The Volkswagen Group is undergoing a significant internal revolution. The Dieselgate scandal has forced the various brands within the German consortium to modernize and step up their game to compete with their main rivals. This revolution will be largely based on the future models that the different brands will launch , especially those powered by electricity.
One of the brands set to undergo the most changes is Audi . The four-ring brand has always been rather slow to react when it comes to attacking rivals with new models or entering new market segments. A prime example is the minivan segment , where the brand currently has no Audi models. BMW, with its 2 Series Active Tourer, and Mercedes-Benz, with its B-Class, are dominating the market, but Audi hasn't quite taken the plunge.
However, rumors suggest that Audi is working on a minivan version of its A3 , possibly called the Vario. These rumors have been circulating since 2012, but now they appear to be serious, with the official unveiling of the model slated for 2019. Evidently, the Ingolstadt-based firm would use an updated version of the current MQB platform, adapted to accommodate different powertrain options (gasoline, diesel, and hybrid), as its base.
Thanks to the excellent modularity of this platform, the A3 Vario's wheelbase will be longer than that of the standard A3, allowing it to accommodate up to seven seats in three rows. With all this, the cabin of this new MPV could rival its competitors in both space and versatility.
Furthermore, this model's market positioning would help the brand place it between the Q2 and Q3 SUVs , attracting more customers to own a model from the company. As a final touch to its capabilities, its engine range would be shared with the A3, and its safety and driver assistance systems would also be shared with its smaller sibling.
Be that as it may, if these rumors are true, it should not take long to know the first details of this new model.
