2016 Audi A3 E-tron 1.4t Premium Vs Premium Plus Free Updated

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic

By David Colman

Hypes: The Just Non-Clown Car Hybrid
Gripes: Electric Range Disappointing

Audi's bread and butter machine is the A3, which is available in a stupefying number of iterations. The newest and greenest of the bunch is the Hybrid "e-tron" version which debuted as a prototype almost 3 years ago at the Frankfurt Auto Testify, reappeared at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2013, and is now finally in product. The Hybrid offers two modes of propulsion. The beginning is a small displacement (one.4 liter) inline four making 148hp and 184lb.-ft. of torque. This avant-garde design engine features double overhead cams and xvi valves. The second motor is electric and produces 55hp and 243lb.-ft. of torque. These engines feed their combined output of 201hp and 258lb.-ft. of torque to a 6-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox. The due east-tron model is offered equally a five door hatchback, with comfortable seating for 4 adults plus a spacious storage area backside the rear seats. Fold those 60/forty split dorsum seats downwards, and you lot've got plenty storage for a mountain wheel.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic

Inside the trunk you will find a large zippered bag containing the recharge apparatus for the electric motor'southward 661 pound bombardment pack. This kit consists of a heavy oblong charging unit of measurement which plugs into a receptacle subconscious backside the Audi rings in the front grill. Included in the kit are alternating plugs for 120volt and 240volt applications. A guide lite implanted in the grill throbs green equally the unit recharges the battery, then turns solid greenish when the procedure is consummate. At 120volts, a full charge on an empty bombardment takes about nine hours. At 240volts, the aforementioned process takes about three hours. Nosotros left the accuse unit of measurement fastened overnight in order to insure a full charge at 120volts. We and so headed over the hill from our home on the coast to a indicate just x miles away. At that point the bombardment accuse indicator read empty. Audi estimates 33 miles per full charge, simply does add together a disclaimer that your accuse mileage may vary.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic

Regardless of such limited bombardment utility, the A3 Sportback is a still delectable German hatchback that provides stunning practiced looks allied to splendid handling. Although Audi has staked its reputation on the virtue of Quattro all-wheel-drive, the ability train layout of the e-tron does non allow room to install all-wheel-bulldoze in the Sportback. Thus, you must make practice with front-wheel-drive only. However, the traction offered by front cycle pulling ability is excellent, so expert in fact that you lot'll be hard pressed to make up one's mind that the rear wheels are not too driven. Helping control the A3 through turns and switchbacks are a gear up of grippy 225/45R17 Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires mounted on special xv spoke "Turbine Design" alloy rims. These tires and wheels are office of the optional $4,100 Premium Plus group which likewise provides heated forepart seats and full LED headlights.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic

The fit and finish of the A3 has been improved over the years to the point that it is at present duplicate from Audi models costing twice as much equally our $46,655 exam car. For instance, the sport model front seats are works of art in terms of design, advent and comfort. The dashboard features "iii-D Optic" inlays which give this normally boring expanse of vinyl an alluring depth. High gloss aluminum window trim frames the side drinking glass with handsome slashes of luminescence, while adaptive lighting in the cockpit casts a bear on of Hollywood glamour on the entry and go out process. The nuance and window treatment, forth with the stage lights are all part of the Premium Plus package.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic

If your obligation to save the planet requires ownership of a Hybrid, the Audi A3 e-tron is a worthy choice. Unlike so many bad-mannered looking electric powered offerings (Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Nissan Leaf come to heed), Audi's petite Hybrid makes no concessions to ugliness. While it is not 100 percent electric, it nevertheless qualifies you as a certified greenie – without having to await like a weenie. Indeed, the A3 enjoys all the attributes of its gas powered model line siblings: pleasing appearance, smart packaging, efficient use of energy sources, and unexpected comfort. Although the base price of the A3 due east-tron looks steep at $37,900, this entry level foothold on Mount Audi is well worth your investment.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4T FWD S tronic