Audi Australia has confirmed its first-ever plug-in hybrid production model, the A3 e-tron, will go on sale locally in November. The unique model promises exceptional fuel economy, with average consumption of just 1.6L/100km.
This is an exciting vehicle for Audi. Not only is it the first plug-in hybrid from the four-ringed brand, it’s also the first hybrid between its direct German rivals.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre TFSI turbo four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW, plus an electric motor system adding 75kW. This is all sent through a six-speed S tronic automatic transmission.
Audi says the overall output is 150kW, which is about as much as a mild hot hatch, while peak torque is 350Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes a credible 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 222km/h.
Aside from the respectable performance, the A3 e-tron is all about efficiency, obviously. It’s capable of driving on the electric motor alone for a range of about 50km, with a total range of around 940km.
The 8.8kWh battery system can be recharged in just 2.5 hours, which is very good by today’s plug-in hybrid standards. However, this is only possible with a special home installation package from Audi that incorporates a 240-volt, 16-amp single-phase power outlet.
Audi says in most cases there will be no additional charge for this installation. The local arm has partnered with Origin Energy, and with each new A3 e-tron, customers will receive a certificate that confirms up to the first 10,000km of electric driving has been offset by accredited renewable energy.
The e-tron will come with a high specification equipment package as well, including 17-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s MMI interface with satellite navigation, a rear-view camera and park assist, and dual-zone climate control. It also showcases a 280-litre cargo capacity – around 100 litres less than the regular A3 Sportback.
A definite price is yet to be set, although, Audi says it will retail for around $60,000. Deliveries will being in March, 2015.
I wished the article talked about the cost of the A3…I also wished we had the A3 here in Canada… 1.6l/100km is incredible gas mileage..
To my mind plugins make no environmental sense in a country where electricity comes from burning filthy coal, especially in Victoria with even filthier brown coal. CO2 wise grid power is somewhat more efficient than petrol power, but the difference is just not enough. Considering the added environmental and 3rd world exploitation of the extra “stuff”, especially batteries, buying one of these amounts to nothing more than saving personal money at an added cost to society.
Even so, you need to make your own ROI calculation based on how far you drive, and the premium you pay for the electric function. That, and the expected resale value, which will probably be poor considering the concern about the cost of replacement batteries. Would you buy a 5 year-old hybrid?
If I lived in Europe it would be a no-brainer from every point of view except resale value. Here, LPG or CNG probably makes more sense.