SOURCES: Audi Ponders Smaller Sibling to Q7

[AnimaTTor]

Rumors are increasing about an A3 derived compact SUV. From Inside Line: INGOLSTADT, Germany -- Magazines, Web sites, and enthusiast blogs in Germany are carrying speculative reports that Audi wants to extend its range of off-road vehicles downward, below the recently announced Q7 and the forthcoming Q5 to a compact "soft-roader" that would carry the name Q3. According to unconfirmed press reports, the Q3 would share mechanicals with VW's future CrossGolf, one of several new all-wheel-drive variants of regular production vehicles that will be launched by Wolfsburg over the next three years. Audi previewed a small, three-door soft-roader back in 2000 with its Steppenwolf concept. That vehicle featured quattro all-wheel drive and was powered by a 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. VW's Czech-based budget brand, Skoda, also may get a CrossGolf derivative, based on last year's Yeti concept, but the Skoda is unlikely to be sold in North America. European sources tell the Inside Line that the CrossGolf is now expected to make its public debut next fall at the 2006 Paris show, with deliveries slated to begin in 2007. If approved for production, the Audi Q3 will lag at least a year or two behind the CrossGolf and may not reach U.S. showrooms until 2009. What this means to you: Acura's RDX won't be alone for long in the premium compact SUV segment -- not if Audi approves the proposed Q3. Read the full article