The Audi A2 was a 5-door hatchback available from 2000 to 2005. It was internally known as the Typ 8Z. 176,377 units in total were produced, somewhat lackluster figure for the Audi brand, paling in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz A Class rival with more than 1 million units sold.
Audi A2 Lightweight Aluminum Construction
Looking to break into the market of smaller supermini cars, the A2 was constructed from aluminum to save weight (average weight of just 830 kg) and provide maximum fuel efficiency. The original design was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 as the Audi AI concept car. Rather than using steel monocoque construction, Audi turned to an aluminum space frame unibody style. Laser welding brings together the various casts and extrusions to create a light yet strong frame with ultimate durability and stiffness. This construction style was more expensive than other methods, leading to a higher price tag as compared to competitors. But it also achieved incredible weight savings and fuel economy. If you wanted to obtain the best fuel consumption, the A2 was the right choice. It was the first five-door vehicle for sale in Europe with average fuel consumption of less than 3 liters per 100 km, the equivalent of 94.2 mpg. Audi did not want to decrease the usual features that they had been known for. It was to be a small vehicle, not necessarily a cheap one. Although, the famous Audi Quattro four-wheel drive system was never offered on the A2, perhaps showing that you couldn’t get the best of both worlds.
Engine and Specifications
The engine was a 1.4L inline-4 with 74 horsepower in the base model. A 1.6L gasoline option was available in 2002, increasing power to 109 horsepower. Diesel options include 1.2L inline-3 with 60 horsepower and a 1.4L with 89 horsepower. Even though the overall length was quite small (3.8 m long), the interior cabin was relatively spacious. Even when the rear seats are in place, the rear trunk still has 13.8 cu ft of space to work with, bigger than the larger A3. Several choices of seat coverings, electrically-adjustable seat options, and colorful trim accents on the steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake, and armrests make the A2 a clear statement of style, not savings. If you wanted to check under the hood, then you’d be surprised to see twist-lock catches holding it on. The entire hood is removed from the vehicle to gain access. But it also featured a service hatch, where the oil and washer fluid fills are located, so you don’t have to remove the hood very often.
Later Updates and Special Variants
Small changes were released in 2004, including fake grille slats and additional exterior color choices. Some special edition versions of the Audi A2 were created. An S-line version was released I 2002, with larger wheels, sport seats, lowered front suspension, and updated interior. Other special edition versions include an odd A2 Caddy, which was converted into a pickup truck. In 2010 Lekker Energie and DBM energy converted an A2 to a fully electric powerhouse and completed a 370 mile drive from Munich to Berlin on a single charge, with about 18% still remaining. It showed a promising future for electric vehicles. A 2011 Audi A2 concept car was shown as a full-electric vehicle once again largely made from aluminum. Unfortunately, Audi put the project on hold following disappointing electric vehicle sales of the similar Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Perhaps the A2 could have been a world leader in the EV space. Unfortunately, the world will never know what would have happened with a 2011 release of a stylish and upscale A2 that was all electric with unprecedented range. But perhaps the Audi lineups in the future would bring that to light.