Audi A3 Sportback e-tron enters production late 2013

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It has been confirmed that the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will reach volume production before the end of this year, becoming the first premium compact vehicle with plug-in hybrid technology. It joins the Audi e-gas and natural gas-consuming A3 Sportback g-tron in paving the way for CO2-neutral long-distance mobility.

The A3 e-tron uses a 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine working in tandem with an electric motor to form a parallel driveline, using a newly developed six-speed e-S tronic transmission (dual-clutch ‘box specific for plug-in hybrid use). An 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery placed ahead of the rear axle can provide full electric drive for up to 50 km with zero emissions.

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Combined system output is rated at 204 hp and 350 Nm, enabling it to reach 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 222 km/h. Full range with both electric and petrol engine in use is 940 km, with an average fuel consumption of just 1.5 litres of per 100 km (measured in accordance with the ECE standard).

Audi has released a large collection of diagrams explaining the technology behind the e-tron’s plug-in drivetrain. Take your time going through it – it’s really quite interesting. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February and will go on sale in selected markets from the end of 2013.

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • Early adopter on May 29, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Good news. Whilst we’ve been hearing numerous good stuffs on A3, the golden quesion remains – i.e. will EM be bringing this model to our local homeground? SG and AUS will be launching it very soon but still no rumours nor indication on a local launch. Any idea Hafriz?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • salam

    wah.menarik..kalau macam ni, riwayat kereta elektrik kat muka bumi tak lama mana lah…dengan harga yang menarik, dan harga kereta elektrik yang boom tingginya d pasaran, sudah tentu kereta jimat tenaga menjadi pilihan wp harga minyak mungkin akan naik pada masa hadapan…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Why??? Why such a complicated machinery?
    I know the 1.5L/100km is without a doubt impressive, but the system is so complicated. All your money saved on fuel will end up being spent on spare-parts and service.

    turbo charged engine ($$$), water cooled electric motor/generator ($$$). Air-con for the battery ($$$), lithium battery ($$$), the complicated 3 cluch gearbox ($$$)…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
 

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