German Car Zone

They better build it. The sketch shows that this car will look better than the mini and 1 series. It's gonna sell better i bet.

Sell Better?
Please expain your thinking ? Because we are now on (BMW) 2nd generation of MINI and after it's five years of sales surpassing our expectations we launch the new MINI which before it's launch has lengthy waiting lists across Europe. And that is even before the car is officially launched.
If MINI was not a success do you think that we would have increased production, generated more sales and widened the market base and yet still remain popular as a lifestyle choice?

And you mention the 1er as always that car gets an unfair bad rep because of it's success which it is even after it's September 2004 launch, That now the variants are coming on stream so much has the success of the 1er frightened Audi and Mercedes-Benz that Audi are rushing an A3 cabrio to take on the baby BMW variants which when these cars launch with no rivals they will completely dominate the segment where the rival manufaturers will not "Lead" but "follow"

If there is a car that will mirror the success of the MINI it does not wear an Audi insignia more like a Fiat one and the upcoming 500.

How do you know that audi are rushing a A3 cabrio? My GF is ordering a MK2 mini, we liked the MK1 but the interior wasnt all that good really. I think audi could easily match mini sales figures as right now mini has the market on it own with the niche fashion accessory vehicle. I think if audi can make the A2 cute and give it a class leading interior with competetive price it will take sales from the mini.

If Audi did produce the right A2, then obviously it would take sales off the MINI and grab it's portion of the market. But as for actually outselling the MINI? highly unlikely. The MINI has over 40 years of rich heritage which the new A2 will have to contend with.

BTW, Scott27, are you for real? are you actaully Scott 26 with a new name? or just someone else?

1st: Yes, scott27 = scott26 from CSS

2nd: I doubt there will be much cross-shopping between Mini & A2. Why? Mini is a specific car with a strong character and specific funky retro design. Just like VW Beetle & upcoming Fiat 500. These two cars are direct Mini's competitors. All of them are "statement cars", "image cars". A2 will be much different in design (according to the sketches) - elegant, modern, understated in specific Audi way, etc. And will fit well in Audi model line. But Mini = lifestyle. Mini also offers a great amount of accessories and individual options - and they generate extra profit. I can't see A2 will be marketed like that - as a lifestyle car. I guess it will be - like all Audis - an elegant upscale vehicle with top-notch fit & finish & pronounced sporty character. Nothing excessive like Mini, Beetle or F500. I guess more endangered species are top-end Polos, Clios, 207s, Corsas, Fiestas, Puntos etc. These are direct A2 competitors.

3rd: Mind that MINI production was limited to approx. 200k units per year - now in enlarged factory up to 240k per year (including upcoming Traveller variant, and others). I'm sure there will be much more demand than supply - and that will keep price high.

4th: Also I doubt A2 will be offered globally - like MINI, but will be more limited to European & similar markets. I can't imagine A2 being a success in US or Japan, or China.

5th: I have no doubts A2 will sell well. It will be a hit in Europe, and in Germany I'm sure it will outsell Mini. But globally MINI will still prevail. Especially due more body variants.

6th: The greatest problem in sub-compact segment are profit margins. To justify the project a manufacturer should either mass-produce the car, or sell it at higher price. But to be able that a car should be very special: a good product with a special image - like a neo-retro icon (eg. Mini, Beetle, F500, CV2, etc). And here I have doubts about A2. What will make that car so special to justify high price? Audi badge only? Could be. But will it be enough? I hope they will marketed it well & succeed.

According to automotive media new A2 will have a though competition even from launch. Alfa Romeo is planning to launch "Junior" in 2008:

I wouldn't put it past Audi to bring the A1/2 here, the small car market is the next big thing here, next to crossovers.

The premium small car market has a big potential.
Consumer trends (as far as I know) are that people dont want basic, "boring" cars but high powered emotional ones. So they go one number smaller (from Golf to A1/2 for example) but get more options and a bigger engine.

Therefore, Audi's move makes sense and could be a financial success (especially with the technological help from the rest of the VW group)

By Huckfeldt / AutoBild:



Source: CarSpyShots

looks more like a VW than Audi