Photo: Theophilus Chin
Mercedes-Benz is doing rather well with its full lineup of compact cars based on a modular front-wheel drive platform. The GLA and CLA are probably the most popular, but over in Germany, the B-Class is king. Now, BMW wants part of the action and thanks to the same platform as the new MINI, it can get it.
Despite initial criticism due to its layout and looks, the 2 Series Active Tourer is selling well. And why wouldn't it? It's made in Germany, comes with a famous badge and packs up to 231 horsepower.
Audi is conspicuously missing from the small tourer segment, this despite its mild-mannered attitude towards car design and the fact that it has access to the MQB platform. The same architecture was recently used by sister brand Volkswagen to launch the Golf SportsVan, a direct rival to the Bimmer and the Merc.
Sources tell us that Audi is ready to launch its own car in this segment. Called the A3 Qubic, it would be ready to launch by late 2016. The name "Qubic" has already been registered with the German trademark and patent office and is valid for use until 2021. However, we won't have that long to wait for the car, since a preview concept should be shown within a year.
Another distinct possibility is that Audi will wait for SEAT to join the crossover bandwagon and offer something like the Renault Captur and Opel Mokka. Already, the Q1 moniker has been considered, along with that of AQ2. However, the A3 name already brings a huge following of loyal customers who may need more space.
MPVs or compact tourers are relatively unknown in America, but very popular in Europe. The key to understanding this segment is to look at the aging demographic. As the population of Western countries ages, demand for small family cars that are easy to get into, drive and park rises. Fuel efficiency, build quality and comfort outweigh power and aggressive handling that we normally associate with BMW or Mercedes.
Audi is conspicuously missing from the small tourer segment, this despite its mild-mannered attitude towards car design and the fact that it has access to the MQB platform. The same architecture was recently used by sister brand Volkswagen to launch the Golf SportsVan, a direct rival to the Bimmer and the Merc.
Sources tell us that Audi is ready to launch its own car in this segment. Called the A3 Qubic, it would be ready to launch by late 2016. The name "Qubic" has already been registered with the German trademark and patent office and is valid for use until 2021. However, we won't have that long to wait for the car, since a preview concept should be shown within a year.
An important market
If this proves as successful as the BMW 2er AT and Mercedes B-Class, the Qubic could transform the A3 into the most popular nameplate in the compact premium class.Another distinct possibility is that Audi will wait for SEAT to join the crossover bandwagon and offer something like the Renault Captur and Opel Mokka. Already, the Q1 moniker has been considered, along with that of AQ2. However, the A3 name already brings a huge following of loyal customers who may need more space.
MPVs or compact tourers are relatively unknown in America, but very popular in Europe. The key to understanding this segment is to look at the aging demographic. As the population of Western countries ages, demand for small family cars that are easy to get into, drive and park rises. Fuel efficiency, build quality and comfort outweigh power and aggressive handling that we normally associate with BMW or Mercedes.
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