With the fallout from the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal, Audi has been exploring diesel powertrain alternatives. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are currently in the pipeline, but does Audi have any existing fuel-efficient, non-diesel options? The A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi’s second hybrid vehicle, after the Q5 hybrid first released in 2013, and for 2017 the Sportback e-tron is undergoing a model refresh.
The 2017 A3 Sportback e-tron receives updates similar to those the A3 and S3 sedans will get. Its exterior features the wider and sharper Singleframe grille, paired with LED daytime running lights and optional LED headlights. An available Sports package adds 18-inch wheels and a roof spoiler to the exterior.
Audi has also improved the A3 Sportback e-tron’s available technology offerings with an updated MMI infotainment system and a new Virtual Cockpit system. The MMI system is situated on a 7-inch pop-up screen and features a better interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and optional connect PRIME and connect PLUS services that include Google Earth navigation with automatic traffic rerouting, Internet radio, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Virtual Cockpit system swaps the standard instrument cluster for a 12.3-inch screen that can display either a standard instrument layout or an "infotainment" mode with enhanced Google Maps navigation.
The A3 Sportback e-tron’s already pleasant interior remains largely unchanged. A minimalist design for the dash and the use of high-quality materials put the A3 Sportback e-tron toward the top of its class. Like the A3 sedan, the Sportback does have a tight back seat with little head- or legroom. However, cargo space is slightly bigger than the sedan’s at 13.6 cubic feet and can be increased to over 43.5 by folding the rear seats.
Power for the A3 Sportback e-tron comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprised of a turbocharged fuel stratified injection (TFSI) 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and an 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output stands at 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with power flowing through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. The Sportback e-tron can reach a speed of 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The EPA has not yet released fuel economy figures for the 2017 model, but we expect them to be same as the 2016 model’s, with a rating of 83 MPGe combined and an estimated electric-only range of 16 miles (fairly short for a plug-in hybrid). Recharging the battery takes about 8 hours when plugged into a 120-volt outlet and 2.25 hours when plugged into a 240-volt charger.
The Pre Sense Basic and Pre Sense Front systems are now standard on the A3 Sportback e-tron. Pre Sense Front monitors traffic in front of the vehicle—if it detects an obstruction on the road, it will first provide an audible alert to the driver of the impending danger. If the driver hits the brake after the alert, the brake-assist system will provide maximum stopping force, but if the driver does not take action, Pre Sense Front will partially activate the brakes and ready Pre Sense Basic. Pre Sense Basic monitors the braking and stability control systems—if it detects a skid or heavy braking, it will turn on the hazard lights, close the windows and sunroof, and tighten the seat belts to provide full protection to passengers. Other safety equipment for the A3 Sportback includes a full suite of airbags, stability control, a reversing camera, and parking sensors. The Prestige trim also comes with lane-departure prevention and blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing for the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron begins at $38,900 for the base Premium and climbs to $47,550 for the high-end Prestige, though the A3 Sportback e-tron does qualify for a federal and some state tax credits.
What is reflected in the dealer pricing. Is shipping include, processing fees and Audi incentive. Are these all added on to or deleted from the dealer price presented
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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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: rear · 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: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
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): 75 · 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
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · 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
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · 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: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · 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: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · 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: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
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): 75 · 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
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · 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 pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · 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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · 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 · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
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): 75 · 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
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer