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Audi A2 Review & Road Test

Review by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk

Summary
The Audi A2's most obvious competitor is the Mercedes A-Class and like that car has many innovative design features, not least of which is the aluminum body. This is a first for a car in this class - the A8 being the only other Audi to make as widespread a use of this material. Also in common with the A-Class the car the floor of the A2 is made of a sandwich construction enabling mechanicals to be hidden away and creating a more passenger friendly environment.

The A2 is 40% lighter than it would have been had it been constructed using traditional techniques and steel. The benefits of this are obvious in the cars economy figures (returning up to 66mpg) and in the performance of the car - even the 75bhp engine is more than ample to hustle the car along at a reasonable pace.

The A2 has a choice of three different engines; 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and a 1.4 turbo-diesel which all give the car good about town and motorway performance. Ride and handling are also surprisingly good for a mini-MPV and the A2's steering is direct, accurate and provides plenty of feedback.

As you would expect from Audi, the A2 is also a beautifully designed and finished car, interior design touches are excellent and the whole package feels bullet proof. This impression is further underlined when cruising at higher motorway speeds where external wind and road noise is hushed making it a very pleasant companion on longer journeys. On the down side, all of this innovation and attention to detail comes at a premium and the A2 is not a cheap mini-MPV, you could get a top specification family hatch for an equivalent price.

Front passenger space is excellent and two adults can be accommodated in the rear with plenty of legroom - taller rear passengers may be a little short changed for headroom. Bootspace is about average and a separate large compartment sits under the false rear floor. Storage space can be extended thanks to split folding rear seats.

Although the A2 is an expensive car this needs to be viewed in the context of its anticipated high residual values.

Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk

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