2016 Audi A3 Sportback: Welcome Back to the U.S.

2016 audi a3-etron

Audi of America announces pricing for 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

When Audi announced the trim variations of the redesigned A3, it left out one important variant off the list — the Sportback body style. The svelte, compact hatchback from the previous generation was under-appreciated, but it had a lot of character and a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, the sales numbers weren’t impressive enough for Audi to bring the latest generation A3 Sportback to the US market – or so we thought.

When the Audi fans voiced their disappointment to Audi for leaving the A3 Sportback at home, the company from Ingolstadt listened and announced the Sportback model would return to America in 2015 with a TDI clean diesel engine and with an electrified plug-in hybrid powertrain. The A3 Sportback e-tron will be the first electrified Audi sold in the U.S.

“The A3 TDI Sportback has an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base, this new version has been one of our most requested models since the announcement of the new A3 family,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This new A3 TDI Sportback combines excellent fuel economy with advanced technology and utility and will make a stunning addition to the already impressive A3 family.”

The 2016 Audi A3 Sportback TDI will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four diesel engine rated for 150 hp. The engine mates to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The A3 e-tron uses a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with a six-speed S tronic transmission. Combined with an electric motor, the A3 e-tron produces 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates for the TDI and e-tron have not been released.

The first Audi plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, to hit the market will be priced from $37,900 for a Premium package to $46,800 for a  Prestige package. Based on its battery capacity, Audi says the A3 e-tron qualifies for a federal tax credit of $4,168. Additional state tax credits may be available for even more savings on the purchase price. Sales of Audi’s first PHEV will commence in October 2015.

Model MSRP*
A3 Sportback e-tron Premium $38,825
A3 Sportback e-tron Premium Plus $42,925
A3 Sportback e-tron Prestige $47,725

*Prices include $925 destination and delivery fee
 

Check out the fun and informative TFLcar video first drive of the 2015 Audi A3.

And watch another first drive of the potent 2015 Audi S3.