Audi A2 TDI Sport
In the city, one car is streets ahead in the style race. Sales have been slow, but Audi's high-fashion A2 has long been the obvious choice for downsizing executives.
Downsizing from a gas-guzzling saloon to a city runaround has never made more sense, but this more powerful diesel A2 means you no longer have to sacrifice performance or quality. With an output of 89bhp, it provides punchy pace at the same time as delivering exceptional fuel economy and ultra-green emissions.
In the city, one car is streets ahead in the style race. Sales have been slow, but Audi's high-fashion A2 has long been the obvious choice for downsizing executives. And when you couple the model's chic silhouette with its frugal three-cylinder diesel engine, you've got a truly capable town tool.
Until now, though, the A2 has lacked the pace to match its flashy looks. But that's set to change as Audi has increased the 1.4-litre TDI's power to 89bhp, giving its baby more sprightly performance. Has the A2 finally got the pull to attract more buyers? We hit the streets in this early right-hand-drive machine to find out.
The funky Audi has used this powerplant since 2000, but engineers have squeezed an extra 15bhp out of it to create a more powerful model to join the current 74bhp version. As with the 1.9-litre TDI used by other VW Group vehicles, the 1.4 TDI isn't the freshest oil-burner around, but it still has an impressive CV. Despite the extra power, fuel economy is up 1.5mpg to 65.7mpg, giving a theoretical range of more than 600 miles on one tank, although on our varied route we couldn't better 51mpg.
So is the added poke evident on the road? Once you've learned to exploit the narrow powerband, progress is swift, with 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds - 1.4 seconds up on the 74bhp A2. Top speed is 117mph. It's no performance car, but drivers stepping from a 130bhp A6 TDI would notice little difference in pace.
The only weak point is refinement. Fire it up and the Audi emits an all-too-familiar diesel clatter which is always audible under acceleration. Our Sport model also came with firmer suspension and 17-inch alloys, meaning a hard ride to go with the intrusive engine noise. However, most buyers will find the chic looks, Euro IV-compliant emissions and great economy compensation enough, even given the A2's £16,160 price tag.
