Supermini - Audi A2
While the new A1 is soon to hit UK roads, Audi was wooing economy-minded drivers nearly a decade ago with its small car star.
The Audi A2 was way ahead of its time – 10 years, to be precise. While the new A1 is soon to hit UK roads, Audi was wooing economy-minded drivers nearly a decade ago with its small car star. And the A2 arguably makes more sense now than it has ever done.
The 1.4 TDI promises combined economy of 64.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km. Even the thirstier 1.4-litre petrol should manage 46.3mpg. Those figures are good by today’s standards, but in 2000 they were superb.
However, the tall-sided A2 never caught on, and it has taken the brand all this time to summon up the courage for another stab at the premium supermini market. So, if you can live with a four-seat hatchback and don’t mind the compromised rear visibility provided by the Audi’s aerodynamic back end, you could do much worse.
Take the plunge and you’ll be greeted with cheap road tax bills, brilliant economy and a premium cabin. We think the A2 is a nailed-on future classic, too, so keep it in good condition and you could find yourself with a head-turning family model that you can’t bear to part with.
Prices start at around £2,750, which should be enough for an early 1.4 SE with climate control and around 65,000 miles on the clock. But for £5,000, you will be able to afford a tidy diesel of the same vintage from a dealer.
And hurry, before everyone else wakes up to the A2’s talents…
