The all new Audi A1 steps up the fuel efficiency game by combining a 254cc single rotor rotary engine (also known as a Wankel) positioned under the back seat in combination with a 74kW electric motor that uses a 12kWh lithium ion battery.

While Audi isn’t exact fuel consumption figures, they estimate the Audi A1 e-tron will use 1.9L/100km with the rotary engine running, more than half of what the Toyota Prius uses.

The 12kWh battery pack is said to be capable of propelling the Audi A1 e-tron for up to around 50km.

Although it won’t be marketed as a sports car, or anything of the like, Audi claims the added propulsion of the electric motor will see the A1 e-tron sprint from 0-100km/h in around 10-seconds.

The electric motor and entire package of electronics sits in the A1′s engine bay – where the petrol engine would normally reside. The single rotor, rotary engine is compact enough to sit in the vehicle’s cargo space, making optimum use of available space.

Sitting at a constant 5000rpm, the rotary petrol engine can extend the A1 e-tron’s range to some 210km. The limitation of range is due to the twelve litre petrol tank capacity.

Audi claims the system brings the most out of the fuel efficient A1 due to a combined weight of engine and electric motor of just 70kg.

Whether the A1 e-tron actually makes it into production is a different story. We’ll keep you updated with the latest details.