Looking at Audi’s range, one can say that it has the premium D-segment pretty well covered since it offers no less than six models: the A4 in saloon and Avant (nee station wagon) flavors, the A5 coupe, convertible and Sportback (5-door), and the A4 Allroad and Q5 crossovers.
The people at Ingolstadt, though, believe that there is still one niche left: that of a premium minivan that doesn’t look like an MPV, a model, which despite being roomy and versatile, does not primarily appeal to large families but to well-off people wanting a more practical premium car. Go figure…
According to CAR Magazine, last month, Audi designers and engineers met at a Turin studio to see some early proposals for a high-roof version of the A4 Avant.
If it gets the green light, the new model will slot in between the normal A4 Avant and the Q5 crossover. However, it won’t be marketed as a people-carrier, but something like an A4 Sportback or a Superavant.
“The last think we want to create is a minivan”, says a project engineer. Why is that? “A minivan is incompatible with the Audi brand image. It triggers all the wrong associations, like soccer mom, kiddy seats and weekend groceries.”
The same engineer adds, “The Superavant addresses primarily lifestyle-related packaging issues” and will thus be offered only with two row of seats. Those looking for a seven-seater should check out a Sharan or a T5, he says.
The “Superavant” will be based on the A4 Avant because it strikes the right balance. A larger version of the A3 would intrude into A4 territory and an even bigger, A6-based version could prove popular in Europe, but probably nowhere else.
The sure thing is that it will be based on the group’s new MQB modular platform sporting a longer wheelbase than the A4 Avant in order to create more passenger and boot space.
Hat tip to Bruno M.!
[2006 Audi Roadjet Concept depicted in photo gallery below and opening picture above]
PHOTO GALLERY
