Audi launches its debut hybrid offering for Singapore

Following the success of the A6 sedan, Audi Singapore welcomes the latest entrant into its family - the A6 hybrid. All ready to set a new benchmark for the segment, the A6 hybrid promises the frugality of a 4-cylinder and performance of a V6, yet without compromising on the dynamism found in the rest of the firm's petrol offerings.

The A6 hybrid is virtually unchanged from its petrol-driven brethrens, allowing a seamless, no-frills operation. What the hybrid does offer are additional modes of propulsion - including an EV mode where the electric motor is solely relied upon to provide the driving energy, with the capability to run up to 100km/h, or a range of three kilometres at 60km/h.  

Together with the 2.0-litre TFSI powerplant, the parallel hybrid system churns out a combined total of 245bhp and 480Nm of torque - all these power dispatched to the driven wheels via the firm's 8-speed tiptronic gearbox. As such, the A6 hybrid is capable of accomplishing the century sprint in 7.5 seconds, yet consuming less than 6.2L/100km in normal driving, with less than 145g of CO2 emitted per km.

Like other hybrid systems, the A6 hybrid utilises energy from the two sources during aspirated acceleration, and recovers them during braking. Responsible for storing the invisible charges are the lightweight lithium-ion battery, located in a compact, crash-proof area in the trunk.

Sharing his enthusiasm on the latest offering is Reinhold Carl, Managing Director of Audi Singapore, "Technology and progressiveness stand at the core of the Audi brand. We are therefore very proud to introduce the hybrid model to the Singapore market as an addition to the successful A6 line-up." 

The Audi A6 hybrid retails for S$278,150 (inclusive of COE) at press time.


Audi Technical Centre Singapore 

Coinciding with the launch of its first hybrid model for the local market, Audi Singapore opens its technical centre. Located in the western part of Singapore, the centre is one of four in the world, and will provide support to 17 Asean countries. The centre signifies the importance of Singapore in Audi's global strategic planning.  

Also present at the launch is the Audi A1 e-tron concept, the only example in the South East Asia region. Tasked with road testing duties on local grounds, the A1 e-tron demonstrates the firm’s commitment to bring electric mobility to the masses.

The A1 e-tron marks a comprehensive new approach by the four rings marque. Adopting the firm's lightweight construction expertise, the A1 e-tron utilising components made out of carbon fibre for greater efficiency, tipping the scales at only 1,190kg. The EV claims a 0-100km/h timing of 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of more than 130km/h. With the range extender, the A1 e-tron can cover up to 200km on a single charge.

Backed by a consistently strong demand around the world, Audi has achieved a 12.7 per cent growth in sales to date, overtaking Mercedes-Benz to claim second position in the segment, and trailing BMW at 961,000 to 963,100 units. More notably, the firm has managed to maintain profitable in Europe, which is plagued by the financial crisis.