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Audi Expected To Launch A3-sized Electric Hatchback On MEB Platform

Not that long ago, Audi released a statement on the realignment of the four-ringed automaker’s investment program. Cutting straight to the chase, the Volkswagen Group-controlled manufacturer plans to pour “around €14 billion” into electric mobility, digitalization, and autonomous driving technologies by the end of 2023.
Volkswagen I.D. Concept 21 photos
Photo: Volkswagen
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Also known as the Audi Transformation Plan, this realignment also offers further insight into the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s product portfolio. By 2025, Audi wants to launch “approximately 20 electrified models,” and “about half of which will have all-electric drive systems.”

Even though the company didn’t claim anything in this regard, Auto Express cites “bosses” in regard to an “upcoming entry-level electric hatchback” that will be previewed by “a concept car in a couple of months.” The British publication refers to an e-tron hatchback the size of the A3, which would share the MEB vehicle architecture with the I.D. Neo from Volkswagen.

Christian Senger, the head of product line for e-mobility, confirmed the I.D. Neo with no less than three range options. In addition to how much you can go on a charge, these batteries are also an excuse to cater to the needs of people with different budgets and expectations from an electric car. The entry-level option is understood to feature a range of 330 kilometers (205 miles) on the WLTP, coming courtesy of a 48-kWh battery.

The middle and range-topping options are estimated in the ballpark of 400 and 450 kilometers (250 and 280 miles). If Audi does replicate the I.D. Neo with nicer materials and the four-ringed logo up front instead of the Volkswagen insignia, expect at least two of these three range options to make it into production.

Turning our attention back to the MEB, the peeps at Auto Express suggest that “most models are expected to be front-wheel drive, to help keep costs down, while a maximum range of over 370 miles is being targeted.” These claims are somewhat confusing, more so because Volkswagen confirmed the I.D. Neo with rear-wheel drive as a nod to the original Beetle and to enhance maneuverability.

Tipping the scales at 1.6 tonnes in its lightest specification, the I.D. Neo is also expected with a dual-motor option for customers who can’t do without AWD or the additional performance of such a setup. As for pricing, expect somewhat of a parity from the I.D. Neo with the cheapest Golf diesel. Over in Germany, the Trendline trim level with the 1.6 TDI SCR and manual transmission is 23,875 euros.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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