Photo: RM Design
Audi's quattro models are undoubtedly getting smaller and smaller. Right now, the tiniest is the S1, but there's a small gap above it. We are talking about the A3 allroad quattro, which has gone through the rumor mill so many times it's about to get dizzy.
In any case, the recent A3 facelift inspired somebody to make another rendering of the A3 allroad quattro. The formula is the same as it's always been: taller suspension, roof rails and body armor. The difference is that now the A3 looks exactly like the A4, so grafting elements from that allroad model is easier.
I've ben following this subject over the years. In 2013, Australian magazine Drive said that the A3 allroad was being developed, citing insider information. Two years later, a 2015 edition of Auto Bild magazine said that all Audi models from the A1 to the A8 would get this rough and ready cosmetic treatment.
In a way, the A1 has one. It's called the A1 Active Style and comes with Q3-inspired featured. But the supermini was never designed to have all-wheel drive. The system in the S1 is a makeshift one with brand new suspension components attached directly to the Haldex case.
But I digress; the renderings made by RM Design should be the focus of attention. Obviously, the A3 allroad would have no less than three platform sisters: the Golf Alltrack, Octavia Scout, and Leon X-Perience. The only difference is that the A3 is a short hatchback while all those models are elongated wagons. This could be why the Germans didn't make their lifted A3 yet, as they could be waiting for the next generation.
Dropping the 3-door body and maybe even the convertible would be perfect ways to lighten the development load. For the record, the current A3 has several quattro versions. In fact, all three generations did. When you add the AWD feature, the suspension is naturally raised to make room for it, but not as much as it would be on an allroad model.
Unfortunately, Audi is unlikely to approve the development of a new A3 derivative so late in the model life cycle. So all those stories and hype have been for nothing. But at some point, the compact luxury segment should grow and accommodate it.
I've ben following this subject over the years. In 2013, Australian magazine Drive said that the A3 allroad was being developed, citing insider information. Two years later, a 2015 edition of Auto Bild magazine said that all Audi models from the A1 to the A8 would get this rough and ready cosmetic treatment.
In a way, the A1 has one. It's called the A1 Active Style and comes with Q3-inspired featured. But the supermini was never designed to have all-wheel drive. The system in the S1 is a makeshift one with brand new suspension components attached directly to the Haldex case.
But I digress; the renderings made by RM Design should be the focus of attention. Obviously, the A3 allroad would have no less than three platform sisters: the Golf Alltrack, Octavia Scout, and Leon X-Perience. The only difference is that the A3 is a short hatchback while all those models are elongated wagons. This could be why the Germans didn't make their lifted A3 yet, as they could be waiting for the next generation.
Dropping the 3-door body and maybe even the convertible would be perfect ways to lighten the development load. For the record, the current A3 has several quattro versions. In fact, all three generations did. When you add the AWD feature, the suspension is naturally raised to make room for it, but not as much as it would be on an allroad model.
Unfortunately, Audi is unlikely to approve the development of a new A3 derivative so late in the model life cycle. So all those stories and hype have been for nothing. But at some point, the compact luxury segment should grow and accommodate it.
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