Audi is introducing plug-in hybrid versions of its Q3 compact SUV range, which join its expanding TFSI e range as the eighth models.

The new Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrids will be available to order from spring 2021, using a powertrain that teams up a 150hp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 116hp electric motor with a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, giving a total output of 245hp and 400Nm.

The 13.0kWh lithium-ion battery – which is located under the vehicle floor – gives an electric-only range of up to around 31 miles while both variants can reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and top out at 130mph. Fuel and CO2 figures are yet to be confirmed.

Charging can be carried out via a domestic AC wallbox using the Type 2 cable supplied and takes three hours 45 minutes. This can be remotely controlled using the free myAudi app, which enables the driver to define activation and deactivation times and also to remotely activate the climate control via a smartphone or tablet to pre-heat or cool the cabin before a journey begins.

A mode 3 cable is also supplied for charging at public AC charging terminals and drivers make of the e-tron Charging Service, which gives TFSI e drivers the opportunity to recharge at more than 155,000 charging points across Europe via a single RFID card that generates a monthly invoice.

The main operating mode is ‘Auto-Hybrid’, which sees the electric motor support the four-cylinder engine in a range of situations, such as when overtaking or when accelerating from low speeds. Alongside EV-only operation, drivers can also choose ‘Battery Hold’ or ‘Battery Charge’ modes, which keep the battery charge at the current level or increase the state of charge respectively.

Drivers can also select from Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual profiles under the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, tailoring elements including the steering, engine and transmission. Dynamic makes the full 330Nm torque reserve of the electric motor available to the driver for up to 10 seconds when the S tronic is set to ‘S’ mode and the accelerator is fully depressed.

The Q3 45 TFSI e will be available with Technik, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options, while the Q3 Sportback range will offer the same options but kick in from S line level.

Comfort suspension is standard for Technik, S line and Black Edition versions while Vorsprung models get an electronically controlled suspension system with adaptive damping.

All models get an MMI touch unit with 10.1-inch screen and MMI navigation plus, while the Audi virtual cockpit features a 10.25-inch screen – rising to 12.3 inches and offering extra features on the Audi virtual cockpit plus fitted to Vorsprung models.

Access to the Audi connect portfolio is included for all versions on a three-year subscription basis and supplements the navigation with Google Earth mapping, traffic information online, points-of-interest search functionality and Car-to-X services based on the principle of swarm intelligence.

The Audi smartphone interface is standard, and enables a handset’s Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment to be reproduced on the MMI display.

Standard driver assistance technology includes Audi pre sense basic, pre sense front, Audi side assist blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

Pricing will be confirmed prior to the vehicles’ arrival in the spring.