Audi A3 Sportback g-tron now available to order in Germany

Audi has recently started retailing the A3 Sportback g-tron - which can be powered by ultra-clean Audi e-gas produced using green electricity - or by compressed natural gas, both of which are available to drivers in Germany. Audi e-gas is a synthetic methane that is produced at a facility in Werlte, Germany - the world's first industrial power-to-gas plant.

The Audi A3 g-tron forms part of a new, integrated and sustainable mobility concept from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. Its 1.4-litre TFSI engine develops 108bhp and can be operated using either natural gas, e-gas or petrol.

Priced from €25,900 (S$44,972) in Germany, the A3 Sportback g-tron is entirely CO₂-neutral when operated in pure e-gas mode. On average the g-tron consumes no more than 3.3kg of gas for every 100km travelled.

In addition, Audi is operating a research facility for the production of Audi e-ethanol and e-diesel with its partner in New Mexico. Moreover, the company is conducting research into the synthetic manufacture of Audi e-gas in cooperation with Global Bioenergies. Audi does not plan to introduce this model in the U.K., citing a lack of infrastructure required to fully implement natural gas filling stations.