If 176.6 mpg UK, 201bhp (204PS) and a range of 584 miles sound like magic numbers for you, then the Audi A3 e-tron could be the a satisfyingly fuel-sipping choice – it can even run on electricity alone, for up to 31 miles at up to 80 mph.
The plug-in hybrid car, which has been recently made available for order in the UK starting at £34,950 OTR, with no government incentives, promises to emit just 37 g/km CO2, as per the manufacturer’s official figures.
However, nowadays, eco-minded cars don’t have to be slow, and the A3 e-tron offers almost hot hatch pace, hitting 62 mph (100km/h) in 7.6 seconds, before running out of puff at 137 mph (220km/h).
It uses a 1.4-liter TFSI petrol engine with 147 hp, coupled to a 100 hp electric motor. Working in tandem, the two also make 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
Order books for it open in August, with first deliveries pegged to begin in January of 2015.
By Andrei Nedelea
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