Audi A3 Sportback e-tron may reach European markets next year

The upcoming Audi A3 e-tron aims to offer the benefits of an electric vehicle (EV) without the hindrance of restricted range. Essentially a hybrid, the A3 Sportback e-tron bundles a traditional petrol engine to an electric motor and is expected to go on sale in summer next year for approximately €38,000 (S$62,142 - at current exchange rates).

It contains a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine that is good to deliver 148bhp and 249Nm of torque. The electric motor - which is integrated into the car's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - has an output figure of 101bhp and 329Nm of torque. Combined, the hybrid A3 can develop a total of 201bhp and 349Nm of torque.

All that power channels to the front wheels for a century sprint time of 7.6 seconds before climbing to a top speed of 222km/h. The source also claims a efficiency figures of 79.9km/L and CO₂ emissions of just 35g/km.

The A3 e-tron has an all-electric range of 49km and the range gets extended to 889km when using both the petrol and electric power source. Being a plug-in hybrid, the A3 could still function as a traditional car by simply refuelling it even if the batteries have run dry.

A variety of powertrain modes will also be offered, including a 'hold' function that saves the battery charge for all electric drive - suitable for city or urban commutes.