Audi is adding to its A3 plug-in hybrid line-up with a new more powerful version.

The 45 TFSI e will join the existing A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e from early 2021 and features the same 150hp 1.4-litre petrol engine and 109hp permanently excited synchronous electric motor but has been modified to give 242hp – up by 41hp on the 40 TFSI e – and 400Nm. This gives a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 144mph, compared to 7.6 seconds and 141mph for the 40 TFSI e.

The electric motor is paired up with a six-speed S tronic transmission and is powered by a 13.0kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged at a maximum of 2.9kW, giving a 0-100% charge in around five hours using a domestic AC wallbox charger. It offers a 37-mile electric-only range with an official fuel economy of 235.4mph and CO2 output from 29g/km, giving a Benefit-in-Kind taxation rate of 10%. This compares to 282.5mpg, 31g/km of CO2 puts it in the 6% BiK banding. A hig

Four driving modes are offered: Auto Hybrid – which is the main operating mode – plus Battery Hold, Battery Charge and an EV ode.

Thanks to its increased performance, the new plug-in hybrid will be positioned as a S line Competition model, complemented by exclusive specification including black styling package and graphite grey alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

Standard features also include a 10.1-inch MMI Touch infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit, web-based Audi connect services, dual-zone electronic climate control, front sport seats with S embossing and twin leather upholstery. Advanced driver assistance systems bring Audi pre sense front, lane departure warning, turn assist and swerve assist.

Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle said the additional TFSI e S line Competition model “promises to broaden appeal through even stronger performance, without appreciably eroding the fundamental efficiency of the concept and the attractive BIK proposition it consequently presents for business users”.