When one German automaker comes out with a fresh proposal entering a new niche, you can be sure that it won’t be long before their local rivals follow suit.
We’ve seen this happen many times in the past and we’re going to see it again with Audi that is said to be planning an A3 tall hatchback / minivan of sorts targeting BMW‘s upcoming production version of the Active Tourer Concept, which we hear will be called the 1-Series GT (Gran Turismo).
The story comes to us via Automotive News, which states that the new Audi model is known internally as the “elevated space vehicle” with insiders calling it the “Spacer”. Like all future compact models of the VW Group, it too will be based on the MQB platform sharing its engines and other parts with the A3.
The report goes on to say that Audi’s A3 Spacer will be approximately 4.5 meters or 177 inches long and will have either five or seven seats. It could be shown as a concept as early as September at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the production model to reach the market in 2016 or 2017.
Note: Audi Crosslane Concept pictured above, A2 concept shown below
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