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Audi A3-based people mover in the works

03 Jun 2013|5,447 views

An ultra-practical new Audi A3-based people mover may be on the way. But will it be a true Audi in all driving aspects?

According to sources, Audi may be working on a new MPV and it will be based on the A3 Sportback.

The Audi will be based on a stretched version of the VW Group's MQB platform, which underpins the rest of the A3 range, with a wheelbase about 200mm longer than the A3 Sportback's

Audi's original plan was to build a seven-seater 'Superavant' version of the next A4 to cater for more pragmatic customers, but that's been shelved in favour of a smaller five-seater MPV.

Audi's R&D boss, Wolfgang Durheimer, commented, "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 won't have the market to itself, though. Premium compact MPVs are a growing trend in the industry, as demonstrated by the new Mercedes B-Class and the 2012 BMW Concept Active Tourer, which will spawn a production car in early 2014 - BMW's first front-wheel drive model.

A concept version is expected to emerge some time in 2014, and will join an expanded A3 family that includes three and five-door hatchbacks, as well as an A3 Saloon and Cabriolet.

According to sources, Audi may be working on a new MPV and it will be based on the A3 Sportback.

Audi's original plan was to build a seven-seater 'Superavant' version of the next A4 to cater for more pragmatic customers, but that's been shelved in favour of a smaller five-seater MPV.

Audi's R&D boss, Wolfgang Durheimer, commented, "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 won't have the market to itself, though. Premium compact MPVs are a growing trend in the industry, as demonstrated by the new Mercedes B-Class and the 2012 BMW Concept Active Tourer, which will spawn a production car in early 2014 - BMW's first front-wheel drive model.

A concept version is expected to emerge some time in 2014, and will join an expanded A3 family that includes three and five-door hatchbacks, as well as an A3 Saloon and Cabriolet.