2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Review

Name: 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 14507 USD
Rating: 4.3 (36 reviews)

Price Estimate: $14,507 - $16,930

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Prestige 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

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Audi A3 Sportback e-tron model years

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Will Kaufman^{Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.}

Pros

Plug-in hybrid powertrain is rare for an entry-level luxury car
Attractive and practical hatchback body style
Upscale and well-designed interior
Excellent available technology features

Cons

High price premium over non-hybrid A3
Lackluster acceleration for a luxury car
Desirable technology upgrades restricted to more expensive trims

What’s new

For 2018, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron receives only minor changes to trim-level features and options package content.

Vehicle overview

The regular A3 sedan is very likable car thanks to its upscale interior, some excellent technology features and an engaging driving experience. But there's only one way to get a hatchback Audi A3 in the United States, and that's to opt for the plug-in hybrid e-tron. This version of the A3 gets you more cargo space, higher fuel economy and 16 miles of all-electric driving.

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback
$19,482
fair price
$368 below market
- 44,462 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automated manual
- Audi Hawthorne (480 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Hawthorne, NY
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (34 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUUPBFF6JA071510
Stock: JA071510HA
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-23-2025
2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback
$17,897
fair price
$207 below market
- 64,825 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automated manual
- Audi Rutland (564 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Rutland, VT
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (34 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUUPBFF8JA079222
Stock: V34254A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-02-2025

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With Audi's diesel engines discontinued in the United States for the foreseeable future, the automaker's competitiveness in the fuel-efficient car field comes down to this plug-in hybrid. Notably, the A3 Sportback e-tron is the only luxury car of its size and configuration offered as a hybrid. It's not until you look at the more expensive BMW 330e that you'll find a plug-in hybrid powertrain in a luxury car.

The A3 e-tron's all-electric range of 16 miles is decent, and once you're running on gas it offers about the same estimated combined mileage as the last A3 diesel. But it also weighs about 400 pounds more than a regular A3 and costs thousands of dollars more. Government incentives and state tax credits can help offset the cost for new car buyers, though.

Overall, the A3 e-tron effectively fills its niche. But along with the 330e, we also think shoppers should look at similarly capable non-luxury plug-ins such as the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-Max Energi, Toyota Prius Prime or even the all-electric BMW i3 with its optional range-extending gas generator option.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron could be for you if you're searching for a plug-in hybrid that offers decent mileage and performance along with a versatile and upscale interior.

Trim tested

Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

The Sportback e-tron outperforms EVs such as the BMW i3, and its impressively quick for a plug-in hybrid as well. Expect a zero-to-60-mph time right around 7 seconds. The e-tron's heavier weight dulls responsiveness around turns compared to the regular A3, though.

Comfort

The A3 offers the kind of comfort we expect from larger luxury sedans, with roomy, accommodating front seats. The cabin is relatively quiet, with wind and road noise kept at unintrusive levels.

Interior

The A3 offers good all-around visibility, and the controls are well placed and easy to use. Front-seat access is easy, but getting into the rear seat requires a bit of work, and even average-size adults will feel cramped.

Utility

The hatchback body certainly offers more cargo capacity than the sedan, and space is on par with that of other hatchback hybrid vehicles. With the rear seats folded down, the hatchback offers decent storage space for a small car. Small-item storage is a little sparse.

Technology

We like Audi's current suite of driver safety and infotainment technologies, which have a robust set of features and excellent graphics. We've been happy enough using Audi's system, especially with Virtual Cockpit integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a bonus instead of a necessity.

Compare 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron models

The base 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium is a well-appointed luxury compact, but it lacks the option for a lot of desirable technology upgrades. The Premium Plus offers more options, but only the top-of-the-line Prestige has all the technology and active safety features many luxury buyers expect.

All versions of the A3 e-tron are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Total system output is 204 horsepower, and it's sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment on the Premium trim includes 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB interface. A forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking is also included.

The only options package available for the Premium trim is the Sport package, which adds a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, front sport seats, a roof spoiler and 18-inch wheels. This package can be added to any A3 Sportback e-tron trim.

