As we have seen automakers become niche-crazy followers, it seems the latest trend are small premium luxury cars. It was only so long ago that I recall 001 asking "Who's next?" Even Lexus has gotten in on the act with its CT200h. I wonder if Infiniti is standing in the batter's box warming up.
Regardless, The Truth About Cars' Edward Niedermeyer explores this topic a bit more and questions the Audi A1's ability to sell as its pricing is a bit on the higher side and fuel remains relatively cheap globally.
But it seems the real problem comes when you cross-shop small vehicles and realize you can get something with similar size at a more affordable price. Take, for example, the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. Besides the A3's cachet, what's keeping a buyer from getting into the Golf?
With that said, would you ever consider a "small premium" car or will you save some bucks at the dealership?
Let us know in the comments below...
Ever since four-door coupes became a dime a dozen, the European auto industry has been looking for a new niche, and for much of the past year or so, it seemed that the next big thing would be “small premium.” Inspired by the MINI, European automakers from Alfa to Audi have been trying to get consumers to spend big money on tiny, plush cars. But with Audi’s A1 starting at €15,800 ($20,873), it seems that even the efficiency-happy Germans aren’t willing to pay the price of entry for this new niche. Audi built capacity for 100k A1s at its Brussels plant, but since introducing the car in August, Audi has sold only 20k of the pricey subcompacts. And yes, the slow sales do seem to be tied to the exorbitant pricetags...
[Source: The Truth About Cars]
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