2016 / 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron Plug In Hybrid Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K UHD

[@Handleyman]

I don't know how you do it Alex. So much quality information in such a short time. 10/10

[@Underhills]

Alex, what I love about your reviews is that they are so informative and precise. And thanks for not polluting the videos with annoying music! The latter deserves a special star of its own in my book. Greetings from Denmark and keep up the good work. 10/10

[@thenewthrowawaylol4343]

I love the detail you put into your reviews, really helps :)

[@nbrennanable]

Alex, You're awesome! I just bought a 2018 Audi A3 plug-in hybrid. I'm completely happy with the car, it's fantastic, but I wish I'd seen your videos first.

[@candleankle1805]

Bought mine a week ago and this video has helped me understand mine a lot more

[@TWIRKNOLOVE]

How are you enjoying it thus far? Thinking of buying a used certified '17 model

[@candleankle1805]

@@TWIRKNOLOVE I like it, I only commute to work and short errands and gas bill has gone down. Just be ready to be charged steep prices for any type of service via Audi dealership. But they also have all the parts and know the tech.

[@TWIRKNOLOVE]

@@candleankle1805 nice thank you. Any change in your electric bill or hardly noticed?

[@kc5077]

Alex you really do a great job explaining all the varying engine tech.

[@Qrail]

I have the 2017 version of this car. My average fuel economy after 55 tanks runs about 43 mpg combined. If I drive it in electric hybrid city driving, the best has been 141.6 mpg.

[@romasprojectcorner]

Keep up the good work. No wasted space just great and easy to understand info. Thank you

[@clwydianuk]

You pack a lot into your videos - and know the e-tron a3 better than I know mine! Excellent.

[@antoinechaveron941]

Thanks for this review, great attention to detail and I like all the comparisons you are making with the competitors.

[@curseknight5]

not going to lie, rain makes the test drive more intense

[@jneigel10]

I just found your channel, and I am super impressed! Great job my friend.

[@trumpetmaris]

great review. Hope they bring back the new A3 e-tron in 2020 or 2021. I have the 2017 and love it.

[@davidclimb]

How is the mileage on battery? I've heard a variety of answers so just wondering. Thanks!

[@trumpetmaris]

@@davidclimb a full charge gets me 24 miles. Normally enough for my daily errands around town. If I expect to be driving more I will switch to hybrid mode so the battery is used only in stop and go and at lights, but not on the freeway. That way I find I get the best overall mileage and rarely need to fill up my tank

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Wow Alex colour me impressed...neither rain, sleet, or snow keeps you from your appointed car reviews!

[@miltonrajaratneethugala1561]

ALEX, YOU ARE CAR REVIEW PROFESSOR!!!!!!!!!!

[@hmlh]

My A3 already gets amazing mpg, can't even imagine how far this thing can go on a full tank

[@osman_wants_speed]

Hi Alex, thanks a lot for the great informative video. I have a question regarding to the reliability of these A3 e-trons. Do you have any idea whether these are reliable vehicles?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This is a very very good review. Thank you.

[@_Mario_PL_]

Any plans on doing the new 2017 A4 review?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+MarioPL Yes but it may be a few months

[@_Mario_PL_]

+Alex on Autos can't wait, seems like an awesome car all around I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@trumpetmaris]

great review!!! I already wanted one and now you convinced me more!!

[@bruintoo]

Audi's least expensive AND Audi's ONLY plug-in hybrid! Love my scuba blue A3 e-tron.

[@sudarsan179]

How did you like it so far?

[@trumpetmaris]

Love mine also. More every day

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Bravo, Alessandro! 👍🏻

[@trailzrock2]

Can you review the Mini Countryman Plugin? Seems to come close to what this etron a3 has to offer

[@falkin42]

I will always lament that you didn't talk about the 330e. They really weren't priced that differently, high 40's low 50's. I'm looking at them used.

