Like fashion trends, automobile designs also endure popularity cycles thatcome and go. Take the Audi Cross Coupe quattro Concept that was unveiled at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show as an example.
At first glance, it immediately brought back memories of the defunct AMC Eagle of the early ’80s sans the wood trim down each side. Back in the day, the Eagle was among the first crossover vehicles ever made, with the traits of a four door hatchback lifted a few inches higher from the ground and fitted with high profile tires that were driven by all four wheels. In fact I fondly remembered owning a scaled down battery operated toy replica of that same car, equipped with oversize knobby tires and all-wheel drive. For something so small, it was able to climb and conquer almost any obstacle that I placed in its way. It was a blast!
Fast forward almost three decades later, and today you’ll see the rising popularity of a similar breed of crossover vehicle ranging from Suzuki’s humble SX4 to Porsche’s outrageously quick Cayenne Turbo, driven by the young and young at heart. Why all the rage? Combine the efficiency and drivability of a car with thevisibility and traction of a four-wheel drive SUV and you get the best of both worlds, at least in theory. The Cross Coupe quattro is Audi’s latest tease, a conceptualized vehicle that just might join the heated compact luxury segment if its design team has its way, and if it does this crossover will offer the consumer a very fashionably forward flair.
Let’s start with the exterior design. From the front you’ll automatically recognize the Audi cues, including the prominent egg crate square grille that is now the standard badge stamped on the brand’s entire lineup. At each side of the grille is a rectangular headlight featuring Audi’s now trademark LED cornering lamps. The lower bumper valence is reminiscent of the previous generation A6 Avant-based allroad, which is no bad thing having been one very attractive crossover in its own right. When looking at the athletic profile, take notice of the short overhangs and the abbreviated hood that leads to the sloping front window, followed by a roofline that exits swiftly towards the raked rear hatch. It certainly lives up to its “coupe” designation.
Surprisingly, this crossover is only slightly larger than the Audi A3, measuring just 172.4 inches long and 71.7 inches wide, with a wheelbase of102.4 inches. The illusion of height is no illusion at all, as it comes from the fact that the Cross Coupe sits upright, towering some 7.0 inches over the aforementioned A3 for an overall height of 63.0 inches. Standing on 20-inch oversize chrome wheels and tires, it gives the vehicle that extra lift off the ground, should you want to take it off paved streets. From the rear, notice the generous size of the back glass. This is a refreshing change from the current popularity of smaller windows that limit driver’s visibility.
Read Article