Moving up to the Premium Plus gets you some upgraded interior trim as well as LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming mirror, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. You also get access to the Technology package, an optional extra that includes a 7-inch central display screen, navigation, a touchpad controller, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Audi's Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster display, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system and Audi Connect (a 4G LTE connection that integrates Google voice search and traffic information into the nav system and offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a host of connected app services).

The Prestige trim includes the Technology package and also adds lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, two rear-seat USB ports, power-folding side mirrors with auto-dimming and heating. Unfortunately, opting for the Prestige trim is the only way to equip your A3 Sportback e-tron with a full suite of active safety features and driver aids.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 6/18 (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded and $0.16 per kWh for electricity in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$93/mo

$159/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

36 reviews

5(64%)

4(17%)

3(8%)

2(3%)

1(8%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Perfect Fit

Jim C., 09/29/2016

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

We bought this car for my wife. She's wanted a plug-in electric as she has driven hybrids since 2007. We looked at the e-tron and the Volt. She was impressed with the Volt but after driving the e-tron, she said there was no comparison. She has never stated that a car was fun to drive. She did after driving the Audi. To her a car is an appliance. There is compromises with the e-tron … particularly wit the range. In our case my wife has a 5 mile commute to work. The 16 miles of electric is sufficient. So far, she has ranged from a low of 16 miles, (90+ degrees out, AC running non-stop) to 23 miles (70 out, minimal AC). On a trip from our home in Hershey Pa to Charlottesville, VA we ran it on hybrid mode and got 42 mpg. Other than that road trip, she's not needed gas. It's been 4 weeks since we last filled it, driven 400 miles and it's still on Full. If the etron fits your needs - buy it! If you need more range, then the Volt is an excellent car too. In our case, with a short daily commute, the Audi is a perfect fit. With discounts, credits etc. we are in for $37k on the Audi versus $35k for the Volt. But we got power seats & moon roof for that difference in price. Update - We took a road trip from Hershey PA to Hackettstown, NJ. Approx. 100 mi. each way. We averaged 45 mpg running in Hybrid mode. We've now learned all the nuances of the selectable driving modes. For road trips, we put it in Hybrid mode to optimize the gas/electric mileage. For the daily commute, she leaves it in the default EV (electric only) and runs without the gas engine. Update 8 months of ownership - First off the gas engine's turbo blew at 3500 mi. Not a good sign. We've had it back awhile but since my wife uses it mostly on electric it hasn't been truly tested. As for the electric - it's great. She goes 600-800 miles between gas fill ups due to her short work commutes. She's averaging 89.0 mpg! Great little car. Now let's see. Great car that fits our needs perfectly! Update 18 months of ownership - the car has been perfect since the turbo issue. It's extremely reliable gets great mileage. My wife is up to 110 mpg since she can commute to work and back on electric. The interior is still perfect. The handling rock solid. My wife loves this car like none before it. She loves to drive it. She has said she'll get a new one when she's ready. Great car that fits our needs. Update after 2+ years - the car has not had an issue since the turbo issue. We are at 15,000 miles. Average mpg is 110. with the short work commute and most days it's electric only. Great little car, versatile with the sportback and a blast to drive. Update @ 5 years, 35k - perfect car. Not a single problem since the initial one. Had a recall on the battery housing. Upon inspection, Audi decided to put a new battery in! It had a tiny hole in a seal. It’s like new! What I have to question is why Audi does not bring the new version to the US. It’s been out in .Europe for 2 years. We’d buy one in a heartbeat. Update 6 years - the car is still in perfect condition with 54k miles. Runs great. There was a recall due to seals on the battery casing developing holes. They found a microscopic hole on ours and gave us a new battery free! That’s an $8000 battery! It’s like getting a new car! Why oh why does Audi not bring the updated version in from Europe?

roomy, great mileage, and a luxury ride

SoCal, 06/23/2018

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Prestige 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

I previously owned a 2008 all electric A3 3.2 and it was a great car. I hated to trade it but decided I wanted all the technology and driver assist offered in the newer models. Waited through the periods of no gas sport backs imported into the US, then the "clean" diesel debacle, then waited to see how the e-tron worked out. It's a 10. Admittedly I had to get used to the fact that …

