Audi launching A3 e-tron hybrid
Deliveries are targeted for the first quarter of next year.
Priced at €39,950, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron combines a 1.4TFSI petrol engine and an electric motor, providing a power output of 204bhp.
The A3 Sportback e-tron’s fuel consumption, in accordance with the NEDC standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles, is just 1.5 l/100 km (188mpg), with C02 emissions of 37 grams per kilometre.
Under electric power it has a range of 50 kilometres, and 900 kilometres in combined mode.
From an industrial power socket it takes two hours to charge the battery. From a normal, three-pin domestic power socket, the charging takes three hours and 45 minutes.
Braking recuperation, another clever feature of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, maximises efficiency. Driving performance is not diminished, as the electric motor’s high torque enables the sporty compact car to accelerate powerfully.
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron goes from 0-60 kph in a very sprightly 4.9 seconds.
Audi’s first plug-in hybrid is available to order from two specialised, Audi e-tron dealers in Ireland: Audi North Dublin and Audi Cork.
Their employees are being trained in sales and service relating to electric vehicles.
Between mid-July and the end of August, 2014, Audi trained 2,000 sales, service and used-car employees from all over Europe at its Training Centre, near Munich.
Among this group were 15 Irish experts, who undertook technical and non-technical training to provide superior levels of service to Irish customers.
Christian Gussen, director of Audi Ireland, said: “With the new Audi A3 e-tron, we mark another important step toward sustainable individual mobility.
“It embodies our innovative technology and Audi’s premium claim. Our dealers have already received a very positive level of customer enquiries ahead of the A3 e-tron launch,” said Mr Gussen.
