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Plug-in hybrids are gaining in popularity, with Ford, Toyota and Honda all offering vehicles fitted with the unique powertrains. But while cars like the Fusion Energi, Prius Plug-In and Accord Plug-In boast excellent economy numbers as they match the best assets of electric vehicles with traditional hybrids, they lack the zest and fun that some drivers crave. According to rumors from the UK, though, a fun plug-in could be on the horizon. Hoping to capitalize on the performance reputation of the GTI, Volkswagen is reportedly developing a car called the Golf GTE. Power would come from the same powertrain slated for the Audi A3 E-Tron, a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 148 horsepower. Mated to that is a 107-horsepower electric motor, which draws power from an 8.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. A 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission would shift 204 total system horsepower to the front wheels, which will allow the GTE to hit 62 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 135 mph. Outside of the unique powertrain, we'd expect the GTE to follow the same formula used for the diesel-powered Golf GTD - that means GTI-sourced bits for the suspension and brakes, as well as sportier interior and exterior treatments. It is unclear if this model will make it to Singapore market, but even if it does, we can only expect this model somewhere in late 2015.

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.