The A2 isn’t such a featherweight, but an all-in figure of 895kg (although the diesel engine in our version adds 95kg to this figure) is frankly incredible for a car that will comfortably accommodate four adults and contains a useful 390-litre boot.
Once again, aluminium is the vital ingredient in creating this low-mass marvel. The A2 uses a version of Audi’s Aluminium Space Frame design first seen on its luxurious A8 flagship saloon (celebrating its 30th birthday this year), which in its naked form is light enough to be easily lifted by a couple of people. On to this are hung the aluminium panels, which, unlike those of the monocoque-constructed Honda, provide no structural support at all.
Tall and narrow, the A2 has an almost SUV vibe compared with the knee-high Insight and the familiarity of Audi’s design language means it doesn’t attract as many eyeballs as the lime green Insight.
Yet there are neat details to appreciate everywhere, from the large single windscreen wiper (which saves weight) to the front grille that doubles as a service hatch, popping open to reveal the engine oil dipstick and washer fluid reservoir.
Despite lacking the Honda’s low-slung looks, the Audi cheats the wind almost as effectively with a Cd figure of between 0.25 and 0.29, depending on the model. The lowest Cd belongs to the 1.2 TDI that was never available in the UK but it was capable of nearly 100mpg if driven with the greatest of restraint.
Interior
Arguably, the A2’s interior is even more impressive than the exterior. There’s nothing revolutionary or daring about its design, but it’s noteworthy because it continues to feel so modern and upmarket after all this time. The standard-fit CD player and analogue dials date it a little but, in all other respects, it could have been lifted from any Audi produced in the past five years. If anything, its elegantly logical dashboard layout makes it far easier to use than today’s touchscreen-heavy contenders.
It’s impressively roomy too. The A2 easily matches a box-fresh A3 for rear-seat space (ours is the four-seat version but a five-seat option was available) despite being 200mm shorter than the firm’s current entry-level tiddler, the A1. There’s a decent boot as well, plus plenty of handy storage, including a pair of nicely over-engineered pop-out cupholders in the dash. Not since the original Mini has there been such a paragon of packaging ingenuity.