[@miltonrajaratneethugala1561]

Widely informative and useful review.

[@miltonrajaratneethugala1561]

Excellent review. Appreciate it.

[@salsainspires9099]

I'm torn between a used A3 hatchback (2006-2013) or the e-tron (2016-2018). My 2006 A3 2.0T was recently totaled. I'd like to stay with a hatchback and a fun one at that. It's 2019, both versions can only be found used. What would you recommend? You did an amazing job on this video! The best and most detailed review I've ever seen. I'll have to check out your other reviews. Cheers!

[@TWIRKNOLOVE]

I'm in the same boat right now. Did you make a decision yet? Happy?

[@salsainspires9099]

@@TWIRKNOLOVE I bought a 2009 A3 with about 80K miles and Quattro. Although it is a fun car to drive and the Quattro is sweet, knowing what I know now and not driving as much due to COVID, I would have gone with the e-Tron. Better gas mileage and the inside/tech is updated. With all the unexpected repairs I had to do on the hatchback, I could have bought a used e-Tron for a few more 1K's. Good luck on your purchase!

[@TWIRKNOLOVE]

@@salsainspires9099 Thanks for the update! I think I have narrowed it down to the Diesel or etron at this point. A friend who is a service writer told me also that all Audi's are dealership warrantied for certain repairs up to 120k at the moment? Maybe this can help you out since your mileage isn't high.

[@salsainspires9099]

@@TWIRKNOLOVE Thanks for the info! It was normal wear and tear stuff, thankfully not an engine issue. I notice the prices on eTrons are slightly higher than during the beginning of the year (Or maybe used cars are higher in general due to COVID). Either choice, you’ll have better gas mileage 👍The Quattro and heavy panoramic roof does not help me there. Keep us posted on what you decide.

[@sammehta98]

Can you take plug-in hybrids on long road trips?

[@kc5077]

+Sam Mehta Most plug-in hybrids revert to gas-hybrid mode when they deplete their battery (12-50 miles) and most go quite far on gas 400-500 miles avg. The BMW i3 range extender is the exception because it only goes 80 miles EV and 80 miles gas generator.

[@johnnelson5083]

Assuming you got the answer already since this is years ago but yes, my Ford C-Max Energi has a Electric+Gas range of 720 miles when the gas tank is full (20 miles electric). I try not to drive with a full tank because of weight.

[@gerardov.9716]

Alex did you mention the vehicle doesn't have a spare tire?

[@ginofoogle6944]

yeah.. he did.. >_>

[@aewallin]

Are you doing a comparison to the Golf GTE also? Should have the same drive-train but perhaps a bit cheaper and/or more options included in the base price?

[@bruintoo]

No point since it's not available in the US and no word if VOA will bring it over.

[@timhoke1229]

Perfect review.

[@Trades46]

Ouch the price in USA is actually somewhat high; the MSRP of the A3 e-tron is ~$39k base in Canada. The CT200h F-sport is a interesting comparison; loaded up both cost roughly the same and similar category. EDIT: Amazingly in Canada, a fully kitted out A3 E-tron actually manages to slightly undercut a fully loaded Chevrolet Volt. Yes the Volt does have greater EV range but the A3 is an Audi & certainly feels & drives like one. A good deal if absolute EV range isn't a big thing on your list.

[@unclewangsgarden8302]

that's not true. I got the quotes from both dealers. A3 is more expensive plus some hidden charge ($1000 for the wheel locker). And plus A3's government rebate is nearly $5000 less than Volt. The true price difference is about $10K between the top trims from both.

[@GibBoy29]

Great video as always! Love the amount of detail you give! Any chance of doing the Honda HRV full review? I know you did one a few months ago but you said there would be an updated full review where you put it through all your usual tests? :) Just wondering if you were still doing that. :) Thanks dude!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+GibBoy29 I'll actually have it in a few weeks (unless something goes wrong)

[@GibBoy29]

+Alex on Autos thanks for the reply! Looking forwards to it! Thanks again! :)

[@zerofunAZ]

Alex I love your reviews, but one suggestion: when you rate features, it would help to know why you take OFF points, instead of just the beneficial aspects that contribute to the score. Is this something you can add to your reviews in the future?

