Although the headline numbers of 941.6mpg, 6g/km of CO2, 88 miles of EV range and a 0-62mph time of just 7.4 seconds make the Audi A3 40 TFSI e appear quite a game-changer, look behind the numbers and you'll find things not quite so clear cut. In fact, a counter perspective might well be that you're paying around £4,000 over the top of an A3 Sportback 35 TDI 150PS diesel and getting a car that's slower, drinks more fuel, carries less luggage, offers inferior touring range and once out of charge will drink much more fuel.
Of course, the A3 40 TFSI e has other benefits. It can run in a pure EV mode and it feels a far more special piece of kit than a diesel hatch. Can you put a price on that? You can perhaps if you measure the savings you'll make in company car tax. And this model certainly scores as a car you can drive as an EV on short commutes to work, but which is capable of long weekend trips. As a technical showpiece, it's an intriguing thing. As a sales proposition though, you might need to scour the small print quite carefully.

MMI Navigation Plus with high resolution 10.1" colour touch screen display

Audi virtual cockpit plus - 12.3" full HD resolution dynamic digital instrument cluster

Voice control system with natural language interaction

Front side airbags with head airbags and interaction airbag

USB ports with charging function in the rear

Automatic start/stop system with recuperation

Twin leather upholstery with front sports seats S embossed logo

Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

Stainless steel pedals and front footrest in black

Privacy glass - dark tinted rear window, rear door and side windows

LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators

Audi Phonebox light with wireless charging

Audi smartphone interface with app store includes wireless Apple carplay, Android auto and Amazon alexa integration

Electrically adjustable/heated/folding/auto dimming door mirrors with integrated LED indications + kerb view function for passenger side

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty

Audi A3 Sportback

40 TFSI e S Line 5dr S Tronic