Used 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
One Year Anniversary - Continues to be Excellent
Zelman, Poulsbo, WA, 08/29/2019
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 6/18 (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron continues to impress on every drive. Always Quiet, feeling solid without rattles, with incredible acceleration when needed. Though the infotainment system certainly wasn't very intuitive, it wasn't that hard to learn either. After a year, you're probably interested in the numbers. Here's how mine performed:
Annual average MPG based on Gasoline used: … 98.5
Annual average MPGe (combined Gas/Electric) using common BTU metrics: 60.6
CO2 per mile: 0.27 pounds
Average trip before gas station visit: Just over 800 miles
Note: The CO2 output is about a third of the gasoline vehicle achieving 24 MPG counterparts and is based on my local utilities electricity suppliers of coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, solar, etc where only the coal and natural gas sources create BTU equivalents of CO2.
Experience: Acceleration is impressive yet nearly silent. Bang & Olufsen Sound System sounds fantastic (especially with a fairly quiet cabin). Ability to load collections of CD's is neat, allowing one to play own playlist. Or, just plug in the phone or iPod and play music directly from them. SiriusXM radio works well too. Heated seats are great in the winter, though just like cabin heat, cuts down on Electric Only miles. I've found that if my trips are short, I'll go without much heat in order to make the entire local trip on electricity. Yes, that's not great, but it's me getting extra performance out of the batteries.
Originally thought the backseat had significant legroom for passengers. But, after owning for some time, found it not to be good legroom for trips. Okay for hauling kids locally.
Neat: The Audi app that allows me to see how much time until charging is done, activate the interior heating/cooling while still in the house so that the car is ready when I get in. And, not having to worry about the engine running and filling garage with CO2 when it's pre-heating! Also, love the ability to see where the car is parked, if the lights were left on, or if the doors are locked or not.
I cannot comment on Audi Service. I have not needed it yet. It goes in for it's one year service in the next couple of weeks.
What's bad? Depreciation! I knew this going into the purchase. But, it's still hard to swallow. Interesting though... the car has gone up in value the last 6 months. So, though it crashed for the first 6 months, that was the end of fall (so far).
Update after 4 years of ownership: Sadly, the cell network G3 decommission has disabled the App interface, so one can no longer control car functions or view car stat through phone. Audi has not provided a fix for this model. The car is still enjoyable to drive and the batteries still take me the same distance as they did new. The big concern of depreciation did not materiaalize. In fact, it's holding value better than most ICE vehicles. Audi Service appears on par with other New Car Dealerships. I would not change my original rating.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Plug-in hybrid powertrain is rare for an entry-level luxury car
- Pro:Attractive and practical hatchback body style
- Pro:Upscale and well-designed interior
- Pro:Excellent available technology features
- Con:High price premium over non-hybrid A3
- Con:Lackluster acceleration for a luxury car
- Con:Desirable technology upgrades restricted to more expensive trims
Which A3 Sportback e-tron does Edmunds recommend?
While the base trim still gets you a nicely appointed car, we think Premium Plus with the Technology package (not available on Premium trim) is the sweet spot. That gets you smartphone integration, navigation, a touchpad controller and the excellent Virtual Cockpit, all of which greatly improve the tech interface and make this high-tech hatchback feel properly modern.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Hatchback
Driving
The Sportback e-tron outperforms EVs such as the BMW i3, and its impressively quick for a plug-in hybrid as well. Expect a zero-to-60-mph time right around 7 seconds. The e-tron's heavier weight dulls responsiveness around turns compared to the regular A3, though.
Comfort
The A3 offers the kind of comfort we expect from larger luxury sedans, with roomy, accommodating front seats. The cabin is relatively quiet, with wind and road noise kept at unintrusive levels.
Interior
The A3 offers good all-around visibility, and the controls are well placed and easy to use. Front-seat access is easy, but getting into the rear seat requires a bit of work, and even average-size adults will feel cramped.
Utility
The hatchback body certainly offers more cargo capacity than the sedan, and space is on par with that of other hatchback hybrid vehicles. With the rear seats folded down, the hatchback offers decent storage space for a small car. Small-item storage is a little sparse.
Technology
We like Audi's current suite of driver safety and infotainment technologies, which have a robust set of features and excellent graphics. We've been happy enough using Audi's system, especially with Virtual Cockpit integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a bonus instead of a necessity.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron in Ohio is:
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