Audi mulling A3-based MPV?

A report coming out of England indicates that Audi is developing a tall family-oriented version of the A3 hatchback.  

Expected to offer room for five passengers, the yet-unnamed people mover will square off against the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the production version of the BMW Concept Active Tourer.  Audi has yet to confirm this, but the car will most likely not be sold in the United States where customers have a strong preference for crossovers.

In spite of its family-oriented vocation, the people-mover will wear a stylish exterior design that will borrow numerous styling cues from other members of the Audi lineup.

The car will share its Volkswagen-sourced modular MQB platform with the A3 but its wheelbase will be stretched by over seven inches.  It will be powered by the usual assortment of TDI and TFSI four-cylinder engines, and it will be offered with either a manual or an automatic gearbox.  Audi's famed quattro all-wheel drive system will be offered at an extra cost.

Audi has neither denied nor confirmed the report, but the Ingolstadt-based automaker's research and development admitted that there is undoubtedly room for such a model during an interview with England's AutoExpress. 

If the rumor proves true, the family-focused Audi could greet the public for the first time as a thinly-veiled concept at next year's Geneva Motor Show.