The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has been named a finalist for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year award, as well as the 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year award.
Not bad for a compact hatchback that has very little to do with outright performance, which is what Americans generally expect from these types of sporty C-Segment cars, once already paying premium prices. The A3 Sportback e-tron however costs upwards of $37,900.
Still, you get a much more enjoyable car to drive compared to, say a Prius – which tends to be the popular choice. And that’s OK, especially if you need more size and practicality. But if the A3 Sportback is “enough” for you, the e-tron might just be worth considering.
On January 21st 2016, at the Washington Auto Show, the A3 Sportback e-tron will find out if its nomination for the two previously mentioned awards will materialize into an actual prize. The two awards “recognize vehicles that exhibit laudable environmental achievement,” according to Green Car Journal. “Along with improved environmental performance, traditional buyer touchstones like functionality, safety, quality, value and performance are also considered.”
As for the connected award, the magazine will look at “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”
Back in November, the A3 Sportback e-tron was also a finalist for the national Green Car of the Year award during the LA Auto Show, however the second-generation Chevrolet Volt snagged that one.
Since we’ve already established that the Audi is a pretty good driver’s car, while still managing to be triumphant in its fight against poor fuel economy (around 1.5 l/100 km – 156.8 US mpg combined with the electric drive), we’re just going to wish it good luck come January.
PHOTO GALLERY
