German Car Zone

I couldnt agree with you more.
The only point I want to make is why the new A1/A2 will sell better than the old A2. It will be sportier (or at least have a sporty image), it will be lifestyle (just like the Mini) and hopefully look a lot cooler...also, Audi's image as a premium manufacturer has grown, which should help

Not true. A class is at least 2-3k euro cheaper than A3.

It's not about which car is unique but which is better for the consumer.

In Germany (and also around the Europe) comparably equipped 1er, A-class & A3 are in the same price range. Eg. (German prices incl. VAT):

116i (115HP) - "Basic model": €20,650
A3 Sportback 1.6 FSI (115HP) - "Attraction": €21,300
A170 (116HP) - "Classic": €20,822

So, A3 is more expensive, yet the difference is €650 in case vs 1er, and €478 vs A-class.

Yet, the cheapest models available are:

116i 5dr (115HP) - "Basic model": €20,650
A3 3dr 1.6 (102HP) "Attrection": €19,100
A150 3dr (95HP) "Classic": €18,096

So, in the worst case A3 is €1,000 more expensive than A-class. While - as proved - comparable versions have almost same prices.


Regarding what is best for a consumer: tastes are different. Some prefer top-notch quality, other retro image, some versatility, other superb driving dynamics, some hi-tech features etc. Sometimes image (intangible factor) is more important than some tangible factors eg. performance, quality of materials, best reliabilty. Today having a great product is not enough, but it helps. Image is that added value that sells in premium segment ... And some other intangible factors too.

I have no doubt - I say it again - A1/A2 will be a suberb car in every aspect, and it will selll well in some markets (eg. UK & Germany). Yet I'm very curios in which exact price segment will it be positioned. Eg. MINI can even overlap with 1er since they are different products & brands: FWD funky retro go-kart MINI, vs RWD sporty elegant little BMW. But Audi will have to make A1/A3 very distinctive from A3.

Like I said: I expect A1/A2 to be in a price range of top-end Polo, Ibica, Clio, 207, Corsa, Fiesta ... And I guess many will rather go with basic Audi A1/A2 (premium image!) than top-end "economy" models like Polo.

Still image wise I guess it wont be so special like MINI, VW Beetle, Fiat 500, Scion xB: it will still be an Audi. A little Audi with all the familiar Audi design features. Image wiseI'm affraid it will lack that special funky factor, and will end as a premium alternative to Polo, Corsa, Clio etc. Still - as I said - many will go with that despite lacking funky image. But I really doubt it will end as icon like TT, or like previous A2 was aiming for.

You forgot A150 which is around 18-19k euro.

Anyway it was not my decision for A2 to be build but i 'm sure Audi has done a lot of research before taking such an important step.

Obviously You haven't read my ENTIRE post!

Unique usually means better in car-land

Sorry you wrote too much and you got me confused.

Anyway there is space for A2 in my opinion just like there is space for Mini in BMW's lineup.

Of course there is.

Audi will not make the car if there is no space for it. It will be leagues better than cars with the same platform anyways, as always with Audi

Apology accepted.

I guess when new A3 comes out it will be bigger & positioned a bit higher: to make space for A2.

Yet first time Audi's first attempt of going premium in sub-compact segment kind a failed with Mk1 A2. As did MB's with Smart ForFour - despite ForTwo has been a successful project - sales wise. Yet MINI had no such problems - despite having high price. ForTwo & Mini are something special: either funky (both), retro (Mini), super-small (Smart), or special individual & customized design (both). Yet FourFor was too common - despite Smart design tweaks - and thus a failure. Eg. Mini Traveller will have funky tail gate, suicide side door, retro Mini design, heritage(!), etc.

But what will be A2 special advantages? Except Audi badge?

I just want to say nothing is granted. Lower in segments you go, more risky the project is - also financially, since car has to make a profit, yet prices can go only up to certain limit (eg. to be compatible, and to not to interfere with next model in model line).

Eg. even some economy car manufactures have failed & or have quite a difficulties when going lower in segments - eg. in mini-compact segment.

Enilab i know that you are great in market analysis and most of the things you said are very valid. On the other hand who would imagined 10 years ago when Audi introduced first a premium hatchback (A3) that it would be so succesful? I guess they are trying to replicate the same thing now, to go downmarket before BMW and Mercedes do.

That does not mean that i approve what Audi is doing, for me A3 is enough.