The new Audi A3 plug-in hybrid now gets 88 miles of all-electric range

Having renewed its A3 hatchback lineup earlier this year, Audi has now introduced a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which achieves 88 miles of clean, green driving courtesy of a 25.7kW battery. EV anoraks will note that automatically sends it close to the top of the hybrid range list too.

The A3 Sportback ‘40 TFSI e’ as it’s called (what happened to ditching the confusing nomenclature naming system, Audi?), even gains 50kW DC fast charging for the first time. That’ll result in a 10-80 per cent recharge in under 30 minutes.

The powertrain itself is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot aided by a busy little permanent synchronous motor and a six-speed S Tronic gearbox. Together, this lot forms a 201bhp/258lb ft package with a 0-62mph time of 7.4s and a top speed of 140mph (or 87mph in EV mode).

Expect the PHEV to hit showrooms this November, with prices starting at £39,150. Yeesh, when did the Audi A3 get so expensive?