The A3 e-tron is based on a conventional A3 Sportback, but features a drivetrain combining a 148bhp 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with a 101bhp electric motor located in its six-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Combining the two power sources produces 202bhp and allows the car to reach 62mph in 7.6 seconds. The driver is offered four modes to select fully electric or hybrid driving, as well as the ability to charge the battery using the engine, or to save battery power for later.

Via a socket behind the grille badge, the A3 e-tron can be fully charged in four hours from a domestic socket or two hours and 15 minutes from a wallbox, giving enough range for up to 31 miles of driving at up to 81mph.  Audi will supply the car with charging cables to suit a conventional three-pin plug socket or a home or public charging station.

Official combined figures show fuel economy of 176.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 37g/km, though this will depend on how much driving is done using the electric motor. Though the car has yet to be added to the official list of approved vehicles for the £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant, this will bring pricing down to £29,950, or around £2,500 more than the closest equivalent petrol version.

First UK deliveries will take place in early 2015.