Remember BMW's range of born-electric I cars? Well, this is how Audi's answering back - a concept that fits an existing model with hybrid and all-electric power trains at a price that'll rival traditional petrol, diesel and natural gas propelled offerings.

Haven't we heard this before? Well, yes - Audi gave us electro remixes of an R8 and A1 before telling us it'd never actually build them. But it's describing the A3 as a "realistic glimpse into the future".

So, what's under the bonnet in the manufacturer's brave new future? A petrol engine... namely the VW group 1.4-litre direct-injection 148bhp unit that works with an electric motor mounted in the front of a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, where it develops up to 101bhp. That lot equates to a combined output of up to 201bhp and 350Nm, which bests the new A3 1.8 TFSI's by 24bhp and 100Nm.

You'll be able to drive it in three different modes - petrol only, electric only, and hybrid. The latter gathers up all the available oomph from both motors for maximum POWEEERRR. In red-hot mode, it'll do 0-100kph in 7.6sec and top out at 222kph. Pop it in all-electric mode and it'll whir up to 130kph with a maximum range of 50km. But the most impressive thing is the 80kpl fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of just 35g/km.

We'll have to wait until its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show for more, but in the meantime, d'you want one? And reckon Audi'll actually make it affordable?

Tags: audi, geneva 13, a3