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Audi expands plug-in hybrid line-up with Q3 SUVs

Audi is introducing plug-in hybrid versions of its Q3 compact SUV range, which join its expanding TFSI e range as the eighth models.

The new Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid models will be available to order from spring 2021

The new Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrids will be available to order from spring 2021, using a powertrain that teams up a 150hp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 116hp electric motor with a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, giving a total output of 245hp and 400Nm.

The 13.0kWh lithium-ion battery – which is located under the vehicle floor – gives an electric-only range of up to around 31 miles while both variants can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and top speed of 130mph. Fuel and CO2 figures are yet to be confirmed.

Charging can be carried out via a domestic AC wallbox using the Type 2 cable supplied and takes three hours 45 minutes. This can be remotely controlled using the free myAudi app, which enables the driver to define activation and deactivation times and also to remotely activate the climate control. A mode 3 cable is also supplied for charging at public AC charging terminals and drivers can access the e-tron Charging Service, which enables them to recharge at more than 155,000 charging points across Europe via a single RFID card that generates a monthly invoice.

The main operating mode is ‘Auto-Hybrid’, which sees the electric motor support the four-cylinder engine in a range of situations, such as when overtaking or when accelerating from low speeds. Alongside EV-only operation, drivers can also choose ‘Battery Hold’ or ‘Battery Charge’ modes, which keep the battery charge at the current level or increase the state of charge respectively.

Drivers can also select from Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual profiles under the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, tailoring elements including the steering, engine and transmission. Dynamic can the full 330Nm torque reserve of the electric motor available to the driver for up to 10 seconds .

The Q3 45 TFSI e will be available with Technik, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options, while the Q3 Sportback range will offer the same options but kick in from S line level.

Comfort suspension is standard for Technik, S line and Black Edition versions while Vorsprung models get an electronically controlled suspension system with adaptive damping.

All models get an MMI touch unit with 10.1-inch screen and MMI navigation plus, while the Audi virtual cockpit features a 10.25-inch screen – rising to 12.3 inches and offering extra features on the Audi virtual cockpit plus fitted to Vorsprung models.

Access to the Audi connect portfolio is included for all versions on a three-year subscription basis and supplements the navigation with Google Earth mapping, traffic information online, points-of-interest search functionality and Car-to-X services.

Standard driver assistance technology includes Audi pre sense basic, pre sense front, Audi side assist blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

Pricing will be confirmed prior to the vehicles’ arrival in the spring.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.