GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

New models - Audi - A3 - e-tron

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron enters the fray

Electric dreams: Audi's A3 Sportback e-tron is finally in Australian showrooms after a lengthy delay.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron ushers in new era for brand in Australia

Gallery

Click to see larger images

28 Aug 2015

AUDI Australia has finally launched the first of what it hopes is a permanent electrification variant addition to all of its core models moving forward, with the A3 Sportback e-tron lobbing in showrooms this month.

On sale now from $62,490 plus on-road costs, the single-variant plug-in petrol-electric hybrid e-tron five-door hatch arrives after a near six-month delay due to strong demand in Europe, according to Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle.

Speaking to GoAuto at the electrified A3's launch in Bowral, New South Wales this month, Mr Doyle revealed that while the expected sales of 10 units per month is modest, the newcomer’s role will help solidify Audi’s position as a technological leader in this class.

Mr Doyle also added that the e-tron’s A3 Sportback packaging should show consumers how uncomplicated it is to access vehicles with electrification.

“The most important thing is to launch the A3 e-tron’s technology, infrastructure, and education concept into the marketplace, and making it as easy as possible for buyers to achieve that,” he said.

“The e-tron is just one of many opportunities in the A3 Sportback range. Customers do not have to be shopping for a hybrid… they come in, see it has everything that a normal A3 offers, but with an outstanding efficiency proposition.” Initially 16 dealerships spread across the larger capital cities will specialise in the e-tron, with each investing about $500,000 in showroom, sales/aftersales, and high-voltage training for technicians, according to Audi.

The German car-maker is holding about 40 orders, with 20 soon to be delivered.

The A3 Sportback e-tron undercuts the BMW i3 REx range extender plug-in EV by $6500, but is significantly more expensive than the only other vehicle of this ilk, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV from $47,490.

Several non plug-in hybrids of similar sizing cost less too, such as the Lexus CT200h (from $37,990) and Honda Accord Sport Hybrid from $58,990. Additionally, the Audi is also more expensive than the Lexus IS 300h from $57,000, and is only $5500 cheaper than the powerful Infiniti Q50 3.5h S from $67.900. Both luxury marques are from the next category up too.

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva motor show, the A3 Sportback e-tron has taken more than two years to make it to Australia.

Driving the front wheels via a specially designed six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is a combination of a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and a 75kW/330Nm electric motor.

Together, they deliver 150kW and 350Nm of total system power and torque, 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres of fuel consumption and 37 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre.

Total EV range is 50km on average (we managed 59.7km on the test route), with a top speed of 130km/h in EV mode, or 222km/h in hybrid drive. Total range is said to be 920km. Weighing in, minus the driver, at 1540kg, the A3 Sportback e-tron dashes from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.

Audi will provide the Type 1 vehicle charger with two interchangeable sockets, with charging times taking five hours with a 10-amp household socket or 2.5hr with an industrial socket (a dedicated single-phase 230v/16A circuit). The company says the total cost at peak time (50c/kWh) is $4.45, based on NSW residential cost of charging.

The price of fitting the charger in most household situations will be covered by Audi, though some exclusions do apply.

Standard features in the five-star ANCAP-scoring A3 Sportback e-tron include seven airbags, LED headlights, keyless entry, leather upholstery, MMI infotainment media with satellite navigation, Bluetooth streaming, DVD and DAB+ digital radio, Audi’s Drive Select system (allowing for Sport, Comfort, and Eco modes), a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a tyre inflation kit.

The spare wheel gives way to the battery pack installed in a safety cradle beneath the back cushion, relocating the smaller 40-litre fuel tank to under the cargo area floor, for a 100L reduction in boot capacity (now rated at 280L). The rear seats fold as normally to extend that into the cabin as per usual.

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron pricing*
e-tron (a) $62,490
*Excludes on-road costs

Quick tests

Read more

GoAuto can help you buy a new A3

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Audi models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here