In-depth reviews

Audi A3 hybrid performance, top speed & engine

The A3 TFSI e is powerful and capable, but ride quality leaves a little to be desired, especially on the larger alloy-wheel sizes

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Performance, engine & drive rating

4.0 out of 5

Model0-62mphTop speedDriven wheelsPower
40 TFSI e7.6s141mphFront201bhp
45 TFSI e6.8s144mphFront242bhp

Audi's plug-in hybrid engine is a good one: it's both powerful when you want strong acceleration and smooth when you just want to cruise along steadily. The transition between electric and petrol power happens almost imperceptibly, so in day-to-day driving the A3 TFSI e is very impressive.

Audi A3 hybrid 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

With 201bhp to call on, the A3 40 TFSI e can reach 62mph from rest in 7.6 seconds. And as you might expect, the 45 TFSI e version is even quicker thanks to its 242bhp combined output, with a 6.8-second 0-62mph time. But it's not just 'away from the lights' acceleration that's impressive; the electric motor fills in any gaps in the petrol engine's power delivery very effectively, so you get strong acceleration at any speed.

This makes for very relaxed everyday driving, with swift overtaking moves and motorway on-ramps being dispatched easily. The top speed of the A3 hybrid is an Autobahn-friendly 140mph-plus, so it hardly breaks a sweat when cruising at the UK motorway limit.

Handling

The standard A3 is a composed and satisfying car to drive, if not the last word in driver enjoyment. The hybrid version doesn't deviate from this too much, but we do have some reservations about ride quality – particularly in S line guise with sports suspension and large 18-inch alloys. It's not as rock-hard as some previous sporty Audis, but it's still too easily unsettled by typically bumpy British road surfaces.

Most Popular

Renault Scenic review: why would you choose a Model Y?
Renault Scenic - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Renault Scenic review: why would you choose a Model Y?

Renault has re-established itself as a titan of Europe’s family car sector; the Scenic offers range, tech and space, all at a reasonable price
28 Nov 2023
New Fisker Ocean Sport washes up in the UK: £36k for a 288-mile range
Fisker Ocean Sport
News

New Fisker Ocean Sport washes up in the UK: £36k for a 288-mile range

American EV startup Fisker has just launched its entry-level Ocean SUV in the UK, with a range of up to 288 miles
22 Nov 2023
Big price cut: Electric Renault Megane prices slashed in time for Christmas
Renault Megane E-Tech - exterior
News

Big price cut: Electric Renault Megane prices slashed in time for Christmas

Renault Megane E-Tech gets a price drop of up to £3,500, bringing the starting price to just £34,495
30 Nov 2023