The 2014 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-In Hybrid sedan will not be different from many other Audi A3′s available on sale. It features a 110kW 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine developing and an electric motor, combining to offer 150kW and 350Nm of torque.

Unlike the original A3 e-tron prototypes, and indeed most other e-tron concepts over the last few years, the production vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, rather than a battery electric vehicle. In the nose you’ll find a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, working with an electric motor. Together, they produce 204 horsepower and a punchy 258 pounds-feet of torque, much of which is developed usefully low down.

It’s sent through what Audi calls its e-S tronic transmission–essentially Audi’s standard dual-clutch automatic, with 75 lbs of electric motor sandwiched between the car’s dual-mass flywheel and clutch. The setup is remarkably compact. Audi moved the engine further to the right of the engine bay (or the left, if viewed from in front of the car), the electric motor and transmission sitting beside.

Much of the car’s low-revs power stems from the electric motor, with the gasoline engine taking over at 2,200 rpm as it creeps into the meat of its torque band. Lively acceleration is therefore a given, the 0-62 mph sprint dealt with in 7.6 seconds and only running out of steam at 138 mph. Battery power alone can be used up to 80 mph. Braking is almost entirely done using the motor’s regenerative resistance, though hard braking will rely on friction brakes, as in most electric vehicles.

Battery pack is consisted of 96 lithium ion cells that are packed here and it is delivered by external company. Everything else is made by Audi and the complete pack weights about 275 pounds. Engineers used a lot of aluminum to reduce weight and battery pack also offers liquid cooling to optimal 77 Farenheit. Trunk is unchanged because the gas tank has been moved slightly forward and on the back we have battery pack.

According to reports we are getting from 250 to 400 Volts from this battery pack that offers capacity of 8.8 kWh which should be enough for about 30 miles at least on European drive cycle. Combine this with range on gasoline and we have about 584 miles but when it comes to EPA standards we expect something more like 460 miles.

One interesting feature that we are getting is the charge holding. Like many other EV’s you will be able to program when batteries are charged but also you can set the time when it is expected that you will go for a ride and in that case full charge will be achieved at the exact time so you will be getting optimal temperature and more range.

It’s due to go on sale in Europe for approximately €38,000, meaning the 2014 A3 e-tron should cost around £32,700 in the UK.

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