Audi A2 (00-05) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 17 July 2009
The A2 was a car ahead of its time. Launched in 2000, it was revolutionary in that it used a body made entirely of weight-saving aluminium, which - along with a range of small and efficient engines - made it extremely economical with low CO2 figures. As a result it can compete with the greenest new cars on sale today and is cheap to run too. The unconventional styling was a huge departure for Audi at the time but has aged very well, the A2 still looking distinctive. It's designed primarily for town or city driving and its short length (less than four metres) makes it easy to manoeuvre into small spaces. It's impressively roomy inside too with plenty of rear passenger room and a decent boot, making it an ideal car for small families.
4 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The A2 was awarded four stars out of five by Euro NCAP for adult occupant crash safety. ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control are standard features on all models while every A2 also comes with front and side airbags. Isofix child seat mounts are standard in the back but optional in the front. Elsewhere all models get an alarm and immobiliser.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

There are very occasional niggles in terms of reliability but on the whole the A2 has been superb.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2005 where the bolts on the fuel pump may break. Around 15,000 cars were affected.

Other

A recall in 2001 for a potential fire risk in the event of a frontal collision. Another in 2002 where the driver's airbag may not deploy.