A3e-tron
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Test-driving Audi's new A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid
Audi built an A3 that gets over 80 miles per gallon in the right conditions. That's the biggest thing you need to know about the new plug-in hybrid A3 e-tron. Yet with hybrids and electric vehicles it's easy to get waylaid by batteries, range and the compromises that come from adding an electric engine to an established platform. But it's that mileage that gets the drivers in the seats of these cars. That, and the sense you're doing your small part for the Earth. Driving this car, you can have style and power with a dollop of the green lifestyle. Oh, and on the freeway, it can eat a Toyota Prius or Chevy Volt for breakfast.
Audi's A3 e-tron starts at $37,900 in the US, rolls out in October
If you live in the States and have been itchin' to get behind the wheel of Audi's new plug-in hybrid, you'll soon be in luck. The A3 e-tron "Sportback" (read: hatchback) will arrive at dealers in the US in October, with prices starting at $37,900 before any incentives or tax credits. It's the auto maker's first plug-in model to be sold Stateside and carries a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor for 204 horsepower. Unfortunately, the EPA's fuel economy stats haven't been announced, but you can expect around eight hours of charging time via a standard 120-volt outlet. You can reduce the wait to just over two hours if you're willing to to splurge for a Bosch 240-volt charger. Looking for more add-ons than the base model offers? The Plus model throws in LED headlamps, heated seats and plays nice with your iOS device for $42,000. There's also a Prestige option that starts out at $46,800 with features like an MMI infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen audio and active lane assistance can take the total up near $50,000. [Image credit: Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images]
Audi A3 e-tron hands-on (video)
It's not often that we spend quality time with automobiles here at Engadget, but our motives are usually geared by electricity when we do. Take for instance, the Audi A3 e-tron concept above. This isn't the first e-tron concept -- if you'll recall, the company's been dabbling with others like the A1 and A2 -- but back in November we learned that the German automaker planned to begin testing this all-electric plug-in in four regions within the US. It hopes to gain insight into how these cars will take to different climates and roadways in the country, while finding out how it will fit into drivers' daily lives. Naturally, the goal is to have something ready for consumers, but Audi figures that it's still about two years away from realization. After being in the hands of folks within the company, it's decided to let these prototypes loose in the hands of news media like ourselves (!) to show it off and see what outsiders think. As you've probably figured out, we definitely just took this four-door hatchback for a spin near Engadget HQ, and you'll find out all about how it got us around the city in one piece -- with us nearly draining the battery in Times Square in the process -- after the break. %Gallery-158241% %Gallery-158240%
Audi's A3 e-tron gearing up for 2013, should hit 90 miles per charge
You may live your life a quarter-mile at a time, but let's face it -- you still care about the environment. To that end, you've patiently awaited Audi's hybrid Spyder, even with the company playing coy about electric vehicles in general. Its latest tease is a far cry from the aforesaid ghost, but the A3 e-tron -- an entry-level Sportback begging to be modified -- is certainly sexy in its own right. Not exactly Fast and Furious material, given that it needs 11 seconds to reach 60mph and tops out at 90mph, but still -- a pair of lithium-ion batteries should give it 90-mile range per nine-hour charge. We'd take the Roadster S' 165-mile ride if given the choice, but we'll confess to confessing as much prior to consulting our practical side. No hard word on availability or pricing -- the company likely wants it on the streets by 2013, but don't go changing your name to Vin Battery just yet. Or Vin Anything, for that matter.
