Audi A3 40 TFSI e vs Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV: which is cheaper to run?
Both are plug-in hybrids; both look attractive on the brochure. The interesting question is how much one costs you over a real year of UK driving — at your tariff, your mileage and your charging habits. Here's the honest side-by-side at typical UK assumptions.
| Spec | Audi A3 40 TFSI e | Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 13 kWh | 13.8 kWh |
| WLTP electric range | 38 mi | 36 mi |
| WLTP combined MPG | 217 mpg | 168 mpg |
| Real-world petrol-only MPG | 47 mpg | 38 mpg |
Annual running cost (10,000 mi · 60% on battery)
| Cost | Audi A3 40 TFSI e | Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Battery £/mile | 2.3p | 2.3p |
| Petrol £/mile | 15.1p | 18.7p |
| Blended £/mile | 7.4p | 8.9p |
| Annual cost | £743 | £886 |
| Break-even fuel price | £0.24/L | £0.20/L |
Annual running cost difference
£143
The Audi A3 40 TFSI e is roughly £143 cheaper a year (16%) at these assumptions.
The honest take. On running costs alone, the Audi A3 40 TFSI e is the cheaper of the two at typical UK numbers. But running cost is only one variable — purchase price, finance, tax, insurance and depreciation usually swamp it. Use the free calculator below to plug in your own annual mileage, your home electricity tariff, and what % of your driving you'll realistically do on battery. Two minutes and you'll know which car is actually cheaper for your driving.
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Calculator opens with the Audi A3 40 TFSI e and Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV side-by-side · adjust to your miles and tariff