The A2 isn’t such a featherweight, however an all-in determine of 895kg (though the diesel engine in our model provides 95kg to this determine) is frankly unbelievable for a automotive that can comfortably accommodate 4 adults and comprises a helpful 390-litre boot.
As soon as once more, aluminium is the very important ingredient in creating this low-mass marvel. The A2 makes use of a model of Audi’s Aluminium House Body design first seen on its luxurious A8 flagship saloon (celebrating its thirtieth birthday this 12 months), which in its bare type is gentle sufficient to be simply lifted by a few individuals. On to this are hung the aluminium panels, which, in contrast to these of the monocoque-constructed Honda, present no structural help in any respect.
Tall and slender, the A2 has an nearly SUV vibe in contrast with the knee-high Perception and the familiarity of Audi’s design language means it doesn’t entice as many eyeballs because the lime inexperienced Perception.
But there are neat particulars to understand all over the place, from the big single windscreen wiper (which saves weight) to the entrance grille that doubles as a service hatch, popping open to disclose the engine oil dipstick and washer fluid reservoir.
Regardless of missing the Honda’s low-slung appears, the Audi cheats the wind nearly as successfully with a Cd determine of between 0.25 and 0.29, relying on the mannequin. The bottom Cd belongs to the 1.2 TDI that was by no means obtainable within the UK but it surely was able to almost 100mpg if pushed with the best of restraint.
Inside
Arguably, the A2’s inside is much more spectacular than the outside. There’s nothing revolutionary or daring about its design, but it surely’s noteworthy as a result of it continues to really feel so trendy and upmarket in any case this time. The usual-fit CD participant and analogue dials date it just a little however, in all different respects, it may have been lifted from any Audi produced prior to now 5 years. If something, its elegantly logical dashboard format makes it far simpler to make use of than in the present day’s touchscreen-heavy contenders.
It’s impressively roomy too. The A2 simply matches a box-fresh A3 for rear-seat area (ours is the four-seat model however a five-seat choice was obtainable) regardless of being 200mm shorter than the agency’s present entry-level tiddler, the A1. There’s a good boot as properly, plus loads of useful storage, together with a pair of properly over-engineered pop-out cupholders within the sprint. Not because the unique Mini has there been such a paragon of packaging ingenuity.
