The Audi Q3 moves towards the zero emissions den with the latest plug-in hybrid. The Q3 45 TFSI e will be available in 2021 boasting the 1.4 TFSI engine along with a 100HP electric motor and a 13kWh battery.
The four-cylinder 1.4 TFSI petrol engine powering the Q3 contributes a healthy 150HP output, and this is supplemented by the 100HP of power delivered by the permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM). Together, they generate 250HP of system power and system torque of 400 Nm, on the strength of which both variants can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and top out at 210KPH.
- 1.4 TFSI engine with 150HP
- Permanent 100HP electric motor
- 13kWh battery for 52Km full electric range
- Plug-in
- 7.3s to 100KPH
The PSM is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic transmission together with the separating clutch. This dual-clutch transmission transfers the power to the front wheels, and integrates an electric oil pump which maintains supply even when the TFSI engine is switched off to enable normal functioning and gear selection to continue..
The high-voltage battery lies under the vehicle floor in front of the rear axle. Its 96 prismatic cells store 13.0 kWh of energy and maintain optimal performance with help from their own cooling circuit, which can also be coupled to the circuit used by the air conditioning system to ensure effective cooling even when requirements are at their highest.
Daily Driver, zero emissions
Drivers can prioritise electric drive at a touch of the EV button. The drive management system constantly evaluates data from numerous sources, including the route information from the navigation system and feedback on the immediate surroundings from the vehicle sensors, to enable it to identify when the car is approaching a town sign, a speed limit or a roundabout, or is getting too close to the vehicle ahead. When the accelerator pedal is released, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e start to coast with the TFSI engine switched off in most situations.
Daily Driver
Braking is always used in conjunction with the regeneration system. With a maximum deceleration of 0.3g, most of daily stopages can be handled by this system. In turn, up to 40kW can be generated and used for battery recharge.
Charging the battery can be accomplished from a wall outlet in just 3h 45 minutes and the >50km of pure electric range will cover most users’ daily driving requirements. Well, maybe one way. A type 3 cable is also supplied for use in commercial charging stations.
All in all, a step in the right direction, with perhaps the only drawback being the rather engorged price tag. At over 50,000USD we think it may outprice the advantages it brings to the table?
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4 l L4 - Hybrid |
| Power | 245HP |
| 0-100KPH | 7.3s |
| Top Speed | 210KPH |
| Utility | |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Boot | 380 litres |
| Real Estate | |
| Length | 4.48m |
| Width | 1.85m |
| Height | 1.62m |
| Weight | 1,700Kg |
| Price | ~53,500$ |