Audi A3 Sportback E-tron In-Depth Review 2022 | Is it worth it?
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- čas přidán 2. 11. 2022
- So, what do you think of electric cars? Interesting? Intriguing? Definitely the way forward? But would you actually buy one on the used market? If the answer to that is still 'no', then it might be time to think again. In this A3 Sportback e-tron 'Typ8V'-series Plug-in hybrid model launched back in 2016, Audi set out to re-define what an electric car could be, mixing pokey petrol power with real-world battery range and frugality. Does it make sense as a used buy? Let's find out.
History
We live in a changing world. And drive, if we can, cars that reflect our growing need for cleaner, more frugal motoring. Cars perhaps, like this one, Audi's A3 Sportback e-tron, launched in 2016. What we got here was the brand's very first production plug-in hybrid model, an example of technology that seemed to blend the efficiency and some of the cost savings of all-electric power with the range and flexibility of a conventional diesel. Back of the turn of the century, we were all told that ordinary Prius-style petrol/electric hybrid models would do that, but it didn't quite work out that way. That hybrid concept was good, but the way that it used an inefficient combustion engine to re-charge its system batteries wasn't. If though, owners could plug their hybrids into a mains outlet and let a power station do the job instead, a much better solution was promised.
So it was that plug-in hybrid models were born and developed to a simple concept. That of a normal petrol engine beneath the bonnet also boosted by rechargeable battery packs under the back seats. Plugging these into a mains supply with the car parked up for a few hours would then give owners enough electrical power to cover most short journeys. Should the battery power get too low, in would come the petrol engine, so there would be no question of the kind of 'range anxiety' you'd get in a fully-electric car.
Sounds ideal doesn't it? If you only ever used a car like this for short journeys, you'd hardly ever have to fuel up. Unfortunately though, this technology proved to be expensive to develop and it took some time for the industry to figure out how to price it within reasonable bounds. Audi was aided in that by being able to share development costs with its Volkswagen Group sister brands. Hence the way that back in 2016, with the aid of a government grant, the company could offer this car for not much more than the cost of a comparably-sized well-specified diesel automatic model from the same segment. And the Ingolstadt maker claimed that buyers comparing this car to something conventionally fueling from the black pump would find it to be twice as frugal - and twice as clean. It was quite a prospect.
The A3 Sportback e-tron sold until late 2019, when an all-new fourth generation A3 model was launched. For the last year of production, it was badged as the A3 Sportback 40 e-tron.
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I do 160 miles a day and use the battery for the town elements of the journey and around 145 of motorway on petrol.
With speed restrictions of between 50 to 62.5 mph I get between 65 and 72 mpg.
This is real world fuel use I.e fuel use in litres divided by 4.5 to work out gallons and then divide the number of miles traveled by that
Figure. The figures on the dashboard are normally within 1 to 2 mpg of the real figure. Love the car!
Have this seen 2016 and cannot seem to let it go. Love every aspect of this car. Classy and brilliant.
im looking to get a 2016 model. any advice you can give me what to look out for please? petrol hybrid. thanks
@@MA-qq9rp Service history especially those taken with an Audi centre. Battery range should be a 20mile range minimum when fully charged. Make sure it is fully charged before you buy. Check the audio system. Quite a few cars on this line had some speaker crackle when exposed to strong winds. Not a deal breaker but its worth knowing.
@@dafinitiv you are a LEGEND for replying in 12 minutes! Thought it was worth a punt! I have never know anyone with an ETRON and wanted to make sure it is worth it. Worried because Battery won’t have warranty. What do you do for your battery to keep it crisp?
@@MA-qq9rp Not sure how many cycles it has but I tend to charge it mostly after it is completely depleted. Doesn't have to be immediately as it does retain and also charge regeneratively when you drive (especially in S mode). Your range reduces during the winter months and improves by 2-4miles in the summer months.
Good review, I have been looking at various petrol/plug in hybrids. Any chance you can do a review on the Seat Leon 1.4tsi e-hybrid as it uses the same setup as this Audi. Thanks
Hello 👋 thanks for watching! We will pass this onto our team 👍 If you need information sooner and are looking to order a Leon, get in touch with our Vehicle Specialists. Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
I've had the Leon, golf and this a3 as hire cars at various points. The Leon and golf are both good cars but despite being the same setup the audi seems to default to electric as often as possible whereas the golf and Leon seem much keener to kick the petrol engine in. Doesn't bother me on a hire where work pays the fuel bill but if I were buying one for myself it's something I'd note and try myself.
Can confirm it's a great car, have the 2018 model and enjoy the high spec level, coming with Apple car play. Enjoyable to drive and comfy (I'm 6'5).
Fantastic to hear you're enjoying your Audi A3 Christian 👍
I thought apple car play was from 2020 onwards
I was supprised to find that I, at 6'4" had tonnes of space in this thing.
Looks like this is a 2014 model, not the 2022. Good video otherwise!
Excellent review of a car which is nice to know you have the combustion engine to relay on should you not find a Charge Station which are very sparse in my area.
Thanks for watching, Gareth! 👍 This is very true. If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply fix title please. NOT a 2022 model.
obviously the ct200h is the competition, not the prius?
lucky to get 16 miles.range in summer and 11 miles in winter on my 2018 etron.
This guy quoted the imperial milage and range, while using the metric figures. 😑
2:30 Can someone please explain why the water in the background is dead still, like a frozen image?
because its frozen
I didn't know british wear wristwatches on their right wrist too as opposed to left wrist :D
64 plate and that interior looks the same as my 2015. so the 2022 in the title needs fixing.
he is reviewing it in 2022 the car is not from 2022
WHATCAR just did a very convincing "real-world" test showing its cheaper, on fuel alone, to buy a petrol car.
Buy an Audi or any VW product and long term it will bite you in the proverbial. As the miles pile on you will get problems. No avoid.
Had 4 seat Leon’s over the past 7 years, NEVER had one problem.
Generally true, but this is basically a golf, which is the one exception to that rule