Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, versatile eco-friendly car

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle / Courtesy of Audi Korea

By Park Jin-hai

Audi held a test-drive event for Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, Audi’s first mass produced Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle on Jeju Island, Thursday, ahead of its official launch scheduled for the second half of this year.

Based on the five-door hatchback, the A3 Sportback e-tron is the most efficient and versatile version of the Audi A3.

“For customers who want environment-friendly cars but not ready to accept EVs because of their relatively lower driving performance and long charging times, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will be a great choice,” said a company official during the event.

Drivers can choose four EV modes ― EV, Hybrid Auto, Hybrid Hold and Hybrid Charge mode ― that can run either completely on battery or gasoline, or on a combination of both depending on their need.

When driving short distances during weekdays, they can choose the EV mode and the vehicle won’t use any gasoline at all. Yet, the vehicle can run on gasoline for long distance travels on weekends.

The first patch of 84 kilometer test-drive course around the island was driven in the EV mode.

After selecting the mode, a sliding up dashboard screen displays the power flow. The center display between power meter and digital speedometer shows the maximum distance people can go either on battery in green, or on gasoline in yellow.

Its total range reaches 940 kilometers. A driver in EV mode can travel up to 50 kilometers without using petrol.

Despite the rain, as the vehicle was not on engine, outside noise was almost inaudible. Mated with 75kw electric motor, it has 102 horsepower and it increases its speed effortlessly.

As it loses the distance it can go on electricity, I switched the mode to the Hybrid Charge mode, to save the battery. When I put my foot off the acceleration pedal, the car slows down, while gathering capable EV distance, which has risen to 33 kilometers from 27 kilometers in just ten minutes.

The Hybrid Auto mode, vehicle control system automatically switches between battery and gasoline engine, in an effort to find the maximum range.

The Hybrid Hold mode can maintain the current battery capacity for later use.

Its driving performance has not been compromised at all.

The A3 Sportback e-tron comes equipped with a 1.4-liter turbo fuel stratified injection engine with an electric motor, which can generate 204 horsepower.

It only takes 7.6 seconds to reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour, which is the top of the A3 range according to the company. Its fuel efficiency amounts to 66.6 kilometers per a liter of fuel. Its price has yet to be decided.