Gojirra99

The latest issue of Germany’s AutoBild magazine features a cover story on the Audi Q3 — a new compact SUV rumored to be under development at Audi. Recently, Audi officially announced plans to build a Q5 crossover for the 2008 model year. Essentially, this Q3 rendering looks like a two-door version of how we imagine the Q5 will look.

source : leftlanenews

TheRupp

...to compete with what?

GS300Rich

its scary looking, and not in a good way

videcormeum

No kidding.

I think it's irresponsible for Audi to continue to further develop their SUV offerings and this one in particular has no competetion and, as far as I can see, no place in the market. There is no niche for a luxury 2 door sport utility vehicle. People who want that kind of experience have already installed the sheep-skin seat covers in their Suzuki Samurai(s).

Somebody needs to pass this along to Audi management.

M.

foofighter

two door...who'd buy a two SUV?

XeroK00L

For some reason I see an Infiniti FX in it.

As for the "why two doors" question, I think the niche is for potential SUV people who enjoy outdoor activities but usually travel with only one passenger (no kids, etc.). To them, the extra two doors of regular SUVs are a waste. This may fit them just right.

videcormeum

But who cares? SUV's, in general, are pretty wasteful. Most people don't NEED them ... an Outback wagon, for instance, would achieve the same tasks as well or better than most SUVs. My point being - why not get 4 doors?
M.

XeroK00L

Hello!! We're talking about if there's such a market here, not whether people NEED them or not. There may not be any NEED for SUVs for most people, but the market is perfectly there. People WANT that SUV's rugged image, hence the market.

I think the Q3 is perfect for those who WANT an SUV but don't NEED those extra doors. i.e. They would've gotten a more wasteful, 4-door SUV if an option like the Q3 is not available.

videcormeum

I mean - why not get a 4 door SUV ... what would, aside from price, generate interest for this vehicle?

With the Q3 you can:

-Reduce cargo capacity!
-Expect a giggily X3-like ride due to ultra-short wheelbase!
-Hang out with your Suzuki Samurai-owning friends!

Even if it sells like hotcakes - I'll never forgive Audi for ruining all that was good about the brand and their products.

Just like the RX and the ES ruin Lexus' chances of ever competing directly w/ BMW and Mercedes, so would this Q3 ruin Audi's chances of being considered near the top of the performance-luxury totem pole.

I don't care if it makes them a lot of money or not (I don't think it will) - it will ruin the brand.

M.

XeroK00L

Did the X3 or is the upcoming MLK going to ruin BMW or Mercedes? Don't think so. They're only adding sales. They're just captitalizing on the small SUV trend. And Audi is simply trying to set themselves apart with a 2-door approach. Why not? BTW, just because it has 2 less doors doesn't mean it'll have less cargo space than the X3 and MLK.

You say Audi will ruin "what was good about the brand". So what exactly is good about the brand that will be ruined? I'm sure the Q3 will have the usual upscale Audi interior appointments and a capable quattro system. Nothing good is to be lost here. Just a smaller package that fits some people's needs (or wants) better. Why not?

Business is about making the most profit possible. If small LSUVs are the trend, you'll be damned financially if you don't go with it.

videcormeum

Anyone can build an overweight, overpriced, underperforming, piece of junk as BMW has proven with the X3 and as MB proved w/ the incredible self-destructing ML and soon will prove again with the MLK.

I respected Audi for sticking w/ capable, sensible, all-weather vehicles in sedan and wagon iterations. It established for them - among the other brands all chasing the same rotten cheese - a rare streak of character.

They're losing it. I still love their sedans - but the Audi brand isn't doing it for me like it used to.

M.

I know what business is all about ... but in addition to my personal dislike of this SUV trend, I think Audi is missing a rare opportunity to adhere to its core comptencies and ride out this fad to emerge on top of the bankrupt rest. Of course, as with any other opinion I express, I could be wrong.

XeroK00L

So, Lexus is the leader of this "overweight, overpriced, underperforming, piece of junk" segment right?

Again, Audi is simply doing what everybody else is already financially successfully doing. They are not the ones to blame. Blame the SUV-crazed consumers.

videcormeum

Nope - Land Rover is.

M.