Audi has released the A3 e-tron in the Avant body style at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. An 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery sits under the floor beneath the rear seat, complete with a liquid cooling system.

The plug-in hybrid is driven by a parallel hybrid drivetrain consisting of a turbocharged 150bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor integrated into the car's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric motor generates 102bhp.

The A3 e-tron goes to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and is able to achieve a top speed of 222km/h. In a plug-in hybrid, the focus is on fuel efficiency.

According to Audi, the vehicle uses petrol at a miserly 1.5L/100km and produces CO₂ at a mere 35g/km. The A3 e-tron can be driven in hybrid, electric or gasoline mode. When driven in EV mode, the car provides a range of up to 49km.

The fwd model is not scheduled for production yet.