| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Practical, well packaged, economical supermini-meets-mini MPV with a lightweight body plus superb engineering. A stylish high quality alternative to the Mercedes A-Class, but it's too pricey to be popular. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Quality & Reliability |
 |
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
 |
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 1.6 FSI and1.4 TDI |
| Worst Models |
| 1.4 |
| Replacement |
| 2006 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| A first for Audi, A2 brings Vorsprung durch Technik to the supermini class with a strong but weight-saving alloy body that helps give up to 65 mpg and is more spacious than most rivals. The tall, airy cabin is well finished and inviting, with plenty of space for four adults plus a reasonable amount of luggage. Equipment is good (as it should be at this price). There's even a Sport package though outright performance is not what A2 is about. Handling is positive and enjoyable, but only the newer 1.6 FSi engine is lively enough to qualify as sporty. All engines are audible, especially the three-cylinder 1.4 turbodiesel, but refinement is above average. The same can't be said about ride, which some find uncomfortably firm and occasionally harsh (the A-Class also falls down here). A2's styling is distinctive but not to all tastes the rear end is hardly graceful. |
| Positive Points |
- Clever packaging, spacious for a small car
- Lightweight alloy body enhances economy and performance
- Well built, reliable and affordable to run
|
| Negative Points |
- Simply too expensive for a supermini
- Jittery ride and engine noise spoil refinement
- Looks ungainly from some angles
|
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