European sales 2015 Q1-Q3 Premium Compact segment

 

The premium compact car segment continues to accelerate in 2015, with sales up 18,5% in Q3 to pull the year-to-date score up to +12%, mostly thanks to new model introductions, as the top-4 all show single-digit declines. Almost one-in-four models sold in the segment have an Audi A3 badge, in a similar fashion that its corporate sibling Volkswagen Golf controls the mainstream compact segment. However, bear in mind that the advantage of more than 50.000 units the A3 holds over its nearest rival is somewhat misleading as Audi sells both the three-door, five-door Sportback, sedan and convertible under the same badge. If you combine the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback with the CLA sedan and wagon (shooting brake), they would add up to 135.872 units, less than 20.000 behind the A3.

Without combining related models, the BMW 1-series consolidates its second place ahead of the A-Class thanks to the recent facelift, and the BMW 2-series Active Tourer/Gran Tourer close in on their main rival Mercedes-Benz B-Class year to date, as the 2-series outsold the B-Class by almost 7.500 units in Q3. The Volvo V40 remains as steady as we’ve come to expect from a Volvo, while the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is also stable, which is less expected from an Alfa Romeo. It is outsold by the BMW 2-series coupe & convertible in Q3, but its 8^th place of the segment is not in danger this year. The BMW i3 has taken distance from the Lexus CT200h to consolidate its 11^th place. We haven’t yet seen the first registrations of the all-new Infiniti Q30 yet, so we’ll have to wait another quarter to find out how well this crucial model will be accepted in Europe.

2015 January – September compact premium car sales Europe

	Premium compact car segment	Jan-Sep 2015	Jan-Sep 2014	Change
1.	Audi A3 / S3 / RS3	153.002	153.999	-1%
2.	BMW 1-series	96.793	101.189	-4%
3.	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	90.133	92.805	-3%
4.	Mercedes-Benz B-Class	62.618	67.696	-8%
5.	BMW 2-series Active/Gran Tourer	62.096	2.788	2127%
6.	Volvo V40	56.985	56.643	1%
7.	Mercedes-Benz CLA	45.739	28.875	58%
8.	Alfa Romeo Giulietta	31.826	31.434	1%
9.	BMW 2-series Coupe & Convertible	21.361	10.545	103%
10.	DS4	12.956	15.970	-19%
11.	BMW i3	7.788	6.893	13%
12.	Lexus CT	7.100	7.660	-7%
13.	Lancia/Chrysler Delta	262	3.301	-92%
	Segment total	648.659	579.915	12%

Also check out the 2015-H1 premium compact car segment in the United States.

Small premium segment

 

In the premium small car segment, the Mini rules the roost with already over 100.000 sales and almost half of the segment sales all for itself. That 100.000 sales threshold is a frustrating one for the Audi A1, as the smallest Audi has spent 4 years within just a few thousand sales of it, but has never been able to cross it. And it seems to happen again this year, as the A1 may be up 1,7% in Q3, it still lags its 2014 score by 6% year-to-date.

At least it does better than the DS3, which is down 22% in Q3 and -19% for the year so far, despite having been slightly facelifted. PSA is expected to follow Audi and Mini in their decision to offer a five-door version of their smallest cars, when the new generation DS3 is launched. That should help the little Frenchman, but until that time, it won’t be able to even come close to the Brit and the German. Alfa Romeo MiTo sales are surprisingly flat at just -2% in Q3 after sinking 22% in the first half. However, no replacement is planned, so don’t get your hopes up too much for the Italian brand.

2015 January – September small premium car sales Europe

	Premium small car segment	Jan-Sep 2015	Jan-Sep 2014	Change
1.	Mini	104.475	64.446	62%
2.	Audi A1	68.990	73.483	-6%
3.	DS3	35.306	43.426	-19%
4.	Alfa Romeo MiTo	10.814	12.976	-17%
	Segment total	219.585	194.331	13%

 

Click on any model to see its annual sales from 1997-2014 and monthly sales in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, or use the dropdown menu in the top right of this site. Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.