Despite Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled for September, such is the importance of the world’s largest car market (China), Audi rolled out its clever A3 e-tron concept vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show.
The four-seater notchback is a plug-in hybrid powered by a 155kW, 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine and a 20kW electric motor. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.8 seconds, the top speed is very Audi-appropriate at 231km/h and the electric-alone range is an impressive 54kms.
Lithium-Ion batteries are stored behind the rear seats and can be recharged form a household power socket.
Drive is via a seven-speed S tronic transmissions with automatic and manual modes plus launch control.
Styling highlights the current Audi trends, highlighted by innovative LED headlights which become broader as they extend outward and appear to float on air. There is a front splitter, flared fenders and exterior mirrors made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
Doors, bonnet and tailgate are made from aluminium and the Audi A3 e-tron tips the scales at just 1,720kgs.
Inside is a typical Audi interior with just a few unusual touches – like air-conditioning controls shaped like aircraft turbines and aluminium-trimmed audio speakers which extend form the doors and parcel when activated and retract when not in use.
Underneath is the chassis from Audi’s sporty RS 3 Sportback - front MacPherson strut/rear four-links with separate springs and dampers and 20-inch light alloy wheels.
