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Audi A3 E-Tron Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Priced!

Volkswagen’s Audi brand is just about ready to enter an electrified vehicle into its US lineup, in the form of the Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Sporting the Volkswagen Group’s lauded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, coupled with a 75 kW electric motor and an 8.8 kWh battery pack, the new e-tron will offer up a commendable, combined 204 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque when it graces America’s shores.

Now, the final, lingering question on everyone’s lips has been answered at last, with the automaker announcing an MSRP of just $37,900 before incentives for the Audi A3 e-tron when it goes on sale this October.

That’s rather a big deal, as it means that the formidable, FWD 2016 Audi A3 e-tron will be priced competitively with the $33,170 2016 Chevrolet Volt. It will also provide customers with more combined horsepower on-tap, and while the battery is considerably smaller than the Volt’s 18.4 kWh pack, Audi claims that the PHEV will still be capable of up to 31 miles of pure electric driving range.

EPA fuel economy ratings have not yet been released, but we’d guess that those, too, will surpass the 35/40 mpg city/highway (respectively) posted by the Volt.

Of course, the smaller battery pack in the 2016 Audi A3 e-tron has its benefits to weight and charge-time, too; Audi’s new PHEV can reach full-charge status in a mere 2.25 hours when hooked-up to the optional, 240 Volt Bosch charging unit.

The Audi A3 e-tron will arrive in the US with only a “Sportback” (read: “hatchback”) body style available, and we wouldn’t hold our breath for any alternatives in the midterm future.

Aaron Birch is an automotive enthusiast and writer/filmmaker from Detroit, MI. As a rule, he only buys cars older than himself.

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