Audi A3 e-tron vs BMW i3 & Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - 2015 twin test

Eco-friendly plug-in models are slowly gaining in popularity, so it’s no real surprise that after decades of experimentation Audi has finally decided to jump on the petrol-electric bandwagon.

The new A3 e-tron is based on the classy A3 Sportback, and packages together a 1.4-litre petrol turbo and 75kW motor, while a compact lithium-ion battery pack sits under the back seat. Its raw statistics certainly look compelling, with a 31-mile claimed electric range, CO2 emissions of 37g/km and 176.6mpg economy.

• Best hybrid cars on sale

Just as importantly, Audi says these figures don’t come at the expense of the standard Sportback’s space, refinement and upmarket appeal.

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However, there are many different ways to package the perfect plug-in, as our other contenders here prove. Mitsubishi’s rugged Outlander PHEV claims to deliver all the practicality of the standard model, but – with a 30-mile electric range – city car-humbling costs.

Completing our trio is BMW’s daring i3 Range Extender, which sets the class standard for efficiency, design and driving dynamics.

• Audi A3 e-tron review

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review

• BMW i3 review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which is the best plug-in hybrid car in this test...

Head-to-head

Counting the cost

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For many potential buyers, particularly business users, a plug-in’s big appeal is its running costs. The combination of ultra-low CO2 emissions and the ability to run in relatively cheap electric-only mode means some serious savings can be made. For instance, a higher-rate earner will face a £698 annual Benefit in Kind tax bill with the A3 e-tron, while an A3 1.6 TDI Sport S tronic will set them back £1,553.

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Mitsubishi PHEV drivers make even bigger savings, with top-rate tax payers saving a huge £2,273 annually over the diesel equivalent. That’ll help buy a lot of fuel –which is good news, because unless you charge up every day and limit your mileage to a short commute, the Outlander will cost at the pumps. With the petrol engine running, it’ll struggle to crack 30mpg.

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As with all our cars, you should plug the PHEV into the mains as often as possible. A full charge on all three will cost no more than a few pounds, but with its potential 100-mile range the BMW will go furthest on a full battery.

• Best electric cars on sale

So the savings are there, but only if the car fits your lifestyle and motoring needs. If you can’t get to a socket daily, the fuel bills will start to add up – particularly on the PHEV and e-tron, which can recharge on the move but only at the cost of even heavier fuel use.

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However, this tech is improving all the time, and it won’t be long before a car with a petrol generator for emergency use and a Tesla Model S-rivalling 300-mile electric range arrives. Until then, you’ll have to do your sums carefully and ensure these compromised cars fit with your motoring requirements.

Verdict

1st place: BMW i3 

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None of our contenders here is perfect, but the brilliant i3 puts eco-friendly credentials into the most usable, everyday package. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it has the longest battery range, boldest looks and best-packaged cabin. While the generator isn’t ideally suited to long motorway stints, it relieves range anxiety. This is the best alternative-fuel model.

2nd place: Audi A3 e-tron

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It’s very easy to be seduced by the e-tron’s upmarket badge, classy cabin and penny-pinching on-paper costs, as well as its punchy performance. However, the hybrid set-up feels less well resolved than rival range-extenders, while the batteries’ extra weight blunts the drive. Finally, if you use the car for long journeys, fuel economy suffers, too.

3rd place: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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If you want space, rugged SUV styling and low company car tax bills, then the Outlander PHEV makes a certain amount of sense. Yet the petrol engine is thirsty, the interior feels low-rent and the driving experience lags behind that of the best 4x4s. Finally, in GX3h trim it lacks the standard kit you’d expect on a car costing nearly £30,000.

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