Audi reveals A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid for Geneva

Gasoline-electric hatchback could see limited production.

By Greg Kable of AutoWeek

Audi will preview a new 201-hp gasoline-electric hybrid version of the third-generation A3 at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

The new car is the latest product of the German car maker's e-tron initiative, which aims to provide existing Audi models with newly developed hybrid and all-electric powertrains at a price that would make them a realistic alternative to traditional powertrains.

Having previously developed e-tron versions of the entry level A1 and R8 sportscar, only to announce they would not see production, Audi is putting a more positive spin on the A3 e-tron, describing it as a "realistic glimpse into the future" and suggesting it will play a "deciding role in the strategy of the brand."

 

At the heart of the A3 hatchback is a modified version of Volkswagen's new EA211 engine. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline unit delivers 148 hp and operates in combination with an electric motor mounted in the front of the car's six-speed dual clutch gearbox, where it develops up to 101 hp.

Together, the engine and electric motor provide a maximum system output of 201 hp, with combined torque of 258 lb-ft — figures that top the output of the new A3 1.8 TFSI's turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine by 24 hp and 74 lb-ft.

The new drivetrain is capable of running in three modes — engine only, electric motor only or combined.

 

Audi has yet to provide details on the A3 e-tron's battery pack, charge time or curb weight. Official claims put the 0-62-mph acceleration at 7.6 seconds and top speed at 138 mph.

In electric mode, the A3 e-tron reaches a claimed top speed of 81 mph and possesses a maximum range of 31 miles.

Taking advantage of loopholes in the European fuel-consumption procedure that allows the car to complete the test primarily in electric mode with energy provided through plug-in means, Audi quotes a combined cycle fuel-consumption figure of 156.8 mpg. By comparison, the A3 1.8 TFSI returns a claimed 45.2 mpg.

Audi has yet to confirm when the A3 e-tron will see large-scale production. However, insiders at its Ingolstadt, Germany, headquarters confirmed to Autoweek that plans already exist for a limited production run of the car for in-house testing purposes.

 

 

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