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 - 10.25" digital and colour instrument cluster

Voice control system with natural language interaction

Front side airbags with head airbags and interaction airbag

2xUSB-C connection with data and charging functions

Automatic start/stop system with recuperation

Audi drive select (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual)

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

Electrically adjustable/heated/folding/dimming door mirrors with kerb view includes 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

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 Sport 5dr S Tronic