13 Dec 99
(V)Silver.jpg)
What is it? It's Audi's first pitch into the supermini market. Audi saw the success of the Mercedes A-Class and wanted a share of the small car action. It's a four-seater, and the rear seats can fold right down or be removed altogether. The wheel-at-each corner design gives maximum cabin space, and it should feel even roomier with the (optional) glass roof.
Any clever tech tricks? The A2 has aluminium body panels to save weight, which cuts down fuel consumption.
Is it a typical Audi? It's incredibly safe, despite its light weight; the high strength frame structure maintains rigidity, there's two airbags at the front and the sides, and further head airbags are optional. And although it may be tiny for an Audi, it's got those all-important quadruple rings on the bonnet.
Don't play with things you don't understand... The engine is a sealed unit, to be opened only by Audi engineers at servicing time - DIY bodgers need not apply. Servicing's only every two years or 30,000 km anyway, and you are allowed to top up the oil and washer fluid; the oil dipstick and the fillers caps for oil and washer fluid are accessible underneath a folding flap.
Will I be able to buy one? Yes, it'll be on sale next year.
Engine:
1.4 litre, 4 cylinder, 75 bhp petrol or 3 cylinder, 75 bhp diesel
Fuel consumption:
46.3 mpg (petrol), 67.3 mpg (diesel)
Performance (petrol):
Top speed 108 mph, 0-60 in 12 seconds
Performance (diesel):
Top speed 108 mph, 0-60 in 12.1 seconds
Weight:
895 kg
Dimensions:
12' 6" long x 5' 6" wide x 5' 1" high