[@shopwithaaron]

Is that a Cutter and Buck weather safe microfiber jacket? Perfect for that weather! Thanks...

[@PhilKulak]

I think you got that backwards: 100% is when the electric motor is maxed out, then "boost" means the engine had to turn on. Great review though! Thanks!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Phil Kulak Well it depends on the mode you're in. In Hybrid mode it's 100% gasoline engine power then you floor it and teh motor kicks in.

[@PhilKulak]

+Alex on Autos Ah, that makes sense. Thanks!

[@CrooklynPilot]

Hey Alex, What about the BMW 330e? Of course, it has 3 series body dimensions, which is a bigger than Audi A3, but it's plug-in hybrid (an improved 3 series active hybrid ).

[@kdz2369]

Can you do the same review on golf gte ?

[@tylerwatt12]

the fog looks cool

[@miltonrajaratneethugala1561]

Review Guru!

[@fallenentity2]

So what do you believe is the best Plug-in hybrid for longer commutes (~30 miles)?

[@matthewyim1736]

Alex, can a 24 inch bag fit in the upright position in the trunk? While a 26 inch bag cannot fit in the upright position in the trunk or neither?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Matthew's Car Corner Yes a 24" can, but you'd have to remove the toneau cover.

[@Yo0T0oB]

I thought reviews come every Fridays according to your headline banner?

[@ponygt6629]

I still think despite the US peoples anger towards the C Max Hybrid, I felt it even better than Chevy VOlt and a loto f other hybrids at that price point, Sure the mpg was inflated but as a regular car one buy s for 34-36k USD the C Max Hybrid is still amazing machine, it easily averages 36-42 mpg which is no way bad

[@6ec6YRFPTcC]

I really like the Cmax for its drivetrain and size, but imo it has ALWAYS looked dated. The new one in Europe looks great though. Too bad they're dragging their feet. I've got a month left on my Leaf lease :(

[@ponygt6629]

matt k Its because of the bad name Ford isnt redying the new C max fast enuf for US, as far as I know the new one is even more potent and efficient than b4 but Ford is trying t o give a new name to it as the C Max name has a bad reputation in US

[@6ec6YRFPTcC]

Ponygt 662 it's going to have an even worse name in the US, I just heard about Ford moving production of it and the Focus to Mexico

[@ponygt6629]

matt k Yes probably yes,but apart from the name the machine is actually plain brilliant, actually one of the best hybrids money can buy apart from Accord Hybrid,

[@SichongD]

Is this beauty a Hatchback or Station Wagon or Sedan or Crossover ?

[@sic22l]

+Scott Dai It's a hatchback.

[@tarassu]

+Scott Dai For car to be station wagon at least 50% of cargo floor area must be covered with a roof.

[@cadsux]

+Scott Dai Generally speaking, hatchbacks are shorter than the sedans they're based on, and wagons are longer than the sedans they're based on. For example, the A3 sedan is 175 inches long, while the hatchback is 169 inches long. The Mazda3 sedan is 180 inches long, while the hatchback is 176 inches long. The Volvo S60 & V60 are about the same length...

[@tarassu]

+cadsux This is not how hatchback.vs.wagon are compared! BMW E39 sedan and station wagon are identical in length, height, width.

[@cadsux]

Arnis Tarassu I never the said the BMW5 series wasn't a wagon, nor the Volvo V60. As I said, I was speaking in general terms, and historically speaking, that is a general rule. Most wagons are longer than their sedan counterparts. There are other factors, but your "50% of cargo area covered by roof" is too vague. Some modern hatchbacks would meet that criteria. "50% of interior volume devoted to cargo" is more appropriate. An interesting example is the 2005 -2007 Ford Focus, which was available as sedan, hatchback & wagon.

