Audi A2 Review: Celebrating 20 years of the aluminium supermini

The Audi A2 might not have enjoyed much commercial success, but as a piece of engineering there is much to admire about this aluminium supermini. Twenty years after the launch of the original, Chris Knapman takes a closer look at what makes the A2 so such an interesting little car.

Pros
Cool and quirky image
Drives as well as many more modern cars
Lively performance from 1.6 FSI

Cons
Noisy diesel engine
Small cabin only seats four
Can be expensive to run and repair

#cargurusuk #audia2 #supermini

[snips]

Just sold mine with 200, 000 miles after 15 years of trouble free driving, rarely serviced and still on the original clutch, it just kept going. The most reliable work horse I ever had.

[Bunch]

I have this car for more than 18 years and I won’t never change it for another car

[guidok]

I owned 5 A2 Audi’s and drove more than a half a milion kilometers with them bought last week mine 6th A2!!! 🥇💪👍😀

[bio]

I'm on my third A2! Can't keep away from these little marvels!!

[Jgrvo]

I have a dark blue one, 1.4TDI from 2003. Very reliable and economical. I drive 800 kilometers on one tank. Absolutely love it.

[phil]

Hi I spent a large part of my career working in Audi dealerships, the A2 was miles ahead of its time. Unfortunately the high manufacturing costs meant it was always deemed as expensive. Two years ago I bought a 1.4 Tdi just past another mOT zero defects. Only £30 for one years RFL. In fact I would buy a one owner minted version but they are like hens teeth. Just make sure whatever engine you opt for a full maintenance program has been followed.

[MianCowell]

Just bought one cheap off a friend and I love it. Learning to drive in mine and finding the A pillar a bit big but that's the only downside I can find.

[rockhillbilly]

I've had my 2002 1.4TDI for 12 years now and its just gone over 150K still original clutch and exhaust

[ruisantos]

420.000 km on mine 2001 Tdi. Original clutch is going to be replaced now. Impressive!

[johnkellett]

I bought my ex-demonstrator from Audi with 10, 000 miles on the clock and still own it 16 years and 211, 000 miles later. Original engine, clutch and gearbox still returning over 50 mpg day after day. Is there a better car? I heard a rumour that they can be converted to be BEVs as the engine bay and odd storage spaces are ideal for motors and batteries.

[ticnatz]

I bought mine new 20 years ago. 94, 000 kilometers later, I still am in love my little 'Elmo'....

[ONhistoryplus]

Always had a soft spot for the A2, it's the car that the orignal Smart ForFour should have been. Great review Chris!

[DrBrooza]

Got my mother's one in april, 193.000km, still carries my ass around

[colliedogjoy]

Just paid £1, 300 for an '04 with 100k miles on. Sorting out the gremlins one by one. Super little car. Thanks for the vid.

[mikecoote]

I have a 2004 1.4 Diesel, at 180, 000miles I replaced the motor. Its now my sons car, should last another 180, 000 miles. The body is still tight, drives like a new car.

[isakjohansson]

My grandma has one of these with the 1.4 TDI, wonderful car😁 Although being able to open the hood without screwing it off would be a nice touch, but at least its quirky

[ShapeyFiend]

I'd one of these as my day to day for about 6 or 7 years and it started cutting out all the time with some mysterious electrics issue that no mechanic could seem to get to the bottom of.
It was a shame because the miles per gallon was better than any car I've had since. I was kind of broke at the time and the amount of times I got home from longer and longer distances with the petrol indicator on empty was fairly daft. I'd a pine green model with beige interior which I hadn't seen much at that point.

[coalieroller]

I use to own a color.storm A2 and it was a great car

[modestaslukosius]

i have owned manu cars, but A2 left me with very pleasant experience. at some stage I even purchased A2 L3 but that was rubbish, anyone looking for one should look for A2 1.4tdi, its the best of them all

[magnusjrgensen]

"It's not uncommon to see A2 diesels with more than 150.000 miles on the clock"
It's not uncommon to see them and VW Lupo 3L's with more than 300.000 miles on the clock in Denmark. It's still like new at 150.000 miles, lol