Audi A3 Hits a Wall

So much for those high hopes.

The A3, Audi’s entry-level vehicle for North America, has run into a brick wall–figuratively speaking.  Audi had hoped to invest more resources in the upscale hatch, beginning with worldwide distribution of its 2.0 L diesel four, then bringing new bodystyles and trim levels for US buyers.  Sadly, that’s been put on hold due to a global downturn in sales.

Edmunds is reporting that production at the main factory in Ingolstadt will be temporarily halted due to the drop in demand.  Germany’s cash-for-clunkers program ran its course and is being blamed for the sudden drop-off in sales.  As Leftlane was quick to put out, the A3 is a pretty old vehicle by today’s standards.  With fresh compact competition coming from Japan to Audi’s native Germany, a new A3 is overdue.

We’d still welcome an RS3 on these shores.  We don’t know how much that’d do for Audi’s bottom line, but it’d make us happy.