Audi->ke14's fifth world debut for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show is the A3 Sportback g-tron, which is based on the A3 Sportback and powered by CO2-neutral fuel, Audi e-gas. The model will be put on sale towards the end of the year.

The model was previewed by the TCNG e-gas project unveiled back in 2011 and Audi promised a production version will arrive in the upcoming years. The e-gas necessary for the new model will be produced at Audi's plant in Werlte (Emsland district of Lower Saxony), Germany.

The model is based on the 1.4 TFSI version of the A3 Sportback, but with modifications made to the cylinder head, turbocharging, injection system and the catalytic converter. The two tanks under the luggage compartment floor can each hold seven kg (15.43 pounds) of e-gas and they deliver a range of 248.55 miles, plus an additional 559.23 miles when gasoline is added.

Hit the jump to read more about the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron.

2013 Audi A3 Sportback g-tron

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Audi A3 Sportback g-tron
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 110
  • Torque: 147
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new A3 Sportback g-tron will feature the same design elements as the standard A3 Sportback. On the exterior, you will see the usual single-frame grille and flat headlights with optional xenon plus headlights and LED daytime running light. For the rear, LED lights in combination with the xenon and a small diffuser.

The new e-gas will be distinguished by small "g-tron" logos and an "A3 g-tron" sticker placed on the car's doors.

Interior

The interior will also be similar to the standard A3 Sportback and will combine the highest quality materials with the latest technologies. Customers will also get the usual MMI operating system with a power-retractable monitor and the MMI radio.

The model also received a special instrument cluster with two displays that provide the driver with up-to-date information on the fuel level in each of the tanks. The driver information system also displays the current fuel consumption based on the particular operating mode.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the new A3 Sportback g-tron will get a 1.4 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 110 horsepower and a peak torque of 147 pound-feet of torque. This version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 11 seconds and up to a top speed of 118 mph.

Next to this engine, the A3 g-tron will also get two tanks placed under the luggage compartment floor, each with a total weight of just 59.52 pounds and hold a maximum 200 bar (2900 PSI) of pressure.

Each tank features a new type of matrix with the first layer consisting of gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, the second one made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the third one made of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP).

When running on e-gasm, the model has a driving range of 248.55 miles and gasoline adds another 559.23 miles.

Prices

Prices for the new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competition

Unfortunately, there are no new CNG cars that really compare to the A3 g-tron. The 2012 Civic CNG would be a good competitor, but that was last year’s model and no reports have emerged about it being a part of the 2013 model year. We’ll keep an eye out for more CNG models to roll out as gas prices continue to climb.

Conclusion

The new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron brings plenty of innovations of the market, with the it being the only CNG vehicle in the 2013 model year. Also, Audi wants to produce a total of 1,500 units a year - all of them using e-gas produced by the company at its plant in Germany.