[@batiabdulov4969]

Alex, are you gonna review Subaru Forester 2016 premium trim any time soon?

[@raghutejabogle4682]

Hi Alex, I am in the market to buy a new car and my budget is around $50k, Please suggest me which one i should go for among these. 2017 audi a4, bmw 328i xdrive, bmw 340i xdrive, acura tlx, jaguar XE, lexus IS350 F sport. Please help me and thanks in advance, love ur videos btw.

[@alfredtovar6451]

What is the gas milage in hybrid mode. He said 33mpg in gas only... whats hybrid modes mpg

[@yippie6862]

Too bad there is no other version of the A3 Sportback but the e-Tron in the USA. This looks way better than the A3 sedan. An A3 Sportback with TDI and Quattro would have been perfect. Since VW screwed that one up at least give us a the 2.0T gas engine. Save money and weight over the e-Tron.

[@runforit420]

I took one out today for a test drive and the charge port wouldn't stay closed. #AudiQuality

[@GrandHuevotes]

you forgot to compare this to the CT200h! the dimensions seem identical. which handles better?

[@GrandHuevotes]

nevermind you mentioned it. overall isn't the economy comparable?

[@GrandHuevotes]

when you say the CT200h doesn't handle as well do you mean the F sport? I got the f sport and I love how it handles. but I also installed f sport springs and plan to get f sport sway bars. but factory I thought it was good. the tires suck though.

[@Inspector694]

Hey alex whats the quietest suv/crossover you've driven??? Im in the market for and and interior noise will play a big part

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+balle27 Off the top of my head it is probably the BMW X5

[@Inspector694]

+Alex on Autos ok anything in asian market

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+balle27 Probably the Lexus RX

[@KK-tt6ui]

Bright dude

[@acchaladka]

I'm looking at this in 2019 as a used buy - maybe a lease because it's a complicated first generation version - and upgrade from a 2012 Prius. It will probably be our last gasoline-driven car as we're waiting for the really outstanding sporty EVs to arrive in two years or so. My cross shop is a used Golf R in manual, or replacing the current classic with a Fiat 124 for a couple of years as a fun second car. Currently I drive a Porsche 944 and I like it but I'm tired of the constant fixing required. Your review as usual Alex, is very helpful - probably the best out there.

[@Michael-jm5ix]

in regards to California, what is the state tax credit for this vehicle, and will it qualify for the hov lane? Thanks

[@robbiewiliams1974]

Michael according to the agency that runs the rebate programme, you can earn 1,500 for the state rebate, the carpool lane stickers (green), and up to 4,500 dollars in a federal tax credit. Cheers!

[@Itzocelotl]

Hey Alex, I am stuck between the Audi A3 e-tron and the Lexus Ct 200h! Cant decide which one to go after. Any advice/ verdict?

[@sudarsan179]

Which one did you end up buying?

[@kc5077]

Both 83 mpge and 37 mpg combined are low for both EV and hybrid so this plug-in version tries to distract you from both. I wish Audi would just sell the gas versions of the hatchback already.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex. I don't care for this vehicle. I would just buy a A3 1.8 and save the money.

[@EntrepreneurALLDAY]

so this car is goes with petrol aswell? because i go to vacation in my country and they don't have things to load cars up. Should i got with an bmw X1 M 2016 model instead?

[@marklloyd8580]

Does he breathe?

[@duncanidaho7494]

Shame they only brought the saloon and coupe to the Usa with the 2.0t engine.

[@mountainhobo]

Fuel economy comparison between regular A3 and the eTron, as Alex highlighted, shows that the eTron is just an expensive regulatory smoke and mirrors. Too bad Audi doesn't sell a hatchback or a wagon in the regular A3 in the US.

