Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is this German brand's first plug-in hybrid model and is now the only way to get the A3 hatchback, as gasoline versions are built on a newer sedan platform. This is the first fruit of Audi's promises to move into the electric-car market; the A3's Sportback's familiar design will help ease that transition. The compact A3 Sportback e-tron retains a sharp drive feel and handling, but the part-electric drivetrain adds useful low-end power.