By 2020, Audi aims to have a plug-in hybrid or fully electric model in every class. And to show you it means business, it’s produced this – the 282mpg A1 e-tron. And you could be able to buy one in a couple of years.
The name is the same as an A1 model trialled in Germany that featured an electric range of 30 miles and a range-extending rotary engine to charge batteries beneath the boot floor. But this car is a simpler plug-in hybrid.
It’s powered by what Audi calls a Dual Hybrid System. There’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine and one electric motor, with both able to provide drive to the front wheels.
In total, the system delivers 175bhp and allows for acceleration from 0-62mph in less than nine seconds. There’s also another electric motor that acts mainly as a starter and an alternator.
You wouldn’t know this was a hi-tech prototype from the outside; all of the clever tech is hidden away underneath a standard A1 body. But driving it gives the game away completely.
Move the gearstick to ‘D’, and the A1 sets off silently and smoothly when you press the accelerator. There’s a kickdown feature, which causes the petrol engine to switch on should you press the accelerator to the floor, but you’ll rarely need it – the electric motor provides more than enough power for most situations.
There’s sufficient charge in the batteries for a range of 50 miles on electric power, too, while total range is more than 400 miles.
But unlike a petrol-powered performance car, the new model’s most impressive figures are its fuel economy and emissions. Audi claims the A1 e-tron can return 282mpg and emits just 23g/km of CO2.
This car is a fantastic piece of engineering, and it proves how fast and exciting green transport really can be.
For an alternative review of the latest Audi A1 Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
