Is the 2018 Audi A3 Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?
The Audi A3 was available as a Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid for the 2016 to 2018 model years. The 2018 model has an 8/10 Car and Driver rating.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the
Audi A3
is the A3 Sportback e-tron
, which was produced from 2016 to 2018. The 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron has an 8/10 Car and Driver rating and costs between $28,000-$34,000 on the used market.In 2018, the A3 Sportback e-tron was the only luxury car in its class available as a plug-in hybrid. Five years ago, it was a noticeable step up in quality from non-luxury PHEVs like the
Chevy Volt
and Toyota Prius Prime
, but these days, plug-in hybrids with as short an EV range as 16 miles will have trouble competing with the newer EVs on the market.But if you are looking for an Audi PHEV on a budget, a 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will still offer lots of luxury at a much lower price than newer models.
Jerry
has all the details on what makes the Audi A3 plug-in hybrid as good as it is, and our super app
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.2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid
While the regular 2018 A3 was available in cabriolet or sedan versions, the plug-in hybrid e-tron version takes after the Volkswagen Golf, with a hatchback/compact wagon Sportback body.
In terms of EV range, drivers used to the performance of newer plug-in hybrid models might be disappointed by the A3 Sportback e-tron’s borderline-unhelpful 16 miles of EV range.
That being said, for folks with short commutes and plenty of charging options, the A3 plug-in hybrid offers the opportunity for major fuel savings while still providing the versatility of a gas-powered vehicle.
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Pricing
The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron was available in 3 trims.
The first trim, Premium, is in the $28,000-$34,000 range on the used market.
Premium Plus adds about $1,000 to the price range if you’re buying used.
The top Prestige trim ranges from $31,000 with no extras, while one with premium 18-inch wheels and a sport package can be worth up to $38,000.
Performance and fuel economy
The A3 Sportback e-tron is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce a fantastic 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
This may not match the power of the S3’s gasoline-only engine, but what it sacrifices in pure power, it makes up for in fuel economy. In electric mode, you can drive 16 miles and get 83 MPGe. In regular hybrid mode, you’ll get 34 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
While the range isn’t all that impressive, the Audi A3 charges in less than 3 hours at home, meaning it’s always ready for a quick trip.
Exterior styling
The A3 Sportback’s hot-hatch/wagon style is classic, a very similar vehicle overall to the Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid.
One fun exterior feature is the four-ring logo on the front grille, which you can pull away to reveal a charging port.
Interior and comfort
Visibility is good in the A3, and there is some extra room granted by the hatchback. That said, while the interior is luxurious with a spacious front seating area, the rear seats are cramped and hard to get in and out of.
Technology
You should be able to find the three different Audi A3 trim levels on the used market, but usually the base models are more common. Here’s what you get for standard features on a 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium:
- 17-inch wheels
- Forward collision warning system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Heated power front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Keyless ignition/entry
- Leather seats and trim
- Panoramic sunroof
- 10-speaker sound system
Sport packages were available, which added paddle shifters onto a new flat-bottom steering wheel. Also included were upgraded 18-inch wheels, sport seats, and a roof spoiler.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for all of the available safety features for the 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron, you’ll need to find one in the top Prestige trim, which adds lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Other goodies from the Premium Plus’ optional Technology package trim are also included with the Prestige, such as an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system with Android/Apple integration, an upgraded gauge cluster display, and a 7-inch infotainment screen with a navigation system and a touchpad controller.
Warranty coverage
Audi’s pre-owned warranty provides coverage for five years from the original in-service date, so long as the vehicle is still covered under the factory warranty. Audi’s factory warranty lasts ten years or 150,000 miles, but an Audi Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty has no mileage restrictions.
Even if you buy a used Audi from a private seller and not a dealership, you’ll be able to transfer their protection plan with the sale of the vehicle.
The bottom line
The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a great package if you’re willing to accept its lower electricity-only range and its luxury pricing. Especially if you can find a Prestige model for a fair price, you’ll be looking at a ton of fuel savings in a vehicle with all the same technology found in luxury vehicles that are five years newer.
However, if you’re looking for something with better performance in terms of overall fuel efficiency and performance, you may be better off directing funds toward a newer plug-in hybrid.
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron vs. 2018 Toyota Prius Prime
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, there’s something to be said about the 2018 Prius Prime’s 25-plus-mile electric range, along with its fuel efficiency of 55/53 mpg city/highway when in regular hybrid mode.
A top trim 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is in line with the price of the cheaper A3 Sportback e-tron trims, while a basic one usually fetches a price under $30,000. When it comes down to it, if you want an Audi’s performance and luxury aesthetic, you’ll find the A3 more satisfying than the Prime. The Audi also offers shorter charge times. That said, the Prius Prime remains the more affordable option overall with a more impressive electricity-only range.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Fuel economy (electric only) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron | $28,000 | 34 mpg | 83 MPGe | 16 miles | 30 min | 10 years |
2018 Toyota Prius Prime | $27,330 | 54 mpg | 133 MPGe | 25 miles | 2 hours | 10 years |
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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron vs. 2018 Chevrolet Volt
A 2018 Chevrolet Volt undercuts the starting price of an A3 Sportback e-tron from the same year by about $2,000.
It also gets an all-electric range of53 miles, much better than both the A3 and Prius Prime plug-in hybrids. The Volt gets better mileage than the Audi A3, but isn’t as good on gas when used in hybrid mode.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Fuel economy (electric only) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron | $28,000 | 34 mpg | 83 MPGe | 16 miles | 2 hours | 10 years |
2018 Chevrolet Volt | $26,000 | 42 mpg | 105 MPGe | 53 miles | 4.5 hours | 8 years |
How to save money on car insurance
If you’re planning on buying a used PHEV rather than springing for a new model, you’re probably no stranger to optimizing savings. Buying used is a great way to save money, and plug-in hybrids offer an incredible opportunity for life-changing long-term fuel savings.
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