The new Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid officially arrives in Ireland
- The first plug-in hybrid model from Audi in the compact SUV class
- Pricing starts from €46,305 and available at Audi dealerships nationwide
Dublin, August 10, 2021 – Audi continues its journey to electrification as the Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid officially arrives in Ireland, offering high efficiency and outstanding driving pleasure, from €46,305 RRP.
The combination of an electric driving experience, simple charging, and high level of suitability for everyday use makes Audi’s plug-in hybrid models especially appealing. The Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e complete the range of plug-in hybrids that Audi has brought onto the market since 2019, marking the first step into the world of electrified Q models.
The plug-in hybrid drive installed in both models delivers a system output of 180 kW (245 HP), and both compact SUVs can cover a distance of 51 km for the Q3 45 TFSI e and 50 km for the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e in the WLTP.
245HP of system output with low emissions
The two Q3 models both include a 1.4 TFSI as the combustion engine. This four-cylinder engine delivers 110 kW (150 HP). The dual-clutch transmission, which transfers the power to the front wheels, integrates an electric oil pump. This ensures the supply and thus the function of the clutches and with that the gear selection even when the TFSI engine is switched off.
The powertrain of these two new models offers both great driving pleasure and high efficiency. The 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor together generate 180 kW of system output (245 HP) and system torque of 400 Nm. Both the Q3 45 TFSI e and the Sportback take 7.3 seconds to burst from 0 to 100 km/h, and both reach a top speed of 210 km/h. The Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e records the same values of 1.7 to 1.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (38 to 33 grams of CO2). The total range achieved by both models is approximately 710 km – testifying to their great suitability for everyday use.
The high-voltage battery is located under the vehicle floor in front of the rear axle. Its 96 prismatic cells store 13.0 kWh of energy. The battery system has its own cooling circuit, which can be coupled to the air conditioning system’s circuit to ensure effective cooling even when requirements are at their highest.
Focus on efficiency
The drive management system of the compact SUV models is designed for high efficiency and always started in electric mode, with the exception of extremely cold conditions. Both plug-in models can cover up to 51 km for the Q3 and 50 km for the Q3 Sportback in the WLTP. The maximum speed they can be driven at here is 140 km/h.
In “Auto-Hybrid” mode, the main operating mode, the drive management system divides the tasks between the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor intelligently and efficiently, supporting the four-cylinder engine in many situations. The drive management system constantly evaluates numerous data points, including the route information from the optional navigation system and the data about the near surroundings from the vehicle sensors. When the foot is taken off the accelerator, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e start to coast with the TFSI engine switched off.
The right mode for the right requirements: “Hold”, “Charge” and dynamic
Regardless of the intelligence of the drive management system, the driver always remains in control. By pushing the EV button, they can switch between auto hybrid and electric-powered driving. With the dynamic handling system, setting the S tronic to “S”, the driver can get the full torque of the electric motor of 330 Nm available to them for up to 10 seconds. As soon as they take their foot of the accelerator, the electric motor switches to recuperation and recovers energy in generator mode allowing the vehicle to also quickly decelerate thanks to its electric motor.
Irrespective of the driving profile, both models always recuperate when the driver steps on the brakes. During braking, the system can recover up to 40 kW of power through the electric motor and store this in the battery.
The two plug-in hybrids drive on 18inch and 17inch alloy wheels as standard, with, 19 and 20 inch wheels in diameter also available as options. The body of these SUVs is 10 mm higher than that of the Q3 models with conventional drive systems – which means the ground clearance remains the same despite the cover plate for the battery.
Fully charged in 3 h 45 min
The Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e can be charged using alternating current (AC) at a 400 V socket with an output of 3.6 kW. An empty battery can be recharged in just
3 h 45 min using the standard power charging cable. The free myAudi app allows the customer to control the charging, the timer and the pre-entry climate control remotely from their smartphone.
The e-tron Charging Service, with over 1000 locations in Ireland alone covers the majority of countries in Europe and offers great convenience: With a single card, the customer has access to more than 155,000 charging points.
Sporty and versatile:
Both the new Q3 models impress with a powerful and sporty stance on the road. The luggage compartment has a basic volume of 380 l, which increases to 1,375 l in the Q3 45 TFSI e and 1,250 l in the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e when the seats are folded down.
The MMI touch with a 10.1 inch screen takes up a central position in the instrument panel and displays the energy flows of the hybrid drive and more. The driver assist systems include the adaptive cruise assist (optional), which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral control – substantially enhancing comfort on long journeys in particular, applying just a gentle touch to the capacitive steering wheel, to prove that they are paying attention. The Audi pre sense basic, Audi pre sense front, Audi side assist, and lane departure warning come as standard.
Visit one of our Audi dealer today for further information on the Audi Q3 TFSI e and Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI e.