Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e PHEVs Introduced

• EV range is up to 31 miles or 50 km WLTP.

• System output is rated at 245PS or 242 horsepower.

• This is Audi’s 8^th TFSI e PHEV model.

Volkswagen and Audi are deep in the trenches, researching and developing EV technologies for tomorrow. As we await more EVs like the Audi e-Tron and Volkswagen ID. vehicles, Audi’s TFSI e plug-in hybrid vehicles like the new Q3 45 TFSI e are meant to tie us over.

Powering both the Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is a turbocharged 1.4-litre TFSI 4-cylinder petrol engine that, on its own, delivers 150PS. With the help of the 85 kW permanently excited synchronous motor, system output climbs to 245PS or 242 horsepower. System torque is 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) which enables the Q3 45 TFSI e to reach 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. In Dynamic drive mode, the electric motor’s peak electric torque of 330Nm (243 lb.-ft.) becomes available for up to 10 seconds for immediate passing power when the throttle is fully depressed.

There are other drive modes, including “Battery Hold” and “Battery Charge” which enable to user to make the best use of the available electric power.

The key to the PHEV is a 13 kWh battery that, when fully charged, can provide up to 31 miles (50 km) at speeds of up to 87mph (140 km/h) in electric-power mode according to the WLTP test. With the supplied Type 2 cable a domestic AC wall box, a full charge is achieved in 3h 45 minutes.

The new Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e will be available in various European markets next spring. There are no details about it being offered in North America. More likely than not, it will not be offered.