Audi has released an update for its A3 e-tron variant in the US, receiving a few tweaks for the 2017 model year.
Only weeks ago, Audi unveiled a refreshed A3 lineup, and the A3 e-tron has received many of the same aesthetic tweaks as well as the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, rear-view camera, driver assistance and Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” fully digital instrument cluster as standard.
The plug-in electric hybrid is powered by a 1.4-litre TFSI turbo, mated to a permanent magnet-drive electric motor, pushing out 152kW/350Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-60mph run in a claimed 7.6 seconds.
Audi is now giving the hatch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and six-month trial of Audi PRIME and PLUS services.
A sport package is optional for the A3 Sportback e-tron, which adds sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, shift paddles, 18-inch wheels with all-season rubber, and a subtle rear spoiler.
The American arm says that around 13 per cent of total A3 sales are made up by the e-tron variant, suggesting there is growing customer demand for a plug-in hybrid small premium car.
Unfortunately, this does come at a cost. The base model Premium is on offer for US$38,900, and the flagship Prestige variant starting from US$47,550. The entry price point is US$1025 higher than the 2016 model.
