2018 Audi A3 Sportback Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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People shopping for a 2018 Audi A3 have multiple choices: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, two-door convertible, and four-door sedan. But what about those looking for a hybrid? Drivers need look no further than the A3 Sportback e-Tron: It pairs a five-door hatch body with a plug-in gas-electric hybrid system. Equipment and features largely mirror those of the standard A3.
The Sportback e-Tron first came to the U.S. market in 2016; it cruises into the 2018 model year largely unchanged. Selecting the hybrid model will add over $7,000 to the price of a standard four-door A3, although federal incentives for buying a hybrid car make the difference in price quite a bit easier to swallow.
While the big visual difference for the Sportback is the rear of its bodywork, things are very different under the hood as well. Whereas the standard A3 features a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, the Sportback e-Tron goes with a smaller 1.4-liter turbo four that pairs with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and 8.8-kWh battery pack. These motors drive the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a manual mode.
The hybrid setup adds up to a total system output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which means it’s no slouch in the power department even if it does weigh a bit more than the standard car. The A3 Sportback is rated at up to 34 mpg combined or 83 MPGe, and it will do 16 miles on electric power alone. The batteries will also recharge in eight hours on a standard wall socket or in just over two hours when using the included 240-volt charging unit.
With emphasis on fuel economy and practicality, the A3 Sportback e-Tron won’t come with goodies like a sport suspension and offers only front-wheel drive (FWD). It also weighs about 200 pounds more than the standard A3 thanks to heavy battery packs and a heftier body, but it still comes with the A3’s refined chassis and suspension system.
The hybrid version of the A3 features the same premium-feeling interior of the standard car, even if it isn’t quite as sumptuous as some of the more expensive Audi models. The list of features is largely the same as well, offering standard power and leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a reversing camera. Optional extras include a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi’s MMI infotainment system is also one of the better systems out there, and buyers can opt for Audi’s virtual cockpit, which is a configurable 12.3-inch instrument display screen.
Part of the A3 Sportback’s appeal is the extra room it offers. While it won’t fit a couch or a Christmas tree, it has enough room with the seats folded down for several big pieces of luggage and could assist with a light move. With the seats up, the A3 Sportback offers only 13.6 cubic feet of storage space. When drivers fold the seats down, this expands to an impressive 33.7 cubic feet.
The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron comes standard with a reversing camera and automatic emergency braking. Buyers will have to pay extra to get additional high-tech safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control.
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2018 Audi A3 Sportback Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.88
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 75 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.88
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 75 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 705 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.88
Engine
EV battery capacity: 8.8 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 102 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 75 · Electric Motor Torque: 243 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 16 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 150 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 184 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse