Is there such a thing as a true compact luxury car?

"This car is about creating a new class of compact luxury in the U.S.," says Stephen Berkov, Audi's marketing director.

"The time has come where (Audi's) values and personality are more relevant than ever before in the marketplace."

Some industry analysts are not ready to declare that a shift to small but expensive -- and profitable -- cars such as the A3 is under way in the United States.

"It could be the wave of the future," says Dan Gorrell, an automotive analyst at Strategic Vision, a consulting firm in San Diego. "It depends on the way manufacturers are executing the vehicles."

Full article here

wipeoutpsp - 5/4/2006 1:55:03 PM

+1 Boost

I say bring 'em on also. I can hardly wait, the US is missing out on this market. We need cars like that in a bad way, I agree it is a challenge for Honda and Toyota. I also feel that until there are more from the likes of Honda, VW, Toyota and Ford, there won't be more than a few luxury models.

Until the public accepts small cars and is ready to move away from the SUV it will be a hard sell to the bean counters to bring a car to production.

lewissalem - 5/5/2006 11:08:32 AM

+1 Boost

I disagree. I think that the A3 looks great. It has as much interior space as the A4. I'm glad that they brought it here. Hatches are back.

JUGNU - 5/5/2006 4:05:02 PM

+1 Boost

What about SOME of the peugeot,citroen,fiat,Renault,Hyndai,Kia compact cars.

THese automakers also have and sell some true compact luxury cars.

Well i think A3 is a great hatch but very near to the Golf or Polo...etc

JUGNU

JUGNU - 5/5/2006 4:05:02 PM

+1 Boost

What about SOME of the peugeot,citroen,fiat,Renault,Hyndai,Kia compact cars.

THese automakers also have and sell some true compact luxury cars.

Well i think A3 is a great hatch but very near to the Golf or Polo...etc

JUGNU

JCF110 - 5/5/2006 9:04:15 PM

+1 Boost

The BMW 1 will be very profitable. Espescially here in Canada. You wouldnt beleive the amount of B Class' there are on the road here. Imagine the BMW 1. The 1 will sell faster than the new 3 Series here! I mean I see six 3 Series every kilomerter. (not mile!) Tehe 1 will make astonashing sales here in Canada. And will make enough sales in the US. It will sell much more than the A3. Certainly BMW will have a head start aginst Mercedes-Benz considering the 1 is only in Canada and Europe!

Hyundai - 5/8/2006 10:42:41 PM

+1 Boost

Very true 001Buster.

I have the feeling you are not a successful person; truly successful people don't talk like that about others... especially when it is about cars.