A3/S3/RS3 Audi A3 MPV planned, concept due in 2014 - report

[Tumbo]

Audi is allegedly working on an MPV version of the A3 which will be shown in concept form next year.​

More than a year ago there was a rumor about a seven-seat SuperAvant version of the next-gen A4 but apparently this has been canned in favor of a smaller five-seat A3-based MPV. In an interview given to Auto Express, Audi's R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer said "I think there is definitely room for rational cars or family cars in the Audi line-up. But they have to be stylish, like any Audi."​

It will ride on an elongated version of the MQB platform with a 200mm extended wheelbase in comparison to the 2013 A3 Sportback. Chances are a concept version will be out in 2014, followed most likely by a 2015 release of a production model.​

 

[Giannis]

That wouldn't surprise me. MB has the B-Class for ages and the fact that BMW is about to join this highly uninteresting and profitable segment, means that there's a big enough target group. So, this was more or less expected.

 

[JHF]

http://fourtitude.com/news/audi-rum...nder-audi-a3-mpv-rendered-by-theophilus-chin/

 

[Human]

That wouldn't surprise me. MB has the B-Class for ages and the fact that BMW is about to join this highly uninteresting and profitable segment, means that there's a big enough target group. So, this was more or less expected.

Audi could bring it the fastest to market/showrooms. It wiil be a "VW Sharan" on the new MQB platform. Goes without saying but VAG has been late to the party at that, if there is one manufacturer who can get this of the assembly line in the blink of an eye its VAG, they have it all - already, to build a A3 MPV.

 

[Levi68]

Audi could bring it the fastest to market/showrooms. It wiil be a "VW Sharan" on the new MQB platform. Goes without saying but VAG has been late to the party at that, if there is one manufacturer who can get this of the assembly line in the blink of an eye its VAG, they have it all - already, to build a A3 MPV.

Yes the A2 came after the A Class, but late to the party? It was part of their strategy to build a sporty image. Check out some surveys, and see how sporty Audis are considered by the average person, not the forum guru.

 

[Deckhook]

I doubt its current styling will produce a stunner in the looks department (hope I'm wrong here) but I'd be surprised if it isn't the best or close to the best in class because the MQB platform is exceptional and few do interior design as good as Audi.

 

[Rainer271]

Audi A3 Vario rendered as rival for BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

Audi A3 Vario render / Automedia
An A3-based MPV
The Audi A3 Vario represents a digital render of a potential adversary for the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer.

The attached render is relevant to some extent taking into consideration a report from August 2013 mentioned Audi is preparing a compact MPV based on the A3. A concept has apparently already been finalized but Audi is keeping it a secret probably until a major auto show while the production version is expected to come out as early as 2015 or 2016.

If it will eventually materialize, expect the model to receive the V4 ("V" for "Vario" meaning diversity) moniker and ride on the MQB platform with the engines sourced from the A3 lineup. There were also some rumors about a plug-in hybrid version mixing up a 148 bhp 1.4-liter TFSI with a 107 bhp electric motor.

If the project has been green-lighted, the preview concept could be introduced in March 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/114102983493/audi-a3-vario-rendered-as-rival-for-bmw-2-series-active

 

[Giannis]

And there we go...

 

[SCOTT27]

"We know what they are doing because we are doing it"

Norbert Reithofer BMW CEO on Audi product planning.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

More trolling from a BMW representative.

 

[Giannis]

"We know what they are doing because we are doing it"

Norbert Reithofer BMW CEO on Audi product planning.

And that's how we end up with a wealth of stupid products, in my opinion.

 

[klier]

"We know what they are doing because we are doing it"

Norbert Reithofer BMW CEO on Audi product planning.

Except this is simply the new A2, so who is following who