Audi A3 Finally released in Canada, all talk about this sporty hatchback goes in here

Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

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Old 02-16-2016 | 01:19 PM
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Question Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

Hi All


I'm hoping to be a new member of the Audi family. I've always loved Audi's and now seems to be the right time for me.
Although I've always been fond of Quattro and all the benefits of it for the past 30 years, I feel that the A3 e tron suits my needs as a daily driver best.
I'll get a Quattro eventually.
I've done some calculations, comparing the Volt, Fusion, Leaf and other BEV and plug-ins with the e tron. Although about the same price, none of them compare to the Audi in terms of quality and feel.
Can anyone who owns an e tron provide me with their experiences please.
I'm looking for how the car has been in terms of EV range, how much gas you've used or had to buy and overall experience.
The Ontario rebate just got increased to $8,095 from $6,077 and that makes this a very nice proposition.
Old 02-20-2016 | 05:30 AM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

I've had mine almost two months/1800 km.

I really like it - but it does have some quirks for winter driving.

1. The full EV mode will not activate if the temperature is below -10C
2. Interior heat drains the battery quickly when you are in full EV mode. (range of 12-15 km EV on -8 to -10 C days with heat set to 20 C).
3. Snow traction is typical of what you would expect with all season tires on a FWD car.

Remedies:

1. There is no remedy for colder temperatures, although I think once everything is warm, you may be able to switch from hybrid mode to EV even if the temperature is below -10 C.

2. Preheat the car interior while it is plugged in/charging. There is a timer to automate this. Without the heat on, I have been able to achieve a range of 22-24 km on days with -2 to -5 C temperatures.

3. I think I will buy winter tires next year.

So far I am averaging 50/50 for electricity/gasoline use. I think it will achieve optimum range in spring and fall, when I don't need interior heat or AC.
Old 02-20-2016 | 09:20 AM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

Thanks for the info and congrats on getting a really sweet ride (IMHO).
I was a bit concerned about how the e tron behaved in the frigid cold that I went to the dealership on a day when it was -18 C (high).
I didn't call ahead either so they wouldn't/couldn't prewarm the car. According to the car the EV range only dropped 1 km as we sat idling for 15 mins (heat going & both heated seats on).
It start using the ICE and wouldn't go EV until it's warm & you start driving.
In this cold we should expect a drop in EV range.
Do you mind sharing the amount of times you've gone to get gas over the 1800 kms?
Did you install a 240 at home?
I will likely finalize my decision this week.
Old 02-20-2016 | 01:48 PM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

It has a fuel tank capacity of 40L. I have filled up with approximately 33, 38, and 29 L, for ranges of about 600, 800, and 450 km. The last one was the coldest weather, with the most non-EV (gasoline/hybrid) driving.

I haven't decided about 240V at home. With my 120V plug and off-peak charging, I have a full charge every morning. The 240V would only help on weekends, where I make multiple trips in a day.
Old 02-22-2016 | 12:37 PM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

That's still pretty impressive. your diving works out to about 5.4 l / 100 kms. I hope that you will be able to utilize the EV more with the warmer temps around the corner.
Your driving is about where I expected it would be for my driving. I calculated about $30 to $50 a month for gas and about the same for charging (about $90/month total gas & electric). Are you finding a big increase on your electric bill?
I've always liked Audi's and this is my opportunity to get one with the MTO's rebate. =)
How do you like the e tron now that you've driven it a couple of months?
I'm looking to get 1 very soon. I just have to find a dealer with the colour / pkg combo I want in stock.
Old 02-22-2016 | 11:31 PM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

The first hydro bill had about an extra 10 kWh per day. Since then, I borrowed a power monitor and can directly measure my electricity consumption with the A3 when charging. With a flat battery and pre-heating the interior, it consumes about 9 kWh, so maybe some of the 10kWh was due to other changes in the house. Without pre-heating, it is about 7 kWh to recharge the battery.

I set the timers so it only charges off-peak, which has a rate of $0.131/kWh, so that is about $1.00/day for charging the battery only, and about $1.25/day for charging and pre-heat. So somewhere around $35.00/month.

As for the car, I really like it. I do wish Audi Canada offered more in terms of the Connect features that their apparently more sophisticated customers in the US and Europe have available.
Old 02-23-2016 | 09:51 AM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

GJS - yow, thanks for all the information. you've been very helpful. your numbers are very close to my calculations when I started my car search.
I know what you mean about Audi/e-tron Connect. I've read a lot about it from US and Euro users, both +'ve and -'ve. Still, it would be a nice feature for us in Canada.
Thank you again for providing me with all your responses.
I'm thinking tonight might be the night I sign for my e-tron (Technik, Turbine sport pkg, Daytona Grey w/ black interior)
Old 03-08-2016 | 12:00 PM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

Picked up my A3 e-tron on Feb 27. Drove it for about a week and brought it back to the dealership for them to put the tint on.
Here it is.
Attached Thumbnails Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences-etron0.jpg   Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences-etron1.jpg   Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences-etron2.jpg   Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences-etron3.jpg  
Old 05-14-2016 | 11:25 AM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

Hi there -

Can you share your Ontario EV rebate program experience? From the time you have submitted your application, how long does it take your rebate cheque to arrive (or direct deposited)?

Also, the MTO website says it is eligible for purchasing or leasing a vehicle only. Any idea if financing is also eligible? What about Audi's own Audi Select option?

Thanks!
Old 06-15-2016 | 07:22 AM
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Default Re: Considering 2016 A3 e tron - looking for owner experiences

Hi

I started leasing my A3 e-Tron just a few days ago. I only just submitted the paperwork yesterday.

HOWEVER, prior to the A3, i had a Ford Focus Electric that I financed. Financing = owning as far as they are concern, for that rebate, I got my cheque 6 weeks after submitting the form.

Hope this helps


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