the best deal near you.
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Overview
The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback. Available styles include 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM), 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and 1.4 TFSI PHEV Prestige 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM). A3 Sportback e-tron models are available with a 0-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed automated manual. The 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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