People who drive hybrids tend to want others around them to know that they have a hybrid. The Toyota Prius is the benchmark of hybrids but there are a wide selection from cheap and cheerful to luxurious and expensive. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron certainly falls in the more expensive side of the hybrid spectrum, but does that mean paying more mean you get exactly what you’ve bargained for?
The A3 e-tron uses a 1.4-liter turbo and plug-in hybrid technology for a combined output of 204hp. You won’t ever complain about passing power or flexibility with the A3 as it is far quicker and easier to live with than the Toyota Prius. You may not get the outstandingly low running costs associated with the Prius but you won’t have to sacrifice too much as the running costs with the A3 is still something to run home and brag about.
Driving the A3 is smooth and upscale feeling. It doesn’t feel its size which isn’t a bad thing; it certainly has a grownup feel to it. However, some may find themselves driving it more uneconomically because of the high torque at low revs which gives you plenty of punch on the highway and while driving in the city isn’t a chore, it’s certainly worth noting that the electric only range of the batteries is very limited before the engine kicks in to recharge them. Steering feedback is fluid and the car handles quite well too, it may not be as sharp to drive as a GTI but this isn’t trying to be that. It’s simply a more classy way of being green without having to choose the oddball looks of a Prius or Chevy Volt.
The interior fits the bill of the price tag. The materials used are classy and top notch. You won’t find anything to complain of except the placement of the push button ignition switch, which is awkwardly close to your knee in the center console. The infotainment screen glides out of the dashboard with elegance and class. The controls and dials are within easy reach of the driver’s hand, and the front seats are all-day comfy. However, some may find the rear seat a tad on the cramped side but it’s far from a deal breaker. The boot space is actually quite generous for its size.
The standard Premium trim comes with all you’ll ever really need with the A3. Heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, and Audi’s pre sense technology. You’ll have to step up to the Premium Plus trim (which is our rental car) to get Full LED headlights, auto dimming interior mirror and parking system plus with rearview parking camera. Prestige trim adds Audi’s virtual cockpit, B&O premium audio system and adaptive cruise control with stop & go capabilities.
Times are changing and the Audi A3 e-tron is clear proof of this; not everyone wants the world to know they drive a hybrid and the choices of being discrete are out there. The A3 so happens to be one of them but falls in the more expensive side of the spectrum. It’s true the benchmark Toyota Prius is cheaper but it’s also way too oddball for everyone’s tastes, and besides why would you want one when the A3 can deliver quite well in the low running costs and flexible engine? It’s expensive but certainly one that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Likes: It’s quick on its feet and has low running costs. The interior is Audi classy and the boot space is very generous for its size.
Dislikes: It’s not the cheapest option out there and it certainly isn’t even close to the benchmark Toyota Prius in hybrid standards.
Our pick: The Premium trim offers enough in terms of standard kit and is the cheapest of the range. We wouldn’t bother with the Prestige trim unless you’re willing to dish out the premium for it. The Premium Plus is the best compromise if you have to have the fancy bells and whistles.
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