the only thing I sometimes miss is the four level height adjustment. It was really cool when I needed it, not so much for off roading but on some uneven roads to get some height. As the A3 is a sporty low car I just thought that would be a nice addition. Any others interested or am I just barking up the wrong tree with the wrong car? Yes I know too it will never happen.

Like my B6 Avant with sport package. Then it would really be sporty. ;)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/3127/bed-2.jpg">

Pricing likely to start in the 30K region for a basic VR6 version. Not sure if any other engine will be offered here.

"Codenamed EA356, but with the working title Marrakesh, the junior off-roader is based on the platform of VW's new Touran mini people-mover, itself a derivative of the coming Golf.
Drive understands the base 4WD shares much of its make-up with a new high-roof version of the Golf that will replace the current station wagon, but it will have distinctive body panels.
The Marrakesh shares the Touran's 2680mm wheelbase -- 80mm more than the next Golf -- and is 4300mm long and 1650mm high, a near-match for the five-door RAV4.
Short overhangs -- long a Golf trait -- should endow it with steep access angles to enhance its off-road credentials.
It does without the complex air suspension used on the big Touareg. Instead it gets beefed-up versions of the new Golf's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear with at least 20mm additional ride height for greater ground clearance in the rough stuff and increased load capacity.
The permanent 4WD arrangement carries over from today's all-wheel-drive Golf 4motion. It can vary the torque split to 100 percent front or rear to maintain traction. But we are talking soft-roader here: it will not have the likes of mechanical differential locks or a transfer case for low-range gearing.
Its likely petrol engines include a 2.0-litre four and the high-performance Golf R32's 175kW 3.2-litre V6. Both will use VW's new FSI direct-injection system, insiders say. There will be turbodiesels too.
The Marrakesh is expected to use a six-speed manual transmission but the long options list should include a six-speed automatic from Japanese specialist Aisin and Volkswagen's clever new DSG double-clutch gearbox.
Inside, the Marrakesh will have a versatile five-seat layout with a flat-folding rear bench and up to 480 litres of luggage capacity.
VW is punting on the 4WD boom to continue and on buyers moving upmarket. There is ample evidence to suggest it is a sound bet -- and the "people's car" company looks set to make a strong impact."

Info from Car review.

Whether Audi will offer a Steppenwolf version is not clear yet (these pics of the old show car).

<img src="http://www.psychoform.com/htmlgallery/steppenwolf.jpg">

<img src="http://www.autointell-news.com/european_companies/volkswagen/audi-ag/audi-concepts/audi-steppenwolf-concept/audi-steppenwolf-02-interior-100.jpg">

<img src="http://carpictures.duble.com/Audi/Steppenwolf/26.jpg">

The A5 (based on the B8 A4 chassis) is also coming. No good spy shots, so here's some impressions:

<img src="http://www.pcauto.com.cn/newcar/abroad/audi/0501/pic/60573_1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.pcauto.com.cn/newcar/abroad/audi/0501/pic/60572_1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.pcauto.com.cn/newcar/abroad/audi/0501/pic/11.jpg">

My non-sport A3 has plenty of clearance for urban use. The only thing I'm careful of, is the lower front spoiler lip, which doesn't have much clearance. Probably going to install clearbra just from the grille, downwards to reduce rock chips and such.

BTW, there are presently no plans for the new Allroad to come to North America. Just not enough demand and this marketplace is too expensive to support such a niche vehicle.

In fact, if I was to order an A3, I think I'd want everything in the sport package except the lowere suspension. C'mon audi! A-la-carte!

Still, the FX is one of the most beautiful vehicles I have seen in a long long time and that's coming from someone who is not a fan of SUVs. If I could afford it, it would be sitting in my driveway right now, instead of my ordering an A3.

Then again, if I could afford it, I'd get both. :-)

Koleos

<img src="http://www.renault.fm.interia.pl/renault/koleos/l2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.renault.fm.interia.pl/renault/koleos/l5.jpg">

Talisman

<img src="http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2001/frankfurt/features/renault-talisman/images/renault-talisman2clds.jpg">

<img src="http://www.automobil-magazin.de/fotos/retalis7.jpg">

Fluence

<img src="http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-12865-253605-4803/2004_renault_fluence_04_m.jpg">

<img src="http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-12865-253605-4804/2004_renault_fluence_10_m.jpg">

Here's a Peugeot Prologue

<img src="http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-12865-253613-4812/2004_peugeot_907_concept_01_m.jpg">

<img src="http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-12865-253613-4813/2004_peugeot_907_concept_03_m.jpg">

<img src="http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-12865-253613-4814/2004_peugeot_907_concept_04_m.jpg">

Are you serious?

Yep - the design for a vehicle that has been in production for several years - ripped off of a recent concept vehicle.

&lt;stupid face&gt;

"BTW, there are presently no plans for the new Allroad to come to North America. Just not enough demand and this marketplace is too expensive to support such a niche vehicle."

According to who/what? The Allroad is basically a niche vehicle, created for the niche American marketplace. They keep showing it around the shows - I would be extremely surprised if they didn't bring it here. Especially with car-based suvs being so popular.

There was always talks of the FX being a copy of the Steppenwolf. Especially when Infiniti first show off the concept, I the Steppenwolf was already in conecpt form for at least a couple of years when the FX show up.