The Audi A3 Sportback (8Y) 45 TFSI e, produced from December 2020 through 2024, represents Audi’s entry into the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market within the fourth generation (8Y) A3 Sportback lineup. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it bridged the gap between the standard petrol-powered A3 variants and the higher-performance S3. This model aimed to provide a balance of efficiency, performance, and electric driving capability, catering to environmentally conscious buyers seeking a premium compact hatchback. The 45 TFSI e utilizes a combination of a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 245 horsepower. It’s built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform (A3 platform), shared with other models like the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A3 |
| Generation | A3 Sportback (8Y) |
| Type (Engine) | 45 TFSI e (245 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid S tronic |
| Start of production | December, 2020 |
| End of production | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 1.1-1.3 l/100 km (213.8 – 180.9 US mpg, 256.8 – 217.3 UK mpg, 90.9 – 76.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 26-31 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 1.4-1.5 l/100 km (168 – 156.8 US mpg, 201.8 – 188.3 UK mpg, 71.4 – 66.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 31-34 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 232 km/h (144.16 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 252.4 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 13 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 130 kg (286.6 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Below the floor, under the rear seats |
| Recuperation output | 40 kW |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 63 km (39.15 mi) |
| All-electric range (NEDC) | 74 km (45.98 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC) | 13.1-14.1 kWh/100 km (21.08 – 22.69 kWh/100 mi, 160 – 149 MPGe, 7.6 – 7.1 km/kWh, 4.7 – 4.4 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 109 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 330 Nm (243.4 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 245 Hp |
| System torque | 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1550-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1550-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DGEA |
| Engine displacement | 1395 cm3 (85.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14.6 l (15.43 US qt | 12.85 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1585 kg (3494.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2075 kg (4574.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1100 l (38.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4343 mm (170.98 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Front overhang | 905 mm (35.63 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 808 mm (31.81 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the front wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The Audi A3 Sportback (8Y) 45 TFSI e, launched in late 2020, marked a significant step in Audi’s electrification strategy. It’s part of the 8Y generation A3, which brought a redesigned interior, updated technology, and a more modern exterior compared to its predecessor. The “45 TFSI e” designation indicates a powertrain combining a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 245 horsepower. This model was primarily aimed at the European market, where demand for PHEVs was growing due to stricter emissions regulations and government incentives. The Sportback body style, a five-door hatchback, is popular in Europe for its practicality and versatility.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 45 TFSI e lies the Audi DGEA engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine, part of the EA211 family, produces 150 horsepower and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque on its own. The engine utilizes a Miller cycle for improved efficiency. The electric motor, integrated into the housing between the engine and the S tronic transmission, adds another 109 horsepower and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system output is 245 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the rear seats, minimizing impact on cabin space. The S tronic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission efficiently manages power delivery, offering quick and smooth gear changes. The car can operate in various modes: EV-only, hybrid auto, and hold, allowing drivers to prioritize electric driving or conserve battery power for later use.
Driving Characteristics
The 45 TFSI e offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience. In electric-only mode, it provides near-silent acceleration and a range of up to 63 km (39 miles) WLTP, sufficient for many daily commutes. Switching to hybrid mode seamlessly blends the power of the petrol engine and electric motor, resulting in brisk acceleration – 0-60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. The S tronic transmission contributes to this responsiveness. Compared to the standard 1.5 TFSI A3 Sportback, the 45 TFSI e feels noticeably more powerful, especially during overtaking maneuvers. While the battery pack adds weight, the instant torque from the electric motor helps mitigate any perceived sluggishness. The gear ratios are optimized for both efficiency and performance, providing adequate power across a wide speed range. The steering is precise and well-weighted, typical of Audi’s standards.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 45 TFSI e typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a mid-range offering. Standard features included Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of cloth and leatherette, with options for full leather available. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system, adaptive cruise control, and matrix LED headlights. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally offered progressive enhancements in terms of interior materials, exterior styling, and technology features.
Chassis & Braking
The A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. The suspension is tuned to handle the added weight of the battery pack without compromising handling. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, along with electronic stability control. The steering is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive control. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, with larger wheel sizes available as options.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality. Compared to the standard petrol-powered A3 variants, the 45 TFSI e offered significantly improved fuel economy and the ability to drive in electric-only mode, reducing emissions. Compared to the more powerful S3, it provided a more balanced driving experience, prioritizing efficiency over outright performance. The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, a close competitor, offered a similar powertrain and driving experience, but the A3 Sportback was often favored for its more premium interior and styling. Some criticisms focused on the limited all-electric range and the impact of the battery pack on trunk space.
Legacy
The Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e represents an important step in Audi’s transition towards electrification. The powertrain, while not without its limitations, proved to be reliable in most cases. On the used car market, these models hold their value relatively well, particularly those with low mileage and a full service history. The combination of a premium brand, a practical body style, and a fuel-efficient powertrain makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking a used plug-in hybrid. The technology introduced in the 45 TFSI e paved the way for Audi’s subsequent plug-in hybrid models and contributed to the growing acceptance of electric vehicles.