[@PhilKulak]

Not if you plug in. You're missing the entire point of the vehicle...

[@mountainhobo]

+Phil Kulak Plug in? And drive where? Grocery shopping at the corner store? That thing has a range of 16 miles - on a good day, perfect temperature, no red lights anywhere, god forbid rush hour, and preferably down hill. Both ways. It's a regulatory farce.

[@PhilKulak]

+mountainhobo If you live in a city, 16 miles is a long way. I live in a major West coast city and it's about 10 miles across at it's widest point. If you live in the burbs and have a 50 mile commute, sure, buy a different car. But just because it doesn't work for your situation doesn't mean Audi doesn't deserve some credit for bringing a car like this to market.

[@flufylove]

+mountainhobo With a full charge, driven normally in the city, 7-8 degrees Celsius, we barely managed 18 km/ 11.2 miles.

[@doctorzaius4084]

The average American drives 37 miles per day, so for those of us who live near civilization, 16 miles is absolutely meaningful... and often more than you need on a daily basis. I take the train to work, so the driving portion of my commute is only a few miles. I could buy this car and never use a drop of gas Monday-thru-Friday.

[@corystansbury]

I'm a little surprised to hear you say that the A3 rear seats are better than the Volt's. I've been in both and give it to the Volt by a wide margin as long as you're short enough that the headroom isn't a concern. I'm 5'9" and had no issues. But I'd imagine 5'11"+ might have issues.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Cory Stansbury That's the main thing, the headroom was an issue for me in the Volt. The middle seat is also more usable in the A3

[@sic22l]

BMW's competitor to the A3 is 1 series, not 2 series Active Tourer.

[@bruintoo]

+sic22l In Europe the BMW 225e Active Tourer PHEV is a direct competition to the A3 e-tron.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+sic22l The 1 Series doesn't exist anymore and the 2-Series (that comes to the USA) is a RWD sports coupé, not really the same thing as an Audi FWD wagon.

[@bruintoo]

+Alex on Autos Texhnically the 225e is AWD. The gas engine drives the front wheels (essentially same drivetrain as the MINI), but he electric motor powers the rear wheels.

[@sic22l]

Alex on Autos 1 series does exist, they just don't sell it in the US. It doesn't have a hybrid version but it doesn't change the fact that that's the proper A3 competitor. bruintoo 2 series Active Tourer is a minivan (microvan), A3 Sportback is a regular hatchback. It's like comparing Golf to C-Max instead of regular Focus.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+bruintoo yes but it is not sold in the USA and BMW says they have no plans to do so.

[@A_guan]

Like this comment if you want audi to bring back the avants! Because I'd love to have an A6 avant over the A7

[@ZStHope]

They are creatures of habit, for they did the same handcuff deal with the Tdi 3 hatch.

[@bharadwajtadimeti]

Not playable on my iPhone 6s

[@user-so5de6yp1d]

+bharadwaj tadimeti it only has 1080p and higher resolution for now

[@bharadwajtadimeti]

+flasg 23 so my phone can't play 1080p? Sorry didn't get it

[@user-so5de6yp1d]

Your phone doesn't have a resolution of 1080p display

[@bharadwajtadimeti]

+flasg 23 thanks for clarifying. I now understand Thanks

[@user-so5de6yp1d]

np

[@corystansbury]

I am also having problems on mobile.

[@aujla7564]

ur phone doesn't have 1080p display video is only viewable in 1440p and 1080p as of now

[@joachim2734]

+Cory Stansbury Try on mobile

[@fahrettinmertocak319]

6.01 hahahhah

[@tvanb]

That thing needs a good coat of wax...

[@ПОТРОШИТЕЛЬВАТЫ-у8т]

Look at the knee room in the back of this CRAP, it is just HORRIBLE!!

[@ConsciousRobot]

Boring.

[@rsaylors]

Stop recording you speaking while driving - you are distracted and it is not safe.