Audi’s first PHEV in the compact SUV class, one of the best-selling sectors of the marketplace, has just arrived in Ireland.
The Q3 plug in hybrid is available now in both hatchback and Sportback versions. Badged 45 TFSI e, power comes from a 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine, which produces 150bhp. A dual clutch transmission transfers this power to the front wheels.
If you add in the power coming from the electric motor, the total power output is 245bhp and torque of 400Nm, which allows the Q3 to go from 0 to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds. Top speed is 210km/h.
More importantly, the hybrid system, with its 13kWh battery allows for a 50km EV range and an overall range of over 700km. The car will always start in EV mode, providing there’s enough battery power and that it’s not too cold.
An EV drive mode is available, or Dynamic can be selected to maximise performance by fully using both power units as necessary. A Charge mode allows battery power to be built up before entering a city for example.
17” and 18” alloys are fitted as standard, with options available up to 20”. The batteries are mounted under the rear floor but the suspension is raised by 10mm to compensate so ground clearance is exactly the same as that of the standard Q3 on which the hybrid is based.
It takes almost four hours to charge the battery fully and the charging speed is limited to 3.6kW AC. Home or public charging points can be used and a free app allows control of the charging, the charging timer and the climate control from a smartphone.
Pricing starts from €46,305.
