Audi A2

Quality doesn't come cheap. If you need proof, look no further than the Audi A2. The baby German is smaller than a Citroen C3, yet prices start at more than £13,000 for the entry-level model. That means sales are steady rather than strong, although changes in company car tax regulations have given the A2 a boost as many buyers are downsizing their cars.
The Audi is a design masterpiece. Built entirely from aluminium, which keeps weight to a minimum, the A2 is nippy enough and also returns excellent fuel economy, with an impressive combined figure of 66mpg for the acclaimed 1.4 TDI diesel models.
As many buyers are moving to the car from bigger Audis and similar executive models, specification levels are high and most of the A2s on the market are SE trim at least. Interior fit and finish is as good as you would expect from Audi, and there's enough room to seat four adults with a modest amount of luggage in comfort.
Build quality is excellent, and the A2 has a fine reliability record so far. It's nearly three years since the car was launched and used examples are being offered for sale in greater numbers - so is now the right time to pick up one of life's little luxuries?
Checklist
* Some engines cut out for no obvious reason, and the only way to restart them is to remove the ignition key, lock the doors and try again.
* The clutch pedal makes a booming noise on diesels. This is caused by the oil-burners' heavy-duty clutch plates.
* Check that the handbrake works properly, as we have heard reports of one or two examples failing.
* Misted-up lamp lenses are a common problem, and there's no known cure. However, the fault does not affect the performance of the lights.
* Other glitches include minor electrical faults and, very rarely, ECU failure.
Glass's View
A2 prices are strong because supply of new and used examples remains limited, says trade bible Glass's Guide. There are very few outside the dealer network, and those that are still hold their values, with a price difference of only a few hundred pounds over main dealer models. Most A2s have plenty of extras, so cars without air-con and a CD player will be more difficult to sell in the longer term.
My Audi A2...
simon Midcalf had to buy a small car when he came to replace his Citroen ZX Volcane TD. "My house has a short driveway," said the 32-year-old accountant from Tollerton, North Yorkshire. "I don't like leaving cars in the street, because we live in a rural area and parking there causes a hazard, so my wife and I both drive small vehicles and can fit them both on our property,"
Simon chose the A2 after driving one six months earlier, while looking for a car for his wife. "She bought a Mercedes A-Class because it's more spacious," he explained. "But I preferred the A2 to drive, because it handles much better and has a more elegant interior."
Although he's a fan of the Audi, Simon finds a couple of things irritating about it. "The windscreen pillars obstruct vision when driving round bends, while the false boot floor is a silly idea," he said. "If you need the extra space, you first have to empty the boot, slide the floor out of the way and then load up again. The car also has a smoky exhaust, which the dealer is currently investigating."

Verdict

Although it's the more expensive option, we would favour the diesel A2. It's noisy, but the engine has a characterful buzz, and its excellent torque means lively acceleration. Other plus points include excellent fuel economy and low insurance ratings. But don't overlook the petrol versions - they might not be as thrifty, but they're economical enough and cheaper to buy.