Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Plug-in hybrid Audi A3 Sportback e-tron launches ‘early 2015′ in US

By Richard Lane
Audi’s first plug-in hybrid car, the A3 Sportback e-tron, will launch in the US at the start of 2015 – nearly a year after it becomes available in Germany.
The wait, however, should be worth it. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will rank as one of the fastest plug-in hybrids on the market when it goes on sale, taking just 7.6 seconds to hit 60mph from rest.

It will also have a greater electric range than most plug-in hybrids, which at 31 miles is a third greater than the$99,000 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid. After battery charge is depleted the car’s 150hp 1.4-litre TFSI kicks in to take range to more than 550 miles.
In hybrid mode, when the electric motor and combustion engine work together, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will develop 201hp, putting it firmly in hot-hatch territory.
Audi has priced the A3 Sportback e-tron at 37,000 euros in Germany, which currently equates to around $51,000. It’s likely that US models will see a price cut, however, and with incentives it’s possible that the plug-in hybrid Audi could be bought for around $35,000.
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Engine: 150hp 4-cylinder gasoline
Electric Motor: 99hp
Total Power: 204hp
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Top speed (electric): 81mph
Top speed: 138mph
Fuel economy: 156 US mpg
Electric Range: 31 miles
CO2 emissions: 56.33g/km (Europe)
Price: 37,000 euros

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