Test Audi Q3 45 TFSIe 245 CV plug-in hybrid

El Listen Q3 The current generation (the second) is already a veteran car, since it has been on the market for about three years. In fact, we have tested it on several occasions, with diesel, gasoline and conventional bodywork engines and Sportback. However, it continues to be one of the most demanded alternatives in its category and we still had an important engine to test, the 45TFSIe, which is neither more nor less than the Zero-labeled plug-in hybrid version of this Audi.

So, we've gotten behind the wheel of this Audi Q3 in S line trim of 245 CV, power that it achieves as a result of joining a heat engine, an electric motor and a plug-in battery. Its main rivals are the BMW X1 (which has just been completely renovated), the Mercedes GLA 250e and Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV. The plug-in Audi part of the 52.850 euros. Let's start!

Traditional, elegant and with the S line touch

As we already know it quite a bit, we are going to tiptoe through some sections, such as design or habitability.

Aesthetically it maintains that elegant style that provide the large front grille, the features of its main matrix headlights or the S line package that equips our test unit.

The socket for recharging the electrical part is located on the left front wing.

The sportiness is given by the huge two-tone 20-inch wheels, as well as the black "diffuser" on the back. On the gate we can see the Q3 inscription on the left side, while on the right is the name of the mechanics, 45 TFSIe in this case.

In case you wonder, the dimensions of this Audi Q3 are Meters long 4,48, 1,85 wide (not counting the mirrors) and 1,62 high, in addition to a wheelbase of 2,68 meters.

The interior of the Audi Q3

As we have said on other occasions, the interior of the Audi Q3 is not perceived as luxurious, although the chosen materials are good mostly, like settings. That is, they are not luxurious, but they are superior to general brands. Probably the worst thing about the dashboard is the use of glossy black, which catches all the footprints and dirt in the world.

Although there are very good details, such as the control of the climate control with a sensational touch for the buttons and temperature wheels; not to mention that it is independent of the screens. I also like the good size knob for the transmission or steering wheel feel, as well as the rest of the main controls.

If we talk about screens, we have a configurable digital instrument panel with different display modes in 10,25 inches. The best thing about it, in addition to the above, is that it is easy and intuitive to operate from the steering wheel controls. In the center of the dashboard we have the multimedia screen, almost the same size, and the German brand MMI system.

Through it we can manage practically all the car's settings, as well as schedule recharging times, something very important in a plug-in car to save on the electricity bill.

Good habitability for 4 people

As for interior space, we are in a compact SUV, and that means that We will not have any problem of access or width in the front seats. In addition, we enjoy a good number of holes to leave objects, only missing a wireless charging surface for the phone that this unit does not equip but that can be added as an option.

In rural areas of India, families in charge of a blind minor frequently isolate and deprive him/her of the care and attention they provide to their other children; such situation becomes even more severe among lower-caste families, orphans and if the blind child is a girl. rear seats Access is good, better than in the Sportback body. Once inside, there is good space for two adults to settle on the side stools. There's good head and knee clearance, as well as plenty of foot space. We also have central air vents.

An interesting detail is that these rear seats can be adjusted in backrest inclination, as well as sliding the entire bench forward by 13 centimeters to gain boot space. Without a doubt, it seems to me a great success that increases the versatility of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, once again the central square is not very usable, although it is useful for specific occasions. It is narrower, the folding center armrest makes the backrest somewhat more rigid and, on the other hand, the transmission tunnel is bulky, bothering the central occupant to place his feet.

The trunk loses a lot of capacity due to the batteries

Continuing with the trunk, we have an automatic opening and closing gate. Once deployed, the capacity is 380 liters, since the batteries of this plug-in hybrid are located here behind and load capacity remaining. It is the same volume that a conventional Audi A3 occupies, for example.

Therefore, we lose about 150 liters of volume compared to an Audi Q3 with traditional mechanics. If we carry the briefcase with the charging cables, logically we also lose practicality, so if we always recharge the car at home it is more convenient to leave them at home if we have that possibility.

Audi Q3: All engines

As we said, this time we are testing the Audi Q3 in 45 TFSIe version, the only plug-in hybrid. It has a 1.4-liter 150 CV gasoline engine and an 85 CV electric motor, which is fed by a 10,4 kWh battery of net capacity (13 gross kWh). Together it offers 245 hp and 400 Nm of pair. The autonomy in electric mode is 50 kilometers.

But logically the Q3 range has more options. In diesel the 2.0 TDI block is available in the 35 TDI version, which translates into the 2-liter 150 hp of a lifetime, available with manual transmission or DSG, and both with front-wheel drive and quattro.

Related article:

Test Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TDI 150 CV S tronic

While in gasoline we can opt for the 35 TFSI, which is a 1.5 hp 150 turbo, or the 2-liter engine, also supercharged with powers of 190 and 245 hp, for the names 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI. We can also opt for manual transmission and double clutch, and simple or integral traction.

At the wheel of the 3 hp Audi Q245 TFSIe

Now yes, we begin with the dynamic part. How does this Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid perform? Worth? As always, the latter depends on your needs, the routes you usually take and, above all, if you have the possibility to recharge it at home.

Without the latter, I doubt that it would be worth it, except for the advantage of the Zero Emissions sticker, which is always on the windshield even if you never recharge it... Advantages (disadvantages, rather) of a labeling system elaborated very poorly by top officials at the time.

That said, the Audi Q3 PHEV is a comfortable and easy-to-drive vehicle. It has good dynamic capabilities, with good lateral grip and high acceleration capacity when we put our right foot down. However, it is not a car of those that ask you to drive fast, of those that poison you.

The smoothness of operation of the hybrid system, especially in urban environments, makes you relax, drive calmly and that you forget to accelerate hard. You don't even know that change is a DSG, running for a good part of the time with the heat engine off.

If we run out of battery, it works like a normal hybrid

Moreover, if the 10,4 kWh battery dies, the car runs like a conventional hybrid, starting only with the electric motor and thus propelling the vehicle at low and sustained speeds. Logically from time to time the heat engine is activated, both to power the wheels and to generate a minimum of electricity that is stored in the battery.

At the chassis level, it is true that it feels somewhat heavier than a conventional mechanical Q3, but we practically only perceive this when braking, where we notice that a greater mass has to be stopped. When going around a curve, it goes quite unnoticed, with a very neutral behavior and a high level of lateral adherence.

On the other hand, if we are in a bind and need power, just step on the accelerator forcefully. The two engines deploy their cavalry and, if we kick-down, leaves us glued to the seat showing its full potential.

Probably the only thing that I have missed at a dynamic level and on specific occasions is the quattro drive. The TFSIe is front-wheel drive only.. We have a lot of instantaneous torque in the front end, which on more than one occasion has caused slipping when starting from a standstill on wet asphalt, increasing if we talk about starting the march on a slope or with a few degrees of direction, with the steering wheel turned.

Consumption

Regarding consumption, starting with a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery, after 600 kilometers we reach the reserve of both and we got an average of 6,3 l/100 km and 4,1 kWh/100 km. Once the electric charge is exhausted, on the highway at 120 km/h the 1.4 engine uses approximately 7,2 l/100 km.

The interesting thing is to be able to recharge the battery daily and take advantage of that energy especially for urban use, which is where we will get the most out of it.

Equipment Audi Q3

Serial

• multifunctional camera
• Rain and light sensor
• Speed ​​limiter
• Digital instrument cluster
• MMI Radio plus system with voice control
• Folding rear bench in 40:20:40
• Audi PreSense
• Lane Departure Warning

Advanced

• 18-inch wheels
• Advanced aesthetic kit
• Radiator grille in titanium black
• Matt silver-tone details
• LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals
• Anodized aluminum roof bars
• Electric opening and closing tailgate
• Audi smartphone interface

S Line (adds)

• 18-inch sports wheels
• Optional sports suspension undercarriage at no cost
• Audi Drive Select
• S line exterior with bumpers, wheel arches and trims
• illuminated door moldings
• Black upholstered headlining
• Sports seats

Black Line

• S line exterior package
• Audi smartphone interface
• rear parking sensors
• Ambient interior lighting package
• Audi Sport wheels in 19 inches
• Roof bars in matt black
• Gloss black mirror caps
• Tinted rear windows
• Front grill in black
• Brand logos and exterior inscriptions in black

Audi Q3 Prices

Editor's opinion

Gallery Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid