TheAudiA3 Sportback e-tron is being showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and uses plug-in hybrid technology to achieve improved performance and fuel economy.

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron delivers economical performance

Engine Capability The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is fitted with a modified 1.4-litre TFSI combustion engine that delivers 110kW and 250Nm of torque. This engine works in tandem with an electric motor that generates 75kW and 330Nm of torque. The result is a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 222km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at only 1.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 35g/km. In pure electric mode, the Sportback e-tron reaches a top speed of 130km/h with a range of 50km. A newly designed 6-speed e-S tronic transmission puts the power to the front wheels. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery that has a capacity of 8.8kWh and consists of eight modules with a total of 96 cells. A liquid cooling system with its own low-temperature circuit keeps the battery at its optimum temperature. The battery can be charged in about two and a half hours using a 3.6kW charger. Exterior Styling Features The design of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron declares a sporty yet elegant character. The body is finished Misano Red paint and the 15-spoke wheels resemble turbine blades. The chrome horizontal struts in the single-frame grille and air intake grilles have three-dimensional undulating profiles while the rear apron has a new diffuser that is unique to the Sportback e-tron. Interior Styling Features The sporty and elegant theme is continued inside with the ergonomic interior finished in Cloudy Grey with contrasting stitching that highlights the S sport seats. The aluminium door sill trims display e-tron logos while the gear knob and steering wheel are masked in e-tron badges. The boot capacity is 280-litres and increases to 1000-litres when the rear seats are folded. Future plans for Audi include a whole portfolio of new online services for its electrified vehicles under its Audi connect umbrella policy, which will enable the driver to activate and monitor a raft of functions such as charging processes and pre-conditioning of the interior climate conveniently from their smart phone.

The model is under consideration for South Africa. We will keep you updated with any further developments regarding the model’s local launch.