The Audi A2 is a luxury supermini with a reputation for super efficiency and innovation. Although a decent performing and looking vehicle - which is now highly sought after - sales were not fantastic for the A2 and it was only manufactured from 1999 to 2005. The final production was estimated to be around 175,000 units. The A2 was produced in Neckarsulm, Germany. Innovative technology in an ultra-compact format combined with extremely low fuel consumption made the Audi A2 an impressive car. It was launched on the German market in a 1.2 TDI version as one of the first three-litre cars - offering consumption of less than 3 litres per 100 km. More famously it was the first small car to be produced with a monocoque aluminium body known as the Audi Space Frame. The Audi A2s have a reputation for sturdy rather than super nimble handling but were fairly nippy. The top-of-the-range model the Audi A2 1.6 FSI takes ten seconds to reach 100 km/h. This compact racer version had a top speed of 202 km/h. A jazzy colour Storm model capped by a black roof, with black inserts in the wings, doors and bumpers was a special edition. This special model is now a collectors car.
The Audi A2 saw the aluminium body Audi Space Frame make its premiere in a small car. An Audi A2 weighs 895 kilograms, about 150 kg less than a comparable compact car with a conventional steel body. Audi Space Frame is a high-strength aluminium frame structure into which the panels are integrated so they perform a load-bearing function. In conjunction with high-strength aluminium sheet, the aluminium body is characterized by exceptional stiffness and above-average crash protection; yet at the same time by substantially lower weight, therefore improving performance as well as safety considerations. The Audi A2 with the Audi Space Frame aluminium design study was first exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1993. Subsequently, it fared well in breakdown and technical inspection surveys. Advantages for the driver include greater safety, increased performance, improved handling, lower fuel consumption, ease of repair and lower insurance premiums. In 1994 the Audi A8, using this construction principle, was also introduced. The Audi A8 along with the Audi A2 were the first cars with aluminium bodies built according to the Audi Space Frame principle.
1422 cc
3 cylinders
75 bhp
5 door
0-60 MPH/0-100 KH12.3 s
Front driven wheels
Top speed MPH/KH107 mph
Combined fuel consumption53 MPG
Manual transmission
Four-wheel ABS
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
The A2s designer is the same person who styled the Lamborghini Murcilago: Luc Donckerwolke. Famed for its quirky original styling, the A2 is considered an inspiration for the various newer aluminium-based vehicles. As well as being impressive on the outside the A2 is good on the inside as well. It has decent interior space for a small car, including a boot larger than the next model in Audis range - the A3. This is due to the A2s sandwich-type construction, similar to the Renault Espace or the Mercedes A-Class. The sandwich-type construction enables the floor space to have an upper and lower portion. Thus, the space in the middle can be used to house various components such as fuel tank and engine electronics. The rear passengers get more space too as their foot space reaches into this sandwich space. This creates a good, comfortable seating position even for tall passengers.