Fantastic technology

Jenci bergen, 04/25/2016

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Prestige 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

I sold my VW Jetta sportwagon TDI (which I loved) to take advantage of newer technology and safety features. It took me a couple tanks of gas to figure out how to use the computer system...but now that I understand, the results have been very impressive. I'm in sales and spend a lot of time on the highway...which is not the best place for a hybrid, but my fuel economy is still 40% …

One Year Anniversary - Continues to be Excellent

Zelman, 08/29/2019

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback w/Prod. End 6/18 (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

The 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron continues to impress on every drive. Always Quiet, feeling solid without rattles, with incredible acceleration when needed. Though the infotainment system certainly wasn't very intuitive, it wasn't that hard to learn either. After a year, you're probably interested in the numbers. Here's how mine performed: Annual average MPG based on Gasoline used: … 98.5 Annual average MPGe (combined Gas/Electric) using common BTU metrics: 60.6 CO2 per mile: 0.27 pounds Average trip before gas station visit: Just over 800 miles Note: The CO2 output is about a third of the gasoline vehicle achieving 24 MPG counterparts and is based on my local utilities electricity suppliers of coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, solar, etc where only the coal and natural gas sources create BTU equivalents of CO2. Experience: Acceleration is impressive yet nearly silent. Bang & Olufsen Sound System sounds fantastic (especially with a fairly quiet cabin). Ability to load collections of CD's is neat, allowing one to play own playlist. Or, just plug in the phone or iPod and play music directly from them. SiriusXM radio works well too. Heated seats are great in the winter, though just like cabin heat, cuts down on Electric Only miles. I've found that if my trips are short, I'll go without much heat in order to make the entire local trip on electricity. Yes, that's not great, but it's me getting extra performance out of the batteries. Originally thought the backseat had significant legroom for passengers. But, after owning for some time, found it not to be good legroom for trips. Okay for hauling kids locally. Neat: The Audi app that allows me to see how much time until charging is done, activate the interior heating/cooling while still in the house so that the car is ready when I get in. And, not having to worry about the engine running and filling garage with CO2 when it's pre-heating! Also, love the ability to see where the car is parked, if the lights were left on, or if the doors are locked or not. I cannot comment on Audi Service. I have not needed it yet. It goes in for it's one year service in the next couple of weeks. What's bad? Depreciation! I knew this going into the purchase. But, it's still hard to swallow. Interesting though... the car has gone up in value the last 6 months. So, though it crashed for the first 6 months, that was the end of fall (so far). Update after 4 years of ownership: Sadly, the cell network G3 decommission has disabled the App interface, so one can no longer control car functions or view car stat through phone. Audi has not provided a fix for this model. The car is still enjoyable to drive and the batteries still take me the same distance as they did new. The big concern of depreciation did not materiaalize. In fact, it's holding value better than most ICE vehicles. Audi Service appears on par with other New Car Dealerships. I would not change my original rating.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, so we've included reviews for other years of the A3 Sportback e-tron since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

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2018 A3 Sportback e-tron Highlights

Trim:

1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,500
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,100 Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	16 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	83 MPGe^{MPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.}
Cost to Drive	$93/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	2.5 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the A3 Sportback e-tron models:

Audi Pre Sense Front: Prepares the car when a potential frontal collision is sensed in order to minimize factors that might cause injury to the driver.
Audi Side Assist: Monitors traffic alongside the vehicle and warns the driver of the presence of cars or of potential collision danger during lane changes.
Audi Active Lane Assist: Detects lane markers and makes steering adjustments to help keep the vehicle in its lane.

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron models

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Reviews

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Perfect Fit

roomy, great mileage, and a luxury ride

Fantastic technology

One Year Anniversary - Continues to be Excellent

2018 A3 Sportback e-tron Highlights

Safety

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

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What’s new

Vehicle overview

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback

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Edmunds' Expert Rating

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron models

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Reviews

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Perfect Fit

roomy, great mileage, and a luxury ride

Fantastic technology

One Year Anniversary - Continues to be Excellent

2018 A3 Sportback e-tron Highlights

Safety

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2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
1.4 TFSI PHEV Premium 4dr Hatchback