Drive with us: Audi A3 40 TFSI e Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the Audi A3, the premium hybrid hatchback that paved the way for Audi’s electric future

The Audi A3 has always been one of the most beloved hatchbacks on the market. From one of the big three German premium brands, it competes in one of the most fiercely contested segments on the road.

For a while, Audi offered the A3 with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option — combining a petrol engine with electric power to maximise efficiency and keep more of your hard-earned money out of the petrol station. And that’s what we’re talking about in this review.

That PHEV option has since been discontinued. But the A3 itself? Still very much alive, with a 2024/2025 facelift keeping it firmly up to date.

So what was Audi's hybrid hatchback experiment truly like — and what did it tell us about where the brand was heading?

Hang around and find out.

What we drove:

Model: Audi A3 S Line 40 TFSI e

Body style: Hatchback

Power: Plug-in Hybrid Electric (204PS)

Battery: 13 kWh

Range: Up to 40 miles electric (WLTP Comb)

Transmission: Automatic (S Tronic)

Colour: Daytona Grey, Pearl Effect

OTR from: £36,480 (inc. VAT)

Specifications correct at the time of publication.

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Unmistakably Audi

You could tell it was an Audi just from looking. And the road presence? It came in bucketloads.

This generation was bigger than previous A3 models, and it showed. It made the perfect size for families who needed that extra space but didn't want a full-blown SUV taking up half the driveway.

The design was typically Audi through and through — large front grille, distinctive angular creases, and a look that sat perfectly alongside the rest of the Audi range. Cohesive, confident and unmistakably premium.

And it was the small details that really elevated it. The chrome finish, the Audi detailing throughout — the kind of touches that reminded you exactly what you were paying for.

The devil is in the detail

Step inside and you were greeted by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Crisp, responsive and easy to use — and Audi kept the design refreshingly simple, which only added to how intuitive it felt.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit took things further, letting you view navigation straight ahead on the driver's display. It was one of the best systems on the market, ranking above BMW's equivalent and competing well with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX.

The built-in navigation was genuinely impressive too — a rare thing in an age where everyone defaults to Google Maps.

Audi also did a fantastic job of limiting cabin noise, keeping things whisper quiet even at higher speeds. The suspension was slightly firmer, but it dealt with bumps well and never felt unsettled.

Safety tech was generous as standard, including traffic sign recognition, front and side airbags and a speed limiter.

Space was well managed throughout.

Headroom up front was good with plenty of flexibility for your driving position, and rear head and legroom were competitive for the class.

Three passengers could squeeze across the back, though the large centre tunnel made the middle seat more uncomfortable on longer journeys.

Boot space came in at 280 litres — around 100 litres less than the ICE models (the battery had to go somewhere). But the hatchback body style made it a practical space in use, so you'd hardly notice it was smaller.

Looks sporty, drives premium

The Audi A3 screamed sporty. But when you were behind the wheel? It didn't quite follow through — and honestly, that wasn't a bad thing.

Put your foot down and the petrol engine kicked in with a healthy burst of power, with a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds. But where the A3 really shone was when it was cruising, making full use of that smooth, refined electric motor.

The handling was slightly on the weightier side, but it took no time to adjust and gave you a great sense of control throughout.

It was a very easy, relaxing car to drive — exactly what you'd expect from a premium manufacturer of Audi's pedigree.

This was a car that prioritised refinement over excitement. And for most drivers, that was exactly what they were looking for.

The commuter's secret weapon

With a claimed electric range of just under 40 miles (WLTP Comb), the A3 40 TFSI e was built with the daily commuter in mind. The average UK commute sits between 20 and 30 miles, meaning most drivers could have completed their entire working day without touching a drop of petrol.

For longer trips, the petrol engine sat quietly in reserve. No range anxiety, no compromise.

On the charging front, there was no rapid charging option — Type 2 only. A full charge from empty took around four hours, which was in line with the Volkswagen Golf GTE. The Mercedes-Benz A250e was quicker at 2-3 hours from 10-100%, so it did edge ahead there.

The 13kWh battery was smaller than some rivals, but for daily commuting it did the job well.

While the PHEV option has been discontinued, if you're looking for Audi's hybrid hatchback credentials today, the A5 e-hybrid is the natural successor — offering 66 miles of electric range (WLTP Comb) and improved technology throughout. Or the A3 still offers a mild hybrid option, giving you the best of both worlds without the plugging in.

What's good, and what's not

A premium hatchback with plenty to offer. Here's what stood out — for better and for worse.

The good bits:

• Bigger than previous A3 models — great size for families not wanting an SUV
• Electric range covered most UK daily commutes with no petrol needed
• Audi Virtual Cockpit with excellent built-in navigation
• Whisper quiet cabin even at higher speeds
• Very easy and relaxing to drive — refined and composed throughout

The not-so-good bits:

• 280-litre boot — around 100 litres less than ICE models
• Middle rear seat uncomfortable on longer journeys due to large centre tunnel
• No rapid charging — Type 2 only
• PHEV option now discontinued

What's the verdict?

The hybrid Audi A3 we drove was perfect for those wanting a reliable family hatchback with a premium, high-quality finish. Every drive felt easy and effortless, and that stunning design combined with a refined drive made it a genuinely compelling package.

It proved that you didn't have to sacrifice premium quality or driving refinement to go greener — and that philosophy has only grown stronger since. The A5 e-hybrid carries that torch today, amongst full-electric models being available now too.

And while the PHEV option may have been discontinued, the A3 itself is still around – and it’s loved for a reason.

Audi even gave it a nip and tuck in 2024/2025, giving it a wider, flatter frameless grille, redesigned bumpers, customisable LED light signatures and new mild-hybrid engines.

Still very much alive and kicking, just not as a PHEV

The 40 TFSI e was merely a stepping stone in Audi's electrification journey. A fully electric A3 is on the horizon, with 2027 mooted as a possible arrival date.

The future is bright for Audi's electric story. And this? This is where it started.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Audi A3

1. Premium Audi design with genuine road presence — bigger than previous A3 models
2. Crisp, responsive 10.1-inch touchscreen with class-leading Audi Virtual Cockpit
3. Very easy and relaxing to drive — refined and composed throughout
4. Whisper quiet cabin even at higher speeds
5. Generous safety tech as standard — traffic sign recognition, airbags, speed limiter

Would we recommend leasing an Audi A3?

Absolutely. While this PHEV model is no longer available, there's now a mild-hybrid option that maximises efficiency without the need to plug in. All the benefits, none of the faff.

Premium elegance, sporty feel and genuinely Audi throughout. What's not to love?

The A3 has stood the test of time, and the 2024/2025 facelift proves Audi aren't done with it yet. If you want to take the hybrid credentials further, the A5 e-hybrid is well worth a look too.