The new Audi A3 has gained a 204hp plug-in hybrid Sportback version, priced from £33,060.

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e

Announced earlier this year, the new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e joins Audi’s existing plug-in hybrid versions of the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 models, and comes as the brand turns its attention to its compact models.

Offering an electric-only range of up to 41 miles and maximum CO2 of 31g/km, the initial version of the A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid compact hatchback uses a 150hp 1.4-litre petrol with a 109hp electric motor and a six-speed S tronic transmission. Offered in Sport and S line trims, the powertrain delivers a total 204hp and 350Nm, giving a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 141mph. It also provides official WLTP fuel economy up to 282.5mpg while the 31g/km of CO2 puts it in the 6% BiK banding. A higher-performance version will launch later this year.

The 13.0kWh battery also enables fully electric travel at speeds of up to 87mph while the car features an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System that activates at low speeds to warn surrounding pedestrians and other road users that the vehicle is approaching.

The battery sits under the rear seats, reducing boot space to 280 litres of capacity, rising to 1,100 litres by folding the seat backs.

As well as offering a hybrid mode, the A3 Sportback 40 TFSi e can be switched to ‘Battery Hold’ and ‘Battery Charge’ modes to either keep battery charge at the current level or supplied with as much recaptured energy as possible.

Drivers can also use the standard Audi drive select programme to switch between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual profiles for driving.

Charging can be carried out using a domestic AC wallbox with the Type 2 cable supplied – a full recharge in this way takes a little more than four hours and charging activation and deactivation times can be designated by the driver using the myAudi app. Charging can also be carried out at public charging points.

Both the Sport and S line versions of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e come with 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels respectively, but the S line can also be selected with the smaller wheel as a no-cost option so business users can still qualify for the 6% BiK banding.

Equipment includes a central 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen and 10.25-inch fully digital Audi virtual cockpit. As well as providing access to infotainment, the MMI touchscreen also includes handwriting detection as well as natural language voice control, and provides information on the energy flow between the various components of the hybrid system. The Audi virtual cockpit in the TFSI e models also features a powermeter displaying output.

Sport models also include dual-zone electronic climate control, twin leather upholstery and the Audi pre sense front, lane departure warning, turn assist and swerve assist advanced driver assistance systems.

S line models add in bespoke styling as well as LED rear lights with dynamic rear indicators, privacy glass, front sport seats with S-embossing and contrast stitching and upgraded interior inlays.

Deliveries of the new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e start before the end of the year.