Oxide

Encouraged perhaps by Mercedes-Benz's plans to import the 2002 C-Class hatchback coupe to North America, Audi is hatching a similar plan, involving its C-Class-fighting A4. But while the A4 hatch is known internally as a coupe, it will be a five-door, with the rear side doors integrated smoothly in the manner of a pickup truck or the Saturn coupe rear door. The A4 five-door also will spawn a four-seat, two-door cabrio.

The new A4 goes on sale in Europe next spring, with a likely motor-show reveal in Berlin this fall. It will be about a full year later before North America gets the car.

Audi approved the coupe idea when it became clear the A4 had to grow to accomodate more safety devices -- such as roof-mounted airbags -- and had to compete with the roomier new BMW 3 Series and the C-Class. Audi brass worried that the bigger car would be perceived as less sporty and find less favor with current A4 owners, so [they] came up with the unusual idea of mating a four-door coupe with a hatchback rear door. Although U.S. buyers have not favored hatchbacks, Audi says "that will change in the future."

FYI and comments.<p>'99.5 A4 1.8T Avant
yellow, manual, sport

britoki (Brian T)

Does this mean that the coupe will be offered as a new A4 model, so there will be a A4 Coupe, A4 Sedan, and A4 Avant? And when they say a 5 door hatchback, does that mean it'd be like a cross between a A3 and a Golf?

Third thought - Does the A4 really compete that closely with the C-Coupe? I wouldn't have guessed that, but I'm only speaking for myself. Personally, if I were to get another Euro sedan, BMW 328ci or a Volvo S70 comes to mind, but I wouldn't have thought of the c-coupe.

britoki (Brian T)

Urgh, in the subject I meant to say "Where would the coupe fit in context of the Audi product line".

JayP

A 4 door coupe is a sedan with a long hood and a sloping trunk.

There may not be a traditional 4 door version, but the avant version will look like a shooting brake -- or a Reliant.

Anyone remember the Sterling/Rover 5 door sedan?

PhilH

Can't wait to see it this fall, wonder which fake it'll look like?