Every automaker who serves the U.S. market must produce zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). Audi is no different from any other in this regard. As the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates begin to approach, Audi and its parent, Volkswagen, are scrambling to produce products that meet the mandates, but also offer that special something Audi buyers have come to expect. One of the most notable products the company is about to launch is the 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron.
The A3 e-tron, as we will call the vehicle for the remainder of this preview, will skirt the line between hybrid and electric.The new A3 e-tron will be able to operate on battery power alone, or on its gasoline engine alone, or the two will work together intelligently to produce abundant power cleanly and efficiently. Even more impressive than the drivetrain may be the fact that early reviews report that the e-tron's 55-45 front-to-rear weight distribution and approximately 3,400-pound weight make it more fun to drive than competitive plug-in hybrids, and possibly better than the conventional A3, which has more of its weight by percentage over the front wheels.
The 2016 A3 e-tron will travel about 16 to 19 miles on electric power alone. We’ve tested the Ford Fusion plug-in that has a range similar to that and found that for most trips the car is always on battery power. All vehicles of this type also let you select when to use that battery. This is important, because on the highway, it may be better to operate in hybrid or gasoline power modes to save the battery power for the start and end of your trip, which will be on city and suburban streets. Thus, one gets to maximize the battery’s effectiveness.
In combination, the Audi A3 e-tron has no limits on range, because you can stop and quickly fill its gasoline tank in under 5 minutes anywhere in North America. Audi shows a graphic on its A3 page stressing that one could drive from south of San Diego to north of San Francisco on just one full battery and fuel tank. There is zero range anxiety with vehicles of this type.
Charging the A3 e-tron will be easier and faster than for a full battery-electric vehicle, because it uses fewer batteries. Audi says the 240-volt charge time is only 2.25 hours. When using standard home 120-volt power, the A3 e-tron can charge completely in just 8 hours. That time is important, because it's how long you sleep. Compare that charge time to a Kia Soul EV we recently tested. Although the Kia can go much farther on its battery pack (about 93 miles), it takes almost 30 hours based on our testing to fully charge it if you use a standard 120-volt plug. So you cannot charge from empty to full overnight when you are away from your high-power charger.
Audi wisely made the new A3 e-tron quick. It has 204 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, more in some situations. That will be enough to move the A3 e-tron along at a pace any Audi owner will respect. Expect a 0-60 acceleration time of about 7 to 8 seconds. In another nod to familiarity, Audi is reported to be using a 6-speed version of its dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of going with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 2016 Audi A3 e-tron will be dramatically greener by all current metrics when compared to a diesel version of this car. The two should not be confused. Despite some diesel advocates wishing it were otherwise, diesels generate more CO2 per mile than do even mild hybrids. In most cases, the conventional gasoline engines that sell at the top of each passenger-car segment do better than diesel offerings. The e-tron version of the A3 will also be better in terms of fuel cost of operation per mile compared to diesel and will use dramatically less petroleum to operate.
Our research indicates that the A3 e-tron will operate only in front-wheel-drive mode. If this turns out to be correct, Audi will be departing from one of its comfort areas. The Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is very closely aligned with the word Audi to most Audi shoppers. However, this car being a result of a Californian mandate, the all-weather aspects of Quattro may not be as crucial to the sales success of the car.
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is expected to arrive in early 2016 in the U.S. market. Look for it to begin its roll out in California and that handful of U.S. states that adopt CARB mandates.
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Does my Audi A3 sport back 2010 have a cam belt or chain driven
anyone else had there motror blow up due 2 no oil getting up 2 the chain
Hey my car is showing a green p sign and accellarator doesn't work and the idling is different it's like it wants to cut.
help me about this issue on diagnose system result is camshaft position sensor i changed even intake sensor even temp sensor i changed but problem is still thr ....i checked wiring it still fine...i went to other garage mechanic said your timing is mising and need to replace timing belt thts y camshaft sensor giving wrong info...but if timing is missing no smoke is coming from exhaust.......please help me abt this issue
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75 · Limited slip differential: front
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 76 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75 · Limited slip differential: front
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 76 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 705 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75 · Limited slip differential: front
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 76 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer