THE HYBRID GAR'S image has undergone a transformation in recent years, but this car, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, is set to have perhaps the greatest impact yet. The e-tron is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid version of the regular A3 Sportback. It is powered by a 148bhp 1.4 TFSI engine and a 99bhp electric motor, which produce a combined 201bhp. Allied to a peak torque figure of 2581b ft, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a kerb weight of 1540kg, the e-tron can go from 0-62mph in just 76sec and on to a top speed of 137mph, while also being able to travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone. It also promises 176.6mpg combined, 37g/km of CO_2 and a 584-mile overall range. This, then, is the plug-in hybrid as a volume-selling, premium-brand warm hatch.
展开